MARTYN Rogers admitted it had been a “bittersweet experience” after Weymouth landed a crucial blow in their battle to avoid relegation.

The Terras’ chief returned to Tiverton Town on Saturday – the club he managed with much success for almost two decades – and watched his charges clinch all three points.

However, the joy of masterminding victory was dampened by the realisation that he may have sounded the death knell for Tivvy’s own survival bid.

Rogers, whose new side are no longer in the drop-zone, said: “It’s amazing how it’s worked out that I’ve come back to Tiverton for such an important game after my time at the club.

“I have got so many friends there and it has been a bittersweet experience. To have perhaps pushed Tiverton down doesn’t give me any satisfaction whatsoever.

“To be honest, I’d have preferred it if we’d beaten Bedford Town 4-0 instead, and I’d gladly swap those two results around, but that’s Football.

“My allegiance is now with Weymouth. We went there with a job to do and we have done that. I’m pleased for the players, but I won’t be gloating about it.

“I’m sure it would be the same for Alex Ferguson if he ever leaves Manchester United. Hopefully both clubs can stay up, that would be the perfect scenario for me.”

Two goals from skipper Mike Fowler formed the cornerstone of the triumph at Ladysmead, where Rob Wolleaston and Ben Gerring were also on target.

One man who did not feature was combative midfielder Stephen Reed after it emerged he had parted company with the club.

Boss Rogers politely declined to make comment on the issue other than to say Reed was “surplus to requirements” and that he had “undermined the manager’s authority.”

Rogers also revealed he expected his squad to remain intact, despite speculation he might be forced to release players for financial reasons.

Wessex Fantasy Football, a fundraising initiative, had confirmed it would not transfer monies for April after becoming embroiled in a dispute with the club over the board’s failure to provide answers to an open letter from the supporters’ association.

But when quizzed on the possible implications for his resources, Rogers added: “We haven’t got a lot of players to lose! If I can keep the 14 I had against Tiverton I’ll be happy. By hook or by crook I think that’ll happen.”

Weymouth lock horns with arch-rivals Dorchester Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow night (7.45pm), in the final of the Dorset Senior Cup.