Maidstone v Torquay Sat 1st Feb 3pm

[Plainmoorish]

I’ve been wondering how the lads feel playing on those astro pitches away from home. Sure, they train on one, but a full match is a whole different ball game! The bounce, the pace, the ability to turn... and let’s not forget the risk of injury! It certainly feels like a massive home advantage for teams with those fancy pitches. Ironically, it's not a level playing field. Best avoided in a play off me thinks.

And yes, I know, it’s swings and roundabouts! We’ve got a huge ace up our sleeve with our home support. We play with 12, just don’t tell anyone.

Apologies for repeating myself, but I think it’s worth reminding ourselves from time to time that most of these lads aren't exactly rolling in cash. After the Maidstone loss, I can’t imagine any of our players trying to lift their spirits on the coach home, like some league players might do, by scrolling through the latest Mercedes online catalogue, choosing which chrome accessory would look best on their blacked-out G-Wagons. More likely, the only accessory our boys are contemplating is an extra topping on a Domino’s Margherita! Let’s be kind regardless of the result. They're a good bunch of honest lads who represent the club brilliantly. When I read or listen to some of the macro analysis stuff on YouTube by ‘experts’, I feel the expectation is more in line with prem players.

As for the league title, I’m convinced we’re going to snatch it, even if we have to do it the hard way. This team has the spirit, fight, and quality to make it happen. 3-0 on the weekend, the run starts here!

ps. Wishing a speedy recovery to the lads who got niggles!