Leaman hopes victory over North will kick-start Saints

Goals from Louis Hunter and Nigel Hutton meant that the reigning champions went into the break two goals to the good at Blanche Pierre Lane and a second-half Dave Rihoy effort was not enough to stop the hosts from taking all three points.

‘We have had our snags this year and got off to a bit of a rough start, but we have kept our heads down, worked hard in training and hopefully this win will kick us into gear going forward,’ Leaman said.

The victory for St Martin’s means that they leapfrog Belgrave Wanderers in the Priaulx League table, moving into fourth place.

‘We have worked on a number of different areas in our sessions, and it really showed in the North game because the boys never stopped working hard and running for each other.

‘Ollie Harrison was in goal for us on the day and he made several very good saves which kept us in it, and we took our chances really well.

‘North will probably be kicking themselves with some of the opportunities they had, but overall I do think we deserved to win the game.

‘It was crucial to get that win not just for the team but for me, too, as it was my first game after the interim period.’

Elsewhere in the Priaulx League, Rangers claimed their second victory of the season in emphatic fashion, beating Bels 6-1.

Steffan Timms scored yet another hat-trick for his team, who have now opened up a three-point gap on bottom-of-the-league Alderney.

‘I am absolutely delighted for the players. We showed confidence and played some really nice football at times, we were strong at the back too,’ said Rangers boss Chris Tardif.

‘That win will definitely breed more confidence within the group, and it shows that the hard work everyone has been putting in is starting to pay off.

‘Another hat-trick for Steffan is great, but Saturday was a real collective effort with everybody playing their part.

‘Everything just clicked for us in the game.’

Meanwhile, in Alderney, Sylvans returned to winning ways in an eventful 4-2 victory over their hosts.

Oscar Leadbeater’s goal gave the Westerners a 1-0 half-time lead against Nomads before Harry Hutchison, Simon Arnold and Lorcan Gallagher sealed the victory in the second half.

Joe Blackham scored both goals for Alderney, who also missed a penalty through Dante Walker.

Both home midfielder Jermaine Parry and Hutchison were sent off late on in the game by referee Tony Sarre.

In the other top-flight fixture at the weekend, unbeaten Rovers saw off second-place Vale Rec in convincing fashion, beating them 5-0.

Fin Whitmore scored four for his side, as they moved three points clear at the top of the Priaulx table, and still have a game in hand on Mark Romeril’s Rec.

St Martin’s and Rovers are set to meet for the second time this season on Saturday, as Leaman and co search for revenge following their 3-0 loss to Kevin Gillease’s men at Blanche Pierre Lane.

Rec’s next fixture is at home to Alderney this weekend, while Rangers will look to continue their recent good home form against Sylvans, with whom they sit level on points in the Priaulx.