This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mollet

MATCH-WINNER Chris Chamberlain was delighted with his extra-time goal that saw Rocquaine United march into the semis of the Fletcher Sports FA Cup at Rangers’ expense. It was the shock all neutrals were yearning for and a welcome relief for the man of the match whose career has been blighted by serious injury.

He latched on to Kevin Gilligan’s quick-thinking free kick and managed to score from 12 yards off his left shin.

‘I can’t believe it - it just came across. I was not sure of the bounce and thought I would get something on it - luckily I did and put it goal bound,’ he said.

‘It’s a dream come true and it’s just what I need.

‘I should have put a couple of chances away in the first half and I’m glad I got the winner because that would have played on my mind.

‘I wanted it for the old boys because they tried and worked so hard and this is possibly Rocquaine’s last season.’

Rocquaine’s lads joked that it had been a long time since they had had a Sunday session before heading off to celebrate and reflect on a result that will go down in local FA Cup folklore.

After the game, coach Colin Renouf was full of praise for the squad.

‘They have done it all themselves. It’s down to the players who have got good things inside their heads. They also had the legs and some were fitter than the Rangers lads.’

He believed it was destiny they would face Sylvans in the semi-final draw - but it was not to be - although they could yet face them in the final.

Surprisingly, to many spectators, it was the Rangers players who were dropping to the ground with cramp during the latter stages and not Rocquaine’s.

‘I thought we played the better football over 120 minutes and for the older boys we ended up looking the fitter side,’ said Ian Potter, who is a personal fitness trainer.

‘Everyone is very pleased and knows we deserved that result.’

Rocquaine skipper Lee Renouf said: ‘It was a fantastic result all round and we deserved it. We played the better football, especially in the first half. The feeling brings back memories of when we were winning trophies.’

Article posted on 8th January, 2008 - 12.00am