12/02/08: We didn’t play very well on Saturday but the result was obviously the most important thing. The games against Faversham and Tunbridge Wells were always going to be tough ones, not so much because of the managerial connections with us but rather because they have both been rapidly recruiting players. There are plenty of players around at this time of the season looking for places to play, many of them not bad players, and these two sides are the ones signing on almost anyone available. Even on Saturday, there was another queue of players here looking to sign for Tunbridge Wells after the game. 

I was pleased with the second half display, when we rolled up our sleeves, showed our character and got something out of the game. I don’t think it was luck that saw us through. For his second goal, the ball was barely out of the keeper’s hands before Buster pounced on it – not spectacular but one of his best goals of the season. It is also not luck having one of the best players in the league in our ranks (in fact, I think we have several of the best players at this level). I mentioned recently Hydey coming to our aid when we needed him, this time it was Buster.

On another occasion it will be another member of the squad. There are loads of difficult games to come – you can tell it won’t be easy when the bottom side battles like Wells did on Saturday. We are going to have to be on top form for each and we will need all of the squad members – I know I keep saying this but there is no doubt that the likes of Ian Hayes, Joe Neilson and John Walker will have an important role to play. I would have liked to have brought on the latter on Saturday but the chance did not arise, but we know what a quality player he is. I might make a couple of squad changes tonight and it is nice to be able to do so. 

Deal have been a bit of a bogey side for us this season and I suspect they enjoy beating us more than they do other teams. They are a very good side and should be higher in the league, I think. But I also believe we will be better than we were on Saturday and I am really looking forward to the match.