How on earth did we fail to win that game was the overwhelming post match cry following City's 2-2 draw with Tonbridge Angels at May day Trust Park last Saturday?
A shaky start by centre backs Preece and Ball and City were one down but we then dominated the game with some slick passing only to let in a last gasp equaliser. A ponderous but strong Tonbridge side hardly fashioned anything between the 2nd and the 92nd minutes but they walked away with a point.
For me Josh Low pulled the strings and Ross Stearn posed the questions down the right. Adam Connolly looked his old self and hit the bar with a thunderous effort.
The big debate was also about the substitutions. Taking off the 2 most influential players with 15 minutes to go looked conservative. No doubt Josh Low was tired and took a knock but Stearn looked fine. I suspect he was being saved for Tuesday night's trip to Staines. These are the tough decisions managers have to make. This time it didn't work.
If City didn't go the distance I certainly did, but my 300 mile round trip from Derbyshire to home was worth it despite the result. My last game was the Plymouth friendly and I have to say that the promise we showed then was still there. We do look good and as long as we can keep performing the luck will change and results will follow. We still have a base to build a challenge for the top 5.
I enjoyed some excellent Palmers real ale in Charlies pre-match to wash down my sausage and chips and have to say that the on screen advertising is excellent. (the mood was improved massively as a number of us watched Somerset's probable season saving victory on our mobile devices!)
The pitch looked immaculate and real credit must go to the ground staff.
The Legion produced some great songs and I joined in when Dave Pratt's shot hit the net!
I even liked the new home kit despite the white shorts and 'after thought' white patch on the back.
I met lots of old friends and really enjoyed being there.
Tuesday's trip to Staines resulted in a defeat after another very late goal. As Bob Chester said in the radio commentary - 'the game had draw written all over it' but a deflected free kick did for City. Those I spoke to said we played well and the disallowed goal was harsh. Fine margins indeed..
The FA Cup draw has been kind to us with a home fixture against Gosport Borough on Saturday 28th September. As always the aim is to get to the First Round and get a televised home game against a West Country team. Failing that a 4th Qualifying home game against a top Conference side would do.
Before then we have a tough test against Dover Athletic this coming Saturday. We do now need a win otherwise we will be confirmed as a distinctly mid table team.
2 wins by the end of September will give the early part of the season a much better look though so 'Come on City!'
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