That’s the number of goals seen at New Lodge in the last three senior home games, a 4-4 thriller V’s Bury, a 6-0 demolition of Kingstonian and a cruise-controlled 8-2 win against Essex United.

This time last season in our league campaign we had accumulated 7 points and scored 6 goals, we’re already a point in front of that and have upped our goal tally to an impressive 14 goals scored. I thought it was a bit harsh that our team received some criticism for a 2-1 loss away at league favourites Lewes, third game into a new season. We have to be realistic and realise we’re not going to win every game. The best way of making a positive difference is by encouraging and supporting the team at every game. If our players are in need of a swift kick up the jaxi, Craig has done the FA course for that (and I’m told he was top of his class). So lets get behind the lads and remain positive for the rest of the season.

Last Sunday I was privileged to be invited to Arthur Coughlan's birthday party which was held at New Lodge. Arthur was 70 and he was joined by his old team mates and football acquaintances and family. I kept a low profile just chatting to a few of the old players and manager, its always a pleasure to speak with the legend that is Doug Young. I enjoyed just watching and listening to the reminiscing of how it used to be, the camaraderie and mutual respect was evident all around and it was  still as strong as it ever was. Arthur was player and captain for ten years. How times have changed.

As I was driving home the other night I was listening to Stan Collymore and he was so annoyed, and so disappointed at where our game is now with regards diving. He thinks that divers/cheats should receive an eight match ban. He was furious with anyone who thought it OK that a player goes down because his boot is touched, or he feels a hand on him. “It's cheating plain and simple” he said, and I couldn’t agree more. You see players withstand a team-mate running and jumping on his back without him flinching if he’s just scored a goal, but the slightest brush of his shirt, and he’s down. I can't help thinking that if players rode the tackles in the box they would in fact, score more goals. George Best was prolific in his day and he never dived, Lionel Messi isn’t a diver, but if he were, I would bet good money that his goal tally wouldn’t be as high.

Three big games coming up, Carshalton Athletic who are another of the pre-season favourites, Concord Rangers who always give us a tough game and then Stotfold in the F.A. Cup. It will be a busy week and a very important one as well.

COYB.

Steve.