Ben Coulter wheels away from Scott Bougourd in midfield. The former scored from the spot late on to give Saints a glimmer of hope at Blanche Pierre Lane. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0831912)

NORTH proved a point to their doubters last night.

Many have dismissed North’s chances of retaining their title after a summer of turmoil that has seen more than 10 players leave the club during the transfer window.

This correspondent has predicted them to finish third in their season preview printed on page 46 today.

But in the league’s opening match last night, Simon Tostevin scored twice as they comfortably took care of a St Martin’s side who themselves could have hold of the old Priaulx Cup come the end of the season.

‘There are people outside this club running us down, but we thoroughly deserved to win tonight,’ said an animated North boss Mick Le Prevost after the victory.

‘We went out to prove people wrong tonight and we did.’

Ollie McKenzie, who captained North last night, was just as pleased.

‘I’m well happy because I think we’ve proved a point now,’ he said.

‘Mick said before the game that we had to go out and prove a few people wrong. We’ve been written off by certain people, but when we’ve got a full squad, we’ll be able to match anyone.’