It has been a very pleasing start to the season with the team seemingly continuing from where we left off last season. Starting the season off with a good point against a very well organised but quite frustrating Hendon was a satisfactory opening day with many positives coming from the game. Backing that up with two excellent away performances, firstly against Tonbridge Angels who I feel have strength- ened well over the summer and will cause problems with their direct approach. I thought the lads responded tremendously well after conceding an early goal and thoroughly deserved the late winner from a great finish from Carlos, which showed that he has got a right foot! I don’t like to single players out - as everyone played well - but having DD available again after his suspension and preseason injury was a massive boost. I wasn't sure whether to risk him for the game as he has not played or trained much over preseason.
After talking to Tonbridge’s manager before the game who said he was relieved that he may not feature because he always scores against them, I knew I had to take the risk. The plan was to play him for about 45-60 mins, but after he got his sec- ond I knew he would get through the game. He gave us that strength and hold up play that we lacked against Hendon and I’m sure if he can continue to improve and learn he will have an excellent season. I also thought another new signing Luke Ifil did very well on debut and looked very comfortable at right back which obviously gave the team better balance.

The game against Burgess Hill was a little bit like going into the unknown, as we didn't know a great deal about them, but as they are a team who had walked away with the Ryman South last year and had won their first two games, I was expecting a very tough game. To be honest apart from the last 5 minutes and a couple of bits of complacency with the ball, I thought the team were very comfortable and should really have made the game a lot easier for themselves by finishing off more of the good chances we created.

In the end we conceded a late goal and the game became very nervy and we are all desperate for the final whistle [including
the squeaky bums in the stand – Ed]. We had spells last season where we were in similar positions and conceded, costing us valuable points so it’s something we have discussed as a group and are working hard to put right. 7 points out of 9 though so I want to keep it all positive.

Thank you for your continued support