Good Afternoon and welcome back to the Meadow.
With how the cancelled games have falling it seems like a long time ago I have had to write these notes. Since we have last spoken we have played five games gaining 3 wins and 2 draws.
Our first draw coming at home to Hartley Wintney. A game we again believe we should have won, on the day their goalkeeper was superb and gained MOM. Our two goals come from two set pieces, Steve Brown and Adam Martin trying to stake a claim for the goals. A hint of an own goal in there somewhere I believe!
Moving on from this and having drawn the previous four games, it was important we gained a win and a precious 3 points. This came against Basingstoke at home, a team who play some superb football. It was a game where the boys had to be switched on at all times. We dug in and got the three points with goals from Dave Pearce and Eoin Casey.
Going into the game on Saturday against Frome, with the gap being 4 points and Frome sitting second bottom, it was important that we gave a solid performance. On the day we were brilliant, defended superbly and looked a constant threat going forward on a unhelpful pitch. A penalty from Dave Pearce and a good header from Eoin Casey gave us the three points, both goals assisted by the Man of the Match on the day Ryan Blake. On not such a positive note it was unfortunate that we lost our captain Steve Brown to a shoulder injury, Lewis Rolfe stepped into cover at centre back and gave a faultless display.
Tuesday night we entertained Gosport, another game with the opposition in and around our league position. In truth the game was not a great one, we worked hard and battled away and fortunately got the breakthrough in the 81st minute through B.Clayton. A knockdown from J.Louis which was superbly finished into the bottom corner. Another clean sheet to add to the tally that is forever building.
Saturday brought us to Swindon Supermarine away. A team that have picked up some good results since we last played them at home. We scored a perfectly good goal in my opinion within the first couple of minutes, only to see it disallowed by the linesman, which was disappointing considering not one person in the ground appealed. A sending off gave us the advantage but to be honest we never really looked like breaking them down. With 10 men, Swindon sat very deep and on the day we struggled to find enough creativity to get the 3 points. We did get very fortunate at the other end of the pitch with B.Goode saving another penalty, believe this is his 3rd penalty saves from the last 3.
This run of games brings us to an impressive 13 games unbeaten run, something we are proud of but know all too well that we need to keep pushing to gain safety as soon as possible.
Today we face in my opinion one the best teams we have played since we have taken over. Their attacking threats for me are the best in the league, they have pace on both wings and both forwards are capable of being a handful for any defenders at the level. And they are a team who are chasing down the last playoff position.
With the game being at the Meadow we will be slightly confident if we can turn in a good solid display some points will be there for the taking.
I hope you all enjoy the game and thank you for your continued support.
Up the Chesh!
