For anyone to expect Darlaston to beat Rugby is disrespectful and very naive, again yesterday’s results were all over the place - teams beating teams who nobody would expect - everyone in our changing room knew this beforehand and we mentally prepared for the best Rugby had, at this moment in time, before Ian has more time, I believe we faced that - Rugby gave it a right go.

With a new manager on board, we knew everyone in the Rugby camp would be busy trying to impress, we needed to stay calm and find our way to a performance and the 3 points if possible.

The game wasn’t a great watch, we took control early and scored two good goals and probably should have had one or two more at half time. Second half we gave away a really poor goal by our standards and we were then left in the subconscious mind set of do we stick or twist and probably did neither in honesty and struggled the last 30 minutes, more worried about winning the 3 points than relaxing and enjoying the game and winning more comfortably. That mind set wasn’t helped by me and the staff and it’s something we need to improve on - we/I was back in step 5 and 6 mentality of the result being all that matters and that’s something we’ve worked hard on not doing - poor from me.

I don’t think there were any standouts in the game; Chezza had an outstanding first half, Cookie got a welcome brace and Bish was strong again.

Attention now turns to Boxing Day and our visit to Sporting Khalsa. Ian has put together a very good squad of talent that runs very deep, we signed six 19 year olds in the summer; Jimmy, Chezza, Sam, Joel, Bailey, Leo Wood and Tyler. Khalsa signed Green, Fullerway, Bunn, Ganley, Landell and Colborne, to name but a few. On their day they are the best team in the league and make no bones about it, Ian will have them ready. I speak to him every day, he’s a really good guy who loves winning and I’m really looking forward to seeing him and his team on Boxing Day.

That leaves me to say thank you to everyone who helps my team - from Jill, Sue, Pauline, Cath & Justine, George, Coz, Mick, Dave & Gil, to Neil, Simon, Gary, Bob & Keith and all our loyal and passionate supporters, see you all Boxing Day, have a lovely Christmas.

Up the Darlo