September 2013

After the disappointing performance against Gateshead that ended the previous month, we were determined to start September with a win against Burton Albion. On the bench for us was a familiar face; William Mellors-Blair, the right winger who made 12 appearances for us at the end of last season, had once again joined on loan, this time for the full season, to provide cover and competition for Jake Simpson. Callum Harrison replaced Tom Parkes at centre back in the only change to the starting line-up, and we were given the perfect start after only 50 seconds when Lewis Montrose played in Denis Behan who hit a curling shot into the top right hand corner from the edge of the box. Ryan Charles then doubled our lead with a neat finish; Montrose once again the provider. Despite an instant reply from Burton, and a second half injury to Charles, meaning he'd be out for six weeks, we were able to hold on for the 3 points.

A goalless draw away at struggling Southport followed, with an injury to captain Lewis Montrose adding to the disappointment. He twisted his knee and would be out for 3-4 weeks. On the plus side, our defence played well; Chris Robertson was beginning to show what a good player he is, and why he was signed in the first place, winning almost 80% of headers. Winning ways were restored in the next match against Ebbsfleet as we won 1-0 thanks to a Denis Behan header off a Tommy Lee free-kick, taken from just outside of our penalty area. Lee's assist, and a string of top saves earnt him the Man of the Match award. Richard Offiong damaged his elbow in the game, causing him to miss up to 3 weeks.

Mid-table Macclesfield Town were our next opponents. Lewis Alessandra partnered Denis Behan up front for only his second start of the season, whilst Callum Harrison started in centre midfield for the second game in a row in place of Lewis Montrose. The injuries to Offiong and Charles meant the substitutes bench included 16-year-old striker John Bailey, a product of our youth set-up. The game ended goalless, despite the introduction of Bailey with 20 minutes to go. The same starting line-up was selected for a home fixture against bottom of the table Worcester City, a game in which we proved far too strong for our visitors. It was amazing how we didn't win by more than 3 goals; we had 18 shots overall, whereas they only had one. Denis Behan's 7th of the season, Lewis Alessandra's 1st of the season and Chris Robertson's 1st for the club brought us the goals, in what was a convincing victory.

We finished the month with an away fixture against play-off contenders Shrewsbury Town. Earlier in the week, I had signed a very exciting 19-year-old left winger called Dale Hannah on loan from Derby County for 3 months on the advice of my scouts. Hannah went straight into the side to face Shrewsbury, replacing Netan Sansara. However the result was a bad one; we lost the game 2-1, despite drawing level in the second half through Lewis Alessandra.

An altogether impressive month left us in 7th place at the end of September, just one point away from the play-off places. Our defence, arguably the weak link in the team before the start of the season, is looking assured and solid, whereas the attacking side of the team still could do with kick-starting their season. But, I'm not complaining, and there's hopefully more of the same to come in October.