The beginning of this season has already taught us a lot, or at least reminded of us of what and what not to do (taking penalties).

The first few games were always going to be a challenge and, with no division one experience under our belt, it was hard to gauge just how strong our team was going to be in relation to others. With players moving in and out, there was always a chance that the team would not ‘gel’ in time for the first fixture. Having said this, I believe that the team is just as cohesive as last season, with all the lads playing for each other to cement a place in division one next season. We’re only three games into a 32 game season, leaving us with 29 games to get points on the board. Obviously, it’s a big ask to win every single one of those games, but it’s also unrealistic that we will lose all of those games. Though the season may have started with a losing streak, the team will become stronger from this point onwards and, I emphasise, we will win games this season.

Having been shown what to expect from moving up a division by Trafford and Blackburn, we knew that Telford, who had beaten Whitley the day before, was to be yet another challenging fixture, with the first period showing that. Being 3-0 after 20 minutes was a difficult situation and the team could have easily collapsed, letting Telford run away with the victory. However, a few (angry) words from Adz helped the players to realise that we could get back in the game and, although slipping down to 5-1 in the second period, the guys rallied to a 5-4 deficit midway through the third period, putting pressure on the Telford defence. The quest for goals ultimately led to Telford scoring their sixth and seventh goals, as we became more stretched at the back, leaving Hayden exposed between the pipes. The final two periods showed that we have the ability to compete in this league; maybe we need a bit more belief in ourselves to take us to out first points of the season.

I would also like to thank Dale Buckland, who reminded me that, prior to my goal last week, I had gone 160 minutes without scoring. Like I needed reminding… Thanks Bucky. When he told me, Erik laughed, only for Bucky to tell him that he hasn’t scored for 180 minutes! Ever the motivator.

As for tonight, we face a team that we are yet to compete against a Nottingham side that, as I write this, have won two and lost two, with both the losses coming against Trafford. Let’s hope that we can play to our potential and score some quality goals to get us that first win! Of course, we’ll need the fans to give their loudest vocal support, as always.

Rich #17