Ross Allen, left, justified his selection with a fine display up front. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0574880)

SO our sad modern Muratti record gets sadder. Another near miss but, ultimately, another loss for Steve Ogier.

One win in four does not make for pretty reading and the manager knows it. Consequently, he is mulling over his future in the job. But is it his fault we lost or the fault of the system he represents, one which is, quite plainly, faulty?

Rather than argue the merits or otherwise of players chosen or not – which is the trap everyone falls into when ultimately it is too late – is it not more appropriate to discuss why the management team are forced into taking big risks over selection, which they undoubtedly did on Monday and paid for.

The pool of real talent in Guernsey diminishes by the year and it says something about our game when the manager feels impelled to choose a young midfielder barely seen in a Sylvans shirt this season due to university studies, a Rangers striker with an average record in Priaulx football and a captain who has been an infrequent presence in  Sylvans sides since the turn of the year.