‘All systems go’ for a new model

Mark Romeril, the coach seemingly destined to take over the proposed Rangers side with a blend of Manzurians at his disposal, confirmed that after last night’s spirited 1-0 FA Cup semi final defeat at Northfield.

‘It is Manzur’s last game under its current model, but Manzur-Rangers should all be systems go from next season.’

As for the game, Manzur arrived with all their big guns in place for their final blast, with the exception of Craig Young who was only fit enough for a place on the bench.

A minute’s silence in memory of a St Martin’s youth player who tragically died over the weekend, preceded a game which, in its early stages, was hampered by a low sun.

Manzur were certainly up for it. Sam Matthews was soon laying Joe Blackham flat on his back and was lucky to avoid a yellow, which followed his way before too long.

Ten minutes in Zac Chatterton was flashing a glancing header was just wide, while at the other end Marlon Jardim was unable to finish as Liam Mahon found him with a superbly driven diagonal.

Jason Martin has not had much to do in the Saints goal in central times but on 15 minutes it required a superb flying save to deny Kez Mahon a terrific goal from wide on the right.

The game was flowing nicely on a surface looking better than at anytime this elongated season, and Blackham went close.

In terms of chances, it gradually quietened, but the same could not be said for the tackling which remained fierce.

Manzur got away with it when Jordan Kelly, inexplicably to most in the ground, failed to come for a ball which plainly was his, but Blackham fired into the sidenetting.

But the big talking point came just on half time.

Martin misjudged his half-volley clearance in the sun, the ball bounced onto his arm and in so doing denied a clear goal scoring opportunity. Lucky for him, referee Sarre only flashed yellow and the Manzur bench were apoplectic at it not being a red.

To make matters worse for them, the free-kick Martin expertly saved from Kez Mahon and Saints raced up to the other end to score through Danny Hale.

Kelly kept Manzur alive in the game with a decent stop from Dom Heaume soon after half time and there was another big escape for Manzur when Chatterton failed to connect a couple of yards out.

Matt Loaring struck a post at the western end and Dave Rihoy drew a fine near post block from Martin as Manzur stepped up the pressure.

Manzur threw on Young for the final 15 but it was Hale who went close to doubling Saints advantage.

In stoppage time sub Louis Travis volleyed inches wide but it was not to be a potentially glorious finale for Romeril's current side.