SATURDAY’S game against Fulham was really special. It was brilliant to see the Crown Ground full, the atmosphere was superb and, for 40 minutes, we put in a really good performance.
It was a no-lose situation for us as we weren’t expected to win, there was no pressure, no one gave us a chance and we wanted to show the doubters.
When Symesy’s goal went in I felt it what was we deserved as we did more than match them but then the sending off changed the game.
Darran (Kempson) was devastated at half-time and we all felt for him. The first booking was harsh and it was also going to be tricky for him after that and I think even Darran would hold his hands up for the second tackle. He knew he had left us with an uphill challenge and, after that, they moved the ball around well as you would expect and got the goals.
I wanted Danny Murphy’s shirt at the end but John Miles had already bagged it, knowing him from their Liverpool days, so I got Brede Hangeland’s. I have washed it and am not quite sure what to do with it - I kept hold of mine though!
I know people have made a lot about Fulham not using our changing rooms but I don’t blame them. They have a big squad and I know what our changing rooms are like!
But, all in all, I thought Saturday was a superb advert for League Two football, we showed we can mix it with the big boys and they didn’t look a few leagues above us.
To be honest, Tuesday’s game against Aldershot was the bigger game as we had lost a bit of ground in the league placings and we needed to catch that up.
It was great to score - I haven’t scored since Torquay so I needed it. It was a great pass from Jimmy Ryan and I could have headed it really but I took it down and steered it past the keeper. It was another rubbish celebration though - I just ran away pointing and I am not sure what that was all about!
Phil (Edwards) fell on the ball and the penalty was hard but he has been solid and dependable so it was just one of those things for their equaliser.
Then Billy Kee got the winner and we know he can do that as he looks sharp in training and we all know he has got goals in him. He stuck it away well and that was a massive result against what I think are one of the best teams in the division.
And it sets us up nicely for tomorrow’s trip to another strong team Shrewsbury. We have beat them in the Johnstone Paints Trophy but it will count for nothing at their place. It is a nice stadium but we have had some good results away from home and we go there full of confidence. If we can get something there it will be huge for us.
Obviously a number of our players have played for the Shrews - Jimmy Ryan, Michael Symes, Darran Kempson - and I bet Shrewsbury would like them in their squad with their current form. I am sure they will enjoy going back to their former club and playing well.
Then it’s Barnet at home on Tuesday and I am sick of playing them! After our two games in the FA¿Cup, they will want revenge so it’s all set up for a decent game.
PROC
