retired_manragh

Season 1, December

These games are too close together and I find I am struggling my toe is still sore, and in hindsight I should of rested for longer, we travel down to London again this time to Loftus road and play QPR in another cup game, F.A Cup 2nd round.

They try to emulate West Ham and hit us hard from the outset and score inside 5 minutes, they can’t sustain their pressure aswell though and we have many chances on just before half hour gone Michael Ricketts equalizes. I think he’s scored in out last 5 games now which isn’t a bad effort. My game is average and the rating of 6 reflects it, my toe isn’t getting any better I need a week off for it to heal properly and I think I will have a chat to Colin about getting some time off. We manage to draw the game though and earn a replay to be played at the Bank.

Three days latter we are playing Northampton at home, I can’t get going at all during the game, it’s another 6 performance for me Colin senses this and subs me with 15 to go. The team loses 4-2 and Colin is livid with the whole team he keeps in after the game and gives us a verbal spray. When its all over he has to chat to the players individually.

“What’s up Mac, the last couple games you’ve looked out of sorts, a little lethargic which isn’t you, still have problems with the hip?”

“Na Boss, it’s my toe still, I think I came back a little early and all these games recently in quick succession make it hard to run and pass on it.”

“hmmmm, well what do you think we should do then?”he asked as he called for Michael

“I just need a little rest, if I could get the next game off against Chesterfield I think it is and maybe just do some pool work in the next couple days I think ill be ok”

Colin sat there pondering his thoughts and asked Michael to check out my toe while he sat there and watched on. Removing my boot Michael began manipulating my toe which was still a bruised around the socket, it definitely brought a wince from me.

“What you think Mick?” asked Colin

“Should of healed up by now” replied Michael and then he turned to me “I thought you said it was good when you came back”

“Well I just wanted to play again, it was a bit sore but nothing to bad” I said sheepishly

“tsk tsk………Well Colin a few days off would do him the world of good and see how he comes up before the Chesterfield game would be my advice”

“Ok thanks Mick…. Ricksy is calling you over there best see what he needs”

“Ok lad we’ll give you the next few days off and ill rest ya against Chesterfield, think you’ll be ok for the QPR cup game”

“I’ll be more than ready, you won’t be disappointed”

As Colin got up he tousled my hair and said it 'l be alright, I like Colin he was so much better than my last manager.

The boys had a good game against mid table Chesterfield winning 2-0, my recovery is going well and not training or playing has seen my toe improve ten fold, I wont be making the same mistake again of coming back to early.

retired_manragh

December continued

It was the day of the QPR game at home and after both Colin and Mick put me through my paces it was deemed worthy of a start. The crowd was in good spirits and making a lot of noise before the game, Colin was optimistic about the game, telling us we matched them at their home, and now at our home we should be able to get over the top. Listen to the crowd boys, listen to the crowd he said more than once, and it was hard not to be inspired by it. The thoughts going threw mind though was ‘I have to play well’ over and over.

As we were about to leave the rooms and go out on the ground, Colin drew me aside and reminded me to what I promised him, You wont be disappointed boss is what I told him again.

It truly was a great game for me a few telling passes sent people on good runs and as a team we were making good chances, QPR looked a little shocked as we brought our A game to them. Scotty Kerr opened our account around the half hour but still we pushed and on the 39 we were rewarded again. I’ll try best to recollect the moment.

I received the ball from the back just over the half way line, with a the opposing midfielder just in front of me I passed to Holty and sprinted forward along the line, Holty put one out in front which I ran on to, well clear of my opponent, I continued on up field.

It was just on the start of the penalty box when their right back closed me down, I moved to the left and pushed the ball like I was going to go to the byline to try and get a cross and when he shifted his weight I immediantly flicked the ball past him on the inside and cut back towards the centre, he couldn’t recover and I was through moving into the centre, once around him i made a beeling for goal on a 45. The centre back sensed the danger but I was full of momentum now and about 20 yards out still on a 45 angle to goal, I feigned to go right to get a better angle and he committed to early, so jinking back to the left I was once clear this time just the goaly.

I closed to about 12 yards when the keeper started to come out and close the angle to goal but, sensing my chance a let go a shot, i fired a hard low one which went past his outstretched foot, it was gonna be close and it just kissed the upright.

I took off down the length of pitch, the ball kissed the post on the right side and went in to the back of the net, my first goal for the club had me ecstatic, I ran down to the Imps stand and celebrated in front of them, It was an awesome feeling hearing the fans Chant your name, not so awesome when 11 players jump on top of you though.

We went on to win 3-0, Stallard knocked one in after the break and we were never in doubt, 15 good passes a couple key ones, 4 interceptions and 6 runs past players and the all important first goal seen me grab an 8. Colin was over the moon with the win and congratulated me on a fine performance and said he’d get more promises from me in the future in which I could do nothing but laugh.

If I didn’t think anythings could get better I was wrong, Colin informed my Idol would coming down to play here, Giggsy and Man U were coming to Lincoln in January for the 3rd round of the cup.

For the remainder of December I couldn’t get the thought out of head, were gonna play Man United, even through the break over Christmas it was all I could think about it’s a wonder I put in decent performances for the remainder of the games, a 2-0 loss to Chester at their home seen me receive a 7, A visit from Darlington resulted in a 1 all draw which again I got a 7. After the break we played Rochdale at Rochdale yet again another loss, 2-1 the score this time.

I think the pressure was getting to Colin and looking back at our previous results I could see why he went of his nut when we lost 3-0 at home to Notts County, they were a team just in front of us in the ladder and to lose to them in such a lack luster performance was not acceptable, he warned that everyone had to improve, the transfer window opened up again soon and he didn’t care if he had to replace everyone. It snapped me out of my little daze and I vowed to pay more attention and try more. The 6 that I got in this game wasn’t good but I was one of the best players for our side.

retired_manragh

Season 1, January

We were in 20th spot at the turn and Colin was disappointed with our run of form lately, anyone now who didn’t give their would be replaced he said, it stirred the players up a bit and today being my birthday I was hoping for a good performance.

The team must have taken Colin’s words seriously because when we came out, we fired from the start, Ricketts knocked one in on 14 and Birchy added to his impressive total 13 minutes later. The team was playing well and even after the two goals we still pressed hard. One of my runs was rewarded when I went to go past a player and was cut down just outside the box with 5 to go in the half, Dean Clements took the kick and fired one through the wall that beat the keeper, it gave us a 3-0 advantage at the break.

After the break we defended well as Rotherham tried to get back in the game, but we were rock solid, Challenging for a header I jarred my neck around the hour mark but apart from so slight soreness it was ok and continued on. Rotherham got a late consolation goal with a few minutes to play, but to our credit we struck strait back and finished 4-1 winners on the day. Colin was happy with the result and wanted to see more performances like this one, I think the 8 I received was well justified.

I woke up the next day and it was like I was in a nightmare, I couldn’t move my neck at all and when I tried I got a shooting pain, I couldn’t believe it. The first thing I did was ring our Physio Mick. He arrived a short time later and diagnosed me with strained neck muscles, looking at 1 to 2 he said. When I said phew 1-2 would be fine as I’d get to play in the United game, a funny look came over his face. He informed me he meant 1 to 2 weeks. I was dumbfounded, I couldn’t say anything at all the disappointment grew.
I pleaded with him to just give me a shot, a painkiller anything just give me something to get through the game all he did was apologize and said he would inform Colin.

Watching us lose to United from the stands with a full stadium was hard to take, it wasn’t a full strength team by United and they did lose a man to a red early aswell, but Giggsy was simply awesome, his skill on the ball was inspirational and I found myself not watching the play but watching him. He scored the winner for United and would have got the Man of the Match award for his captain’s effort, if it hadn’t been for our keeper Alan Marriott stealing the show with some excellent saves, it could have been atleast 6 if it wasn’t for him.

After the game Colin got me in too see Giggsy to say I wasn’t in awe would be lying, we had a brief chat and wished me all the best for the future, as I was leaving he gave me a pat on the back and said I would have to keep my performances up as Wales would need a good left winger sooner or later, it brought a smile.

I returned to light training around the 12th and was ready to play in our game against Stockport at their home on the 19th we had slipped down to 22nd though in that time with 2 losses one against Grimbsy at their home 2-1, and then Wycombe come and scored a 3-1 victory at our home.

A good performance from me wasn’t enough as Stockport pinched the game in injury time 2-1. I received a rating of 7 in the game with some good interceptions one of the 6 resulted was instrumental in our goal, even though I wasn’t credited with the assist.

Colin was happy with the effort and reminded us that training this next two weeks would be intensified as week didn’t play another game until February which was 2 weeks away.

retired_manragh

Season 1, February

The end of the transfer window seen Colin bring in a new player, Chris Doig a defender from Northampton had a good reputation and his work ethic in training seemed to inspire a few others to try harder. The players welcomed him in he would be a great asset and would definitely help for our fight against relegation.

The first game after the break was against Shrewsbury, and it was bucketing down which made everything more difficult, Colin urged us to go direct and get as many shots on the keeper as we could and make sure we followed up for rebounds as handling the ball in today’s weather would not be easy.

Shrewsbury might well be annoyed with the result, looking back over the stats for the game seen them have 60% of the possession, and have 15 shots on goal to our 4, the difference being from our 4 we put 2 away while they didn’t manage to get one in.

The 4 chances we had though were all good ones, a good corner from me just before the half seen Michael Ricketts head in his second and also the teams. Another solid 7 for me with an assist, Colin was rapt with our result, Chris Doig in his debut received a 9 and was rock solid down their with Rummy, (Apparently rummy’s nickname was due to him being captain and having the last name Morgan, which I don’t really get)

4 days later seen Torquay head to the Bank, we were in fine form aswell but failed to capitalise on our dominance, lots of good chances but at the end of the day we were zip all, my game was ok despite being closely marked, in which I was upended no less than 5 times unfairly but I still managed to receive a 7 which was great.

Boston United were playing a heavy midfield to try and control possession in which they succeeded in doing an early goal in the 7th minute was the all clear for them to try and hold out for 83 minutes and despite us pressing hard for the equaliser we walked away 1-0 loser, we weren’t far away and our form had been good over the last few weeks even though we only had 4 from a possible 9 points, I picked up my usual 7 for the game.

A week later would see Bristol Rovers come down they were vying for promotion this year but Colin wanted to see us keep up with our good performances of late, we didn’t disappoint and secured out best win for the year. Our intention were made clear when Ricketts put our first goal on the board in 25 seconds, Rovers recovered quickly though and equalised 5 minutes later, from there you could have been excused to thing we were the team in the promotion race, we dominated them completely and I managed to get on to a Doig long ball where I slipped in behind the defence and netted my second of the year as I easily rounded the keeper. Ricksy went on to grab 4 for the game while Scotty Kerr grabed another the 6-1 win had the Imps singing from the rafters.

Colin was overjoyed with the win, and in a press interview said the team was definitely going places and he was trying to build us up for a good start next year, when he singled me out for me recent performances though I was surprised, my form had been good and the 9 in the Bristol game was a fitting rating for me. The press asked me a few question aswell which I think I can get use to. I didn’t know what to say though so just said my form had been good but I was no illusions of the tough road ahead, they team was coming together nicely in recent weeks, and I think I can get better aswell.

Wrexham came to the bank it was something different playing against a welsh team, but the fans were happy as a goal fest ensued once again, although this time the result was a only a draw. 3 all at the end but we should of really won with all the chances we had but that’s football as they say, Colin was happy and so were the fans as they cheered us off the ground.

Mansfield away wasn’t of my greatest games but I still managed to grab a trusty 7, we were outplayed for the majority of the game, and on one of the rare defensive efforts I make where I was trying to help out our under siege defence, my outstretched foot seen me collect my first own goal, we equalised a short time later, but in truth we were lucky to escape with the 1-1 draw as they missed a penalty in the 89th minute which would of won them the game.

Brighton was not the game I had hoped for and despite us leading 2-0 in the 61st minute I was to see no more of the game. A good run from me up the left was going well, when the right back came at me I went to change direction quickly but a loud pop and sudden pain in the back of my calf sent me crashing to the ground and the ball into his possession, he must of heard the pop aswell as he immediantly kicked the ball out of play.

Of to the hospital I went again, the physio with me, he thought I might get back for a few games at the end of the year but when it was announced as a grade 3 calf strain, he informed me I might be back for pre season next year which was 4 months away.

Once again this year when things were going well I had succumbed to injury.

retired_manragh

End of Season

Injury’s are bad they get you down but I'm optimistic for the future. My recovery is slow, the decision was made not have surgery on the calf and to let it heal naturally, which meant crutches for 3 weeks, and then a further 2 more on and off. A regular does of anti inflams kept the swelling to a minimum and the bruising was slowly going away with time. The boys continued to play well and at the end of the season we managed to get to 19th place, which meant another season in League Two which everyone was happy with.

By the time the Club Awards came around I was walking again comfortably although with a small limp, not allowed to train yet but a lot of pool work and physio and I could feel the calf getting better.

Michael Ricketts won the most consistent award, and Chris Doig won best first year Imp, apparently beating me out narrowly. I won the best U21 player award which I was rapt about and I vowed I would be better next year.

Our Captain Paul Morgan won the Best Player and Clubman trophy and also Best Defender, Gary Birch won the Golden Boot and drew with Ricksy for the best forward, but he did pick up Fans player of the year as well. Best Midfielder award was drawn aswell Scott Kerr and Lee Frecklingtion picking up the honours, and Daniel O’Donnel would be sent the Loanee of the Year award.


Over all it was a good night, but I was looking forward to completing my recovery and getting to pre-season training, hopefully this year would see me injury free.

We also received our stats for the year

retired_manragh

Pre Season 2nd Year at Lincoln

Pre-season would be much the same as last year so I knew what to expect, I was just hoping that my calf would hold up to it, Michael and Colin had given me my schedule so I could ease back in to training and with a preset time in the practice games which would increase until I was playing the full length which wseen us play Hull, Crewe, Plymouth and West Ham at home while visiting Leigh and Barrow.

Over the break I'm sad to say I my best friend was turning out to be 48 year old Michael Wait the club Physio, we spent a lot of time together, and I owe the credit to the calf being as strong as it is to him. I didn’t go anywhere, see anyone, my time was devoted to recovery and getting back to fitness, I only rang my aunt and uncle once in that period and that was to tell them I wouldn’t be coming back for the holidays, we chatted for a while [i]caught up on a few things, but if said I missed them I would be lying, The solitary life suits me fine. Portugal one the European Championships and what followed was a spate of sackings and managers quitting, but apart from that I didn’t follow the results at all.

I’d grown again, I was now 172 cm and weighed in at 64 Kg, the weights session were doing me good, and the long sessions swimming had kept my stamina to a decent level so my pre-season was quite good. Colin called me into the office one morning and John Deehan was there aswell, I was promptly handed a new contract although my last one still had 2 years to run on it. I looked it over.

“Are you serious?” I asked, to which both of them nodded.

“You’re going to give me a new contract, which ends the same time as my last one but your going to give me an extra 400 per week, with a 65 pound appearance fee, 30 pound per goal and 160 pound bonus per win……What’s the catch?”

“There is no catch” Colin said “You will be an important first team player now and the contract reflects that, we expect you to improve your skills this year and give us a good season, Do you have someone you want to go over the contract with just to check it out, your well within your rights too you know?”

“Pen please” I answered and I signed my name on the dotted line

I didn’t need an agent to tell me this was a good deal I was still supplied my accommodation and food the only thing was I would be getting 650 pounds in my hand each week instead of 250.

By the end of preseason I had improved a lot, my form wasn’t great in the friendlies but I was getting limited time, our last game against West Ham though I got through the full 90 and put in a decent effort, we lost 2-0 but they were a premier division club. The buzz around the club was that a few scouts were at West Ham game but there’s usually them sorts of rumours around this time of the year and if there were scouts they would looking at Paul Morgan who at 29 had earned a few Caps recently.


Once again Colin called me into the office, and Johnny Deehan was there again also.

“How’s everything coming along for you?” John asked me

“Good thanks sir, my calf is great and I have not had a problem so far, the game against West Ham was a good test and I feel confident now for the start of the season”

“Good good” said John

Colin signed and seemed to contemplate what he was going to say and then he hit me with it “Well Mac we’ve had an offer for you, that’s why we called you in, Aston Villa have offered us half a mil for you give or take a few bob, and we want to get your views on it, to be honest it’s a good deal, it’s 4 times you valuation, but I think your worth more, and with a good season here this year you might get some more attention aswell as some solid first team football.”

“Aston Villa are premier league Mac, although they’re tipped to struggle this season they can develop you a lot quicker than we can, You will be first team here though, where as you will most likely play reserve grade there or go out on loan, they have a few affiliated clubs so it could be Ireland or Scotland or maybe Walsall in the First Division, but its up to you really, what would you like us to do” it was John this time speaking.

“I'm not sure to be honest sir, Aston Villa would be a great opportunity for me but I feel I owe you this year, and I'm keen to play and do well this year. If I was to go, could we get them to guarantee that I would be loaned here for the season?”

“They won’t go for that I'm afraid” said Colin

“Then reject it sir, if they really want me they will have another chance I'm sure, and with the performance’s ill hand in this year, we can get a better deal”

“That’s good to hear Mac, if you have any problems or want to talk about anything my door is always open”

I left and couldn’t help but think about the prospects of playing for Villa, I’d rather go to United but Giggsy retired last year so I have no other real reason to go there, and Alex Ferguson also retired so I don’t really care where I play. I would try my best to have a brilliant season this year and then we would see where the wind blew me.

retired_manragh

August, Season Two at Lincoln.

Our first game was a close encounter traveling to play Mansfield in the season opener was a good challenge, It was a good free flowing game and Lee Frecklington our joint best midfielder opened the scoring, unfortunately for him it was own goal from a mis judged header, Scotty Kerr the other best midfielder from last year leveled the scores 5 minutes later though and we went to the break on equal footing.

Mansfield upped their game after half time though and Danny Reet put them ahead when he slipped behind Captain Morgan to get a one on one with the keeper which he beat. I’m proud to say I scored my first for the season and we leveled again when I got on to a Chris Doig long ball behind their defence, I easily rounded the keeper and slotted home an easy goal. 10 later we were behind again this time we wouldn’t get the equalizer and when I was hacked down by Hamshaw with a tackle obviously aimed at my calf, I’m ashamed to say I retaliated and pushed him over, the ref went overboard and gave me an instant red, which was crap seeing all Hamshaw got was warning.

Colin wasn’t impressed with the card and tried to get it overturned to no avail, they said although they could see why I did it, they would not condone the actions and so it was still under revue if they would give me a further suspension.

Cheltenham came to our first game and beat us 2-0 in front of our shell shocked fans, it wasn’t a good result for us, later in the week I was handed a further 1 game suspension that would see me miss the away fixture against Darlington, to their credit the boys fought a good 1 all draw there and no we had a point on the board.

My return against Brighton was a better than last years where I suffered my season ending injury, the result was the same though 2-0 to us with Doig getting MoTM honours and Ricksy getting a double, I earned an 8 for my efforts, Birchy hobbled off on the hour though with a foot injury that put a dampener on the celebrations.

With a few injury’s creeping into our side, Kerry the latest, Colin put me in the centre of midfield not a spot I am real comfortable playing for the Carling Cup 1st round against Hull up at their home. We were easily accounted for 3-1 in the game although I did get an assist when I put through promoted youth player Tom Siddons for his first for the club.

Another away fixture seen us play Northampton, unfortunately I didn’t see our great 2-0 win as another crude and heavy tackle had me severely winded and off to the hospital once again with a suspected broken rib before 10 minutes had been played.

Luckily the rib was only bruised which would see me miss the last two games of the month, Stockport who beat our injury hit side 3-1 at the Bank, but with a few back we managed to get a win against Rotherham 1-0 which was also a home game for us.

I’d be back for the away clash against Shrewsbury.

retired_manragh

September

My return from injury was successful, but these injuries are starting to get to me, it seems I am always picking up something here and there. The game against Shrewsbury seen them grab an early lead, the scored after 10 minutes and kept the lead until late in the game, Freckles was sent off with about 20 to play and it was then they went on the offensive to try and get the sealer, what they didn’t count on was my power volley on the counter, Alan Kirby made a break down the right and floated a cross near the back post, my anticipation was superb as I got there with the ball about knee height, my volley was like a rocket, the keeper got his hands to it but the power was too much and it gave us a 1-1 draw, I had 3 shots for the game and so did the team, Doigy got MoTM honours again, some how.

On the road again this time back to Wales where I caught up with the Aunt and Uncle for a day or two. Cardiff were our opponents and were way to strong on the day, with Frecklington out due to suspension I was moved into the middle again, a serviceable performance from me earning me my usual 7 in our 2-1 loss but I don’t enjoy the centre that much it stifles my creativity.

This was my third game back and I feel I'm getting back some semblance of fitness, it took me 11 minutes to score Danny Senda found me unmarked on the back post, I chested the ball down and swept it into the back of the net before the ball had a chance to bounce. Danny was sent of just after half hour of play when he voiced his dissatisfaction with their equaliser, the ref showed him a second yellow. Luckily we held on for a draw it was hard work and I received my usual 7.

Wycombe away was a bruising encounter and they didn’t give us a sniff until the dying moments of the game when we scored to grab a 2-1 scoreline, my passing was great all game but some of the team I felt let us down. Our manager Colin doesn’t seem to perturbed though which I feel is wrong.

Home against Burton and I'm a bit out of sorts I have a some sort of bug but play anyway, we manage to win 2-1, it wasn’t a fair reflection on the game as we should of won by a lot more, but I wasn’t one of the contributors to this win.

Aldershot rounds out our games for the month, and we are comprehensively beaten 2-0 to make matters worse someone takes out my ankles in a rash challenge that see’s me hobble off, its not to bad but I definitely couldn’t of continued, yet another injury.

retired_manragh

October

I miss our win against Rochdale with a slight ankle injury, but I'm back for the away win over Stevenage that I concoct. A superb through ball gives Ricksy the chance to open the scoring, he doesn’t miss and its 1-0 in our favour, my passing is great all game, I narrowly miss the goals with a long range effort just before the half. After the restart though Swifty sets me up in a similar position this time I make no mistake as I rocket one in from 30 out, the keeper I don’t think would of even seen it, 2-0 up and looking good. We finish the game 2-1 winners, Stevenage grab a consolation goal in injury time. I’m handed the MoTM award and grab a rating of 8 for my troubles, I feel it could have been a better rating but I'm chuffed at getting the MoTM so I don’t mind to much.

Port Vale taught us not to get cocky as they delivered the same result at our home, a 2-1 defeat had Colin swearing at us behind closed doors, it was fully justified.

Away at Chesterfield and it was another loss, this time 1-0, it was an improvement on the last game and Colin was happier with our performance but we really needed to string some wins together.

An away win to Tranmere has everyone in good spirits, Doigy pulls a hami in the game though which puts a slight dampener on things, and Colin subbed me at the half when I developed a slight limp after some crunching tackles, no adverse affects though and ill be right for the next game.

A 3-1 drubbing over Notts County at the Bank has the fans singing, Tom Garrick received the MoTM award for his double, one of which I supplied with an exquisite ball, an 8 is a fitting rating for my performance.

After 18 games were sitting in 14th position, it’s better than the 18th or 19th we were predicted in getting but there’s a long way to go yet.

retired_manragh

November

The Macclesfield game is one I just couldn’t get into to at all I still received my usual 7 rating but I struggled to get into the play, the 3-3 draw was an entertaining affair, but I really have to start doing better.

QPR must be wondering what happened when we left Loftus Road with a 2-1 win in the first round of the FA cup, they controlled the play with 64 percent of the possession and even scored the first goal, what they didn’t count on was Gary Birch pretty much single handily beating them with two great solo goals, they didn’t recover and an away win against a team one division above us is a great result, Colin and the Board are especially happy.

Colin calls me into his office again, we go over my games of later, he’s happy with my overall performance but feels I'm dropping off a little bit, he asks me if I need a rest, which I strongly deny, I will do better I tell him, with a wry grin he tells me I better or all the scouts that are looking at me might find someone else. It turns out Sunderland (17th in the Championship), Manchester City (13th in the Premiership) and Hearts (5th in Scottish Premiership) are all taking a close interest in me. This is what I like about Colin it seems he is looking out for me, it will be hard to leave his management, but it will be a step I will have to take if I want to be the best.

15th November

Exeter came to the bank and stole a point for themselves and 2 points from us, we demolished them all over the park, except where it mattered, on the scoreboard. 18 shots to their one and we had 60 percent of the play, Ricksy even missed a penalty. Colin informed us of the stats as he ranted in the change rooms afterwards, he also informed us of extra training sessions.

22nd November

Away to Grimbsy was a better game for us in that we managed to score, Ricksy atoned for his penalty miss in the earlier game with a great header that gave their keeper not much of a chance, Birchy was the supplier but it was my pass that released him down the left.

25th November

The JP trophy cup game seen me start on the right and I can tell you right now that it’s definitely not my position, still we managed to secure a birth into the semi’s when we beat Chester 2-1 at their home. Birchy scored both goals, with my old mentor Gary Holt supplying his first, but it was his solo effort that brought even a clap from their home fans. My usual 7 was given but I feel ineffectual on the right side, hopefully ill never play there again

29th November – FA cup 2nd Round

Back on the left and I must say I didn’t disappoint as I scored the winner and only goal of the game against Rushden, a clinical strike that went in the bottom left maybe a foot or two inside the post, It was Swifty’s ball that set me up but I was equal to the task. Swifty got the MoTM award and I received an 8.


Looking back on the month it wasn’t too bad a month for us we were secured in midtable and didn’t looking like fighting it out for relegation, it was still early in the piece but you can tell from the players that things are looking better, my form has been good aswell which is pleasing and on the injury front I'm fairly happy, fingers crossed of course.