CHRIS TARDIF (pictured) does not like losing and a third straight loss was not he wanted, but the Rangers first team boss was far from down after the 2-0 defeat by title chasing St Martin’s at KGV on Saturday.
Goals from Nigel Hutton and Alex Roussel midway through each half were enough for Saints to take the points on the day they welcomed back Leon Meakin to the dugout, but just as they did against Vale Rec and Rovers in the previous fortnight, Rangers threatened a shock until late on.
‘We are definitely on the right track,’ said Tardif, post match.
‘We played some of the best football we have played since I’ve been in charge, particularly in the first half when we were on top.
‘All we lacked was a cutting edge and Jason Martin denied Shane Billien with a fantastic save before they scored. That was a momentum swing.’
During that dominant period the midfield trio of Jack Smith, Sam Green and Steve Renouf were a delight to watch and Smith had a particularly good game, as did George Goubert on the wing who gave the Saints right back a tough time.
‘We are so competitive and arguably should have had a result against each of what could be the top three,’ said our coach who now prepares his men for a home clash with Alderney next Saturday.
Tardif was also full of praise for the match officials headed by ref Luke Pattimore who let the game flow well.
Team
Seb Sheppard, Tom Solway, Matt Solway, Jacques Cauvin, Steve Renouf, Jack Smith, Sam Green, Shane Billien (c), Steffan Timms, Zac Batiste (Pearce Le Poidevin, 80), George Goubert.
Unused subs: Max Wall, Charlie Le Lacheur, Joe Tempest.