Top of the league Sat’ with a bare 11 and 16 on a mid week against second placed Balmoral. Funny old game! Starting with the team that fought so valiantly, we knew we were in a game from the get go. I have to say, having played them 1st game of the season, I only recognised a few players, there were several ringers on the pitch for sure. Both wingers didn’t know a single name on their team and that always rings alarm bells! Even so you can only play what is put in front of you. Going one down early is never good, but two in quick order is a mountain to climb. With the long grass Nolan woefully under hit a back pass which went straight to the ‘Grove striker, who finished comfortably. Nolsey was distraught, but to a man we all showed our support, and that was a tremendous positive for me, and the right thing to do as the guy puts it on the line every week for all you guys. Thank you chaps. Our response was swift and characterful. Suddenly passing and moving the ball - all talking and all showing. The first goal came from a Dan Rose corner. the ball into the area was pin-balled around, and never effectively dealt with. Once it reached the edge of the box it found Jonny who gave it a good lash (the shot was going wide and I did get a good touch on it, but only enough to confirm it inside the post - the goal gets credited to the mighty Ruffster who was man of the match btw, ill make do with an assist!). Not wasting time another corner came and the same outcome, only this time Jonny’s strike was true and honest with only one outcome. 2-2. Tremendous comeback, grit character, desire and battle. Fair play boys. The second period was as committed and in the first 20 we had the better of it. Dale and Diego spurning 3 very good chances and I think had they gone in Balmoral would have folded. I’ve said it before, we are not a lucky team. Nolan's mistake was punished and keepers make saves against us at important times, we just have to try that bit more than other sides. The good news is that you are a great bunch, and the trying is what gives Potten that special bit extra that other clubs just don’t have. So it was then that a couple of defensive lapses let a couple past us on tired legs in the last 20, we’d run our race at the back, and were out on our feet. Balmoral will rightly say goodbye to this division and are a good side. I’m very disappointed that they had to play ringers, as it goes against the spirit of the league - its not as if they had a bare eleven as they had 3 subs on the bench. What can you do? Two goals came from some fairly sustained pressure in the last 20 and that happens. I love all you guys. On to the last game of the season then. Please make sure you all come for a beer after. Keep it Rotten.
