Guernsey Press

Rovers reap reward of rivals’ draw

ROVERS’ first league win in three and a drab goalless draw at St Peter’s meant it was no change at the top of the FNB Priaulx League table come Saturday tea-time.

Published
Last updated
Sylvans striker Kyle Smith reaches the ball just ahead of St Martin's goalkeeper Jason Martin in the goalless draw at St Peter's. (Picture by Martin Gray, www.guernseysportphotography.com, 28962225)

Belgraves might have something to say about that though, their 6-1 crushing of poor travellers Alderney seeing Alfie Le Page’s slowly improving side move up to fourth, 10 points off the top but with two matches in hand.

The big game of the day out west drew 150-plus, but it was no more than a bore draw, high on spoiling, low on attacking quality.

Saints coach Leon Meakin considered it two points wasted, given their clear early chances.

‘I thought we played well today and I can’t believe we are coming away with just one point. We’ve definitely dropped two points here,’ he said.

‘It was as well as we have played in quite a while and we needed to be more clinical, in that final third. We had so many chances today and we have only ourselves to blame.

‘For 90 minutes we were the better side, but credit to them, they are in form and made it very difficult for us to have many clear scoring opportunities.

‘It might be a good point, it might not be. We will have to see in May.’

Sylvans coach Martyn de Garis again spoke highly of his youngsters.

‘We defended really well, our shape was very good and we were compact. It was a tough game for the youngsters and they have learned a lot from it. I’m pleased.

‘We were quite sloppy in the final third, we couldn’t hold onto the ball, wrong selections, panicking going forward. But St Martin’s defended very well.

‘I think it [the result] is better for us than St Martin’s who really wanted to get above us today.’

  • Reports in Monday's Guernsey Press.