Vale Rec have taken their own coach by surprise

Their 2-1 victory over Belgraves Wanderers meant that Romeril’s side have picked up 13 points from their six league outings ahead of finishing their opening round of fixtures this coming weekend against Rangers.

Seb Skillen struck from outside the box in the first half to give his side the lead going into the break against Bels, before a deflected Sam Le Huray cross found its way into the back of the net to double Rec’s advantage.

Bels got one back late on thanks to Marc McGrath, but despite a strong performance from Chris Le Friec’s side on the day, they were unable to grab an equaliser.

‘It was really important to get the win – I am not completely satisfied with the way we performed and I do not think we were as good as we could have been,’ said Romeril after the game.

‘Winning when you are not playing well is a good habit to get into, we did improve in the second half, though.’

The Corbet Field outfit are second to Rovers on goal difference and the head coach admitted that they have surpassed his own projections.

‘If we can beat Rangers, we’d have 16 points out of 21 available and I would be absolutely delighted with that,’ Romeril said.

‘It is down to the boys now really, the competition for places is great and everybody is really pushing each other on.

‘Saturday was a real squad effort, it was key having the ability to bring on different options and it is something Rec have not had in a long time.’

Before their league meeting with Rangers, Rec have a Grand Fort Derby to turn their attention to, as they make the short trip to Northfield this evening for a Guernsey FA Cup clash.

‘It’s going to be a really tough game this evening, but we are definitely looking forward to it,’ added the Rec coach.

Elsewhere this weekend, Chris Tardif’s Rangers side picked up their first three points of the season, as Steffan Timms bagged a hat-trick to help his team see off Alderney 4-1 at the KGV.

‘I am really chuffed for the lads,’ said Tardif.

The win means they move off the foot of the Priaulx table, leapfrogging Alderney thanks to their superior goal difference.

‘We set up really well and everybody did as instructed – it was a million miles away from that Rovers loss in terms of the effort and determination on display from all the lads,’ added the Rangers head coach.

‘I am delighted for Steffan – he finished his chances and, to be honest, he could have had a couple more.

‘The hardest thing for us coaches to do is restrict how much running around he does, because he is so enthusiastic to always be involved and sometimes we just need him to be in these good positions to get his goals.

‘Everybody needed that confidence boost I think, it is exactly what we needed and it is what the lads deserve because of all of their hard work.’

• TONIGHT’S FA Cup tie between North and Vale Rec kicks off at 7.30pm at Northfield.