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After what can only be described as a 'mauling' last week - it was boots on and heads up for a much needed win, not only for the points but to lift the confidence as well. Turning up at the glamourous arena of Hackney
Marshes with only 11 players wasn't the best way to start but hey, we were up for it alright.

With the wind blustering it was obviously going to have a big impact on the game, and we had to concentrate on getting the ball on the floor and passing it like we know we can. We started off quickly and I actually had the beating of their centre backs for pace, the first time thats happened to me since 1995 - I was in dreamland. For the first time in ages went 1-0 up, yes thats right, you're not misreading things - we actually did. After having the majority of posession, and a lovely move, Frankie fired in a ball across the area and after turning as quickly as an oil tanker, I slung out the old right peg and it whistled in the bottom corner - nice. After that, we created a few good openings, Frankie unlucky with a chip that just went wide and a couple of one on ones that even Stevie Wonder would've stuck away (ahem ).

As the game drew on, we gradually conceded more and more of the ball, and somewhat fortunately I reckon, they scored after a bit of confusion at the back, half a clearance, hitting someone on the backside,
say no more - they had got back into it. Half time came and went, playing into the wind was always going to be tough, and to be honest, we never really created anything of real note and lets be fair, Graham was our
saviour on numerous occasions. At some stages I was wondering if Gordon Banks had pulled on a Newbury Forest shirt.....it really was that good.

With a couple of minutes left, a break down the right hand side left Frankie on the chase, he lost his marker with great skill....ok he fell over, and his cross in had looked to evaded everyone....but at the far post was
Little John, who hit a sweet drive past the keeper and into the onion bag - relief all round !! Well played lads, good performance and it was just what was needed.

Match Ratings

Graham 'The new gloves are working a treat' Tritton GK 9.5/10
Nobody can argue with this, I thought he was our MOM, christ knows how he saved some of the shots that he did - but it could've been such a different story if he hadn't. Honestly one of the best GK performances I have seen.

Rob 'Don't dive in Ro.....too late' Carlos LB 7.5/10
Worked his little socks off and was dying to get forward as much as he could. Proved a good outlet for us today and spread some nice balls down the line. Made a couple of vital tackles as well.

Dave 'I was still pissed while lacing me boots' De Rijk RB 7.5/10
Asked to do a job again today, and did it very well. Good goal kicks into the wind and again used the width well and always looking forward. It would've been an 8 mate, but I've never seen anyone turn up for footy
in such a state as you did ! Proud to have you as skipper !!

Arnold 'You looking at me' Djedje CB 7.5/10
First time playing at CB and got stuck in - literally - I thought he was gonna floor their right winger at one point. Good interceptions, looking to bring the ball out and keep the game flowing

Marc 'Two hot-dogs before the game' Wakely CB 8/10
Did the simple things well, no messing around. Thought Marc looked solid today - shame Sven wasn't there otherwise you might've made Germany this summer. Englands loss is Newbury's gain.

John 'One of those hot0dogs was for me' Hassan CM 8/10
I thought Kais was good without really being noticed today - quietly effective.Knocking it around well, looking to wide areas and making sure we kept posession. Unlucky with a shot in the second half - nearly killed a pigeon sitting on a goal post two pitches away.

Dave 'Does the Audi TT make up for my small penis ?' Zarcaro CM 8/10
One of Daves best games I reckon, chased everything in the middle, maybe didn't get as forward as much as he would've liked, but along with the others provided a strong look to the middle of the park. Knocked
countless passes through both the middle and out to the wide men.

John 'Three points thanks to me' Galligan CM 8.5/10
Another strong performer today, showed passion and desire which was lacking after last week. Capped a fine performance with a fine goal. Worked hard and combined well when he went forward.

Frankie 'Two assists for me today' Perez WRF 8.5/10
What can I say - we'll be hearing about those two assists for months to come. Always looked good when he had the chance to run at their right back and was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet himself after an effort in the first half. Ran his heart out today and should be happy with his contribution.

Lee 'Hot-dog AFTER the game' Nicholls WLF 8/10
Lee sometimes felt like a man stranded out on the left seeing as we were using the right flank so much. When he did get it, his pace and ball control was a joy to watch. I lost count of the amount of times he did their RB like a kipper and managed to get to the by-line.

Gareth 'Lazy but lethal like Sheringham' Rockwell CF 7/10
Scored the hardest of the three chances I had and pulled my hamstring just as I thought I was in for a cracker. Gave myself the lowest mark today, because I couldn't really contribute after that and just tried to bring other people into the game. I can hear you all now......'Not that you did much running nyway'.......hence the Sheringham tag !

Subs :

Alfie 'I don't care, I'll play anywhere' Egembah CF 7/10
Came on for myself - for that alone he gets a 6, and he didn't put a foot wrong for the 10 minutes he was on. We all know that Alf is dedicated to the cause, and turning up just for the short time that you did shows that
in abundence mate - well done geez.

So three points are gained and team spirit is on the up, hope you agree with most of the ratings and what is written - if you don't then never mind - I'm off to a gig.........

Rockwell