It is not about revenge for North in big Port Soif clash

Last week’s clash between the top two teams in the FNB Priaulx League ended in controversial fashion, with Rovers’ last-minute winner appearing to have struck a hand in the process, although the North head coach insists that they are not on the hunt for revenge later today.

‘This game is huge for both teams, but we are just going to take it like any other match,’ he said.

‘After last week’s result it is important for us to respond, but even after this match there is still half a season to go and anybody can beat anybody.’

A win for current league leaders Rovers would move them eight points clear of the chocolate-and-blues at the summit of the table and at least seven clear of Jason Leaman’s St Martin’s depending on their result today.

Should North claim all three points today, they will close the gap on Kevin Gillease’s men to just two points with a game in hand to play, too.

‘Everyone is really looking forward to it after what happened last week, we had a really good session the other night so we are definitely ready to go,’ said Alvarez.

‘I think that we totally dominated that last game for at least 80 minutes – we should have been up by two at half-time, but unfortunately it has been a bit of a theme for us this season creating loads of chances and not putting them away.

‘The guys did really well on a pitch that is not easy to play football on at all, but then one mistake in transition cost us a goal before the incident in added time.

‘I could not see the incident, but from the way that my players reacted I could tell something had happened – I have never seen them like that before.

‘I do not blame the referee or linesman at all as it was impossible for them to see, but it was so hard for us to take because we were cheated out of a result.

‘Rovers are top of the league on merit as they have been the best team so far, but we will go to Port Soif to play our football and try our best to score one more goal than them.

‘I will make sure we are there to play a proper football game.’

Elsewhere in the Priaulx League this weekend, the in-form St Martin’s will look to extend their impressive run of form as they welcome Sylvans to Blanche Pierre Lane.

Jason Leaman’s team are unbeaten in their last five league clashes, winning four times in that period and drawing against the table-toppers thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Rovers.

Mike Garnett’s Sylvans have also experienced an upturn in form during the last few months, despite their defeat to North in their most recent fixture, triumphing in three of their four league clashes prior to the game against Jose Alvarez’s men.

The Channel Islands champions came out on top in the first meeting this campaign, edging out a 3-2 win at St Peter’s back in October.

Belgrave Wanderers and Vale Rec are set to meet for the second time this season later today, as Chris Le Friec’s men look to secure a third straight win after thrashing Alderney and becoming the first local team to beat Rovers in recent weeks.

Mark Romeril’s team came out on top when they welcomed Bels to the Corbet Field earlier this campaign, but his side come into the clash off the back of successive Priaulx League defeats against Saints and Sylvans.

Fixtures (all kick off at 2pm)

Belgrave Wanderers v Vale Rec, Track; Rovers v Northerners, Port Soif; St Martin’s v Sylvans, Blanche Pierre Lane.