OK lads we know it wasnt vintage stuff but there were LOADS of positives tonight .First and foremost we got the game on..yes 16 blokes our best turnout of the season despite missing two in-form players in the shape of Anton and Pedro as well as our injury list (Casso Gaz Wayne Groomy) . As local rivals (the Staffs Knot) turned up in drabs we were out there warming up and this showed right from the start as we thundered ahead. A ref and two linesmen..wow , a pleasant turnaround from the lino antics we faced last Sunday/ at least we knew the judgements would be genuine. The first 20 minutes saw our best spell and Colin laid the ball off to the sober Squirrel who produced a glimpse of his skill before booze and pizza took over , curling a beautifully placed strike into the far corner from 20 yards out . Gaz Wilkes turned in a strong midfield display and it was he who fed Colin through who rounded the full back and struck another pearler past Phil Collins in the Staffs goal. 2-0 up after 20 mins and the opponents looked abject . Disappointingly we took our foot off the gas and allowed our visitors a lot of space ..both teams had chances and against all odds (groan) a long hoof from Phil Collins escaped the bonce of Deano and found Danny Perager who neatly side stepped and reduced the arrears past the helpless Ricky Owen . It seemed a bit quiet out there tonight and Baz said he wanted more vocals at half time as well as greater use of wide players . The second half was an improvement on Sunday and every player gave 100% , The Knot came back into the game tho and gave us several scary moments which Ricky Owen had to prove himself up to it which he did very capably . The legend that is Ivan Norman came to watch and Deano upped his game , proving to be the best defender on the night , Ben still struggling with his running a little . Acker Gaz and Coop did well in the midfield battle/ the Knot are no mugs and like most teams in this division ,they too have gained successive promotions - easy walkovers no longer exist . Andy and Geoff had worked tirelessly and they earned a breather . Young Jack Davies got a run out on the left whilst that dashing gigolo that is Kris Toone put in a decent 20 minutes in place of Geoffrey. Mr Campbell-Vaughan-Campbell re-appeared from somewhere and I gave him 10 minutes in sympathy following an earbashing on my mobile from his gorgeous partner for allowing him to play . Squizz put in a great first half and a final word for Fat Col who just about got man-of-the match despite worthy displays from Ricky Owen, Deano, Gaz Wilkes and Acker also. As I said lots of positives..we ay got the fluency back yet but the desire is there and when the going gets tough , thats what get results(as they say). As I write this up on my 5 year old painfully slow PC ,at least I have slept well ..dreaming and snoozing in the aftermath of glorious victory . What will Sunday bring ? Will Pedders and Anton get back in the team ? Do one-legged ducks swim in circles ? .....................
