December 2013

December proved to be an overall tough month for us in terms of fixtures, as we were up against both Rushden and Wrexham, both of whom were flying high in the league, and were becoming increasingly distant from the rest of the pack. A home game against Rushden, who at the point of playing us hadn't lost a game in the league, was first up. We conceded an early goal which put us on the back foot, but on the brink of half time, Lewis Montrose fed in Denis Behan who levelled things up with a low finish in the bottom corner. Then, on 60 minutes, Dale Hannah's cross was nodden down by Behan to the feet of Lewis Alessandra who hit a first time shot from the edge of the box for his 5th goal of the season, and to put us ahead. We were dealt a blow with 15 minutes left though, when David Fox was brought off with a pulled hamstring. It looked as though Rushden's unbeaten league form had come to an end, until in the 85th, some slack marking at the back post left Adam Griffin unmarked to head in. It was disappointing, but we would've took a draw at the start, so it wasn't the end of the world.

The 1st Round of the FA Trophy was next; with a game away at Gainsborough Trinity. Michael Noone stepped in for the injured David Fox in an otherwise unchanged side. It was Dale Hannah's last game for the club before he returned to Derby after his loan, and so everyone was hoping he could finish his spell with a win. A first half Denis Behan double put us in good stead, with substitute Richard Offiong adding a third in the second half. Gainsborough grabbed a late consolation, but we were on our way into the next round in a competition which, realistically we could win.

12th placed York City were the next visitors to New Bucks Head, and although they were in mid-table, they were on a good run of form. It showed as well; within 12 minutes we were 3-0 down, and performing badly; Michael Noone and Chris Robertson being the stand-out underachievers. However for the rest of the game, York seemed to take their foot off the gas, and neither side managed to hit the net after that. We even managed to have 12 shots throughout the game; 3 more than them.

Shortly before the next game, there was a slight change within the backroom staff. Ian Cox's contract was expiring at the end of the season and his new contract meant he would be my new assistant manager, replacing Larry Chambers whose contract was altered to become a coach.

Wrexham, who had overtaken Rushden as the league leaders, provided us with our final test of 2013, and arguably one of the toughest. Both sides had chances to score, whilst Lewis Alessandra had a goal disallowed in the second half, but it ended goalless; a good performance against a team who had been brilliant all season.

By the end of the month, we had slipped a couple of places to 9th place, but I was happy considering we'd got two draws against the top two sides. I'll leave you with a couple of screen shots.

This is the league table (baring in mind I took the shot the day before our game in hand, which is why we're in 13th - everyone else played on the 31st), and this is the squad. Here's to a successful 2014...