North 1, Sylvans 0

THE champions are off the mark. Craig Young’s headed goal seconds after the half-time break earned them three deserved points at Northfield last night.

But after their first day defeat, Mick Le Prevost’s men find themselves chasing early leaders St Martin’s who thumped Rovers 7-1 at Blanche Pierre Lane. So much for the Port Soif sleeping giant awakening.

North should have won at a stroll such was their domination and catalogue of good scoring opportunities.

That they did not owed much to wasteful finishing and a fine return to his old club for keeper Paul de Garis.

Le Prevost gave a second chance to the same starting team that performed so miserably against Rangers and, almost to a man, they did not let him down.

This was an improved, more urgent performance.

As for Sylvans they probably would not have scored had they been playing past midnight. That said, sub Matt Le Cras’ spectacular late overhead kick forced a fine save out of Richard Davey and with 90min. up Eduardo Santana, another second-half replacement, put an intended cross onto the face of Davey’s crossbar and away to safety.

Any other result, though, would have been an injustice.

Young, who headed the winner from in front of goal five yards out after Alex Le Prevost had won a back-post header at a corner, twice went close in the first half and was the pick of the North frontline which still looks short of championship material.

Jamie Ferbrache also wasted great chances, one at full stretch just a couple of yards out.

At Blanche Pierre, Saints had no such problem against a side that’s early season promise appears to be evaporating quickly.

The sleeping giant coach Martyn Dorey referred to pre-season appears to be comatose and close to requiring life support.

Rovers, who had striker Dale Webb sent off in the second half, were 3-0 down at the break courtesy of two goals from Charles Pinsard and one from Danny Felbabel.

It would have been four had Dom Heaume not missed a penalty.

In the second period, Pinsard completed his hat-trick, Heaume finally found the net and Chris Mauger scored twice.

At 7-0 down, Tom Rihoy pulled one back for the visitors from the spot.