Up yours to those at the National League HQ!
That was something very special. I think there are very few people who expected us to beat Chesterfield before the start of the match, and most would have been happy with a draw, but these players were having none of that.
We began with an exemplary tribute for Remembrance Day, impeccably observed by both sets of fans.
Superbly prepared by Kev, Benno and Darren, this remarkable group of players had a never say die attitude throughout. They were running through invisible brick walls and putting their bodies on the line over and over again. I don't know where they got the energy to keep going to the extent that they they did - it was an incredible display of fitness from a small group of players under ridiculous constraints.
First half was fairly even, I thought they edged it slightly. Felt that Coker and Wood - our two youngest players - looked a little nervous and lost possession a bit more than they would normally do. Pressure of the TV cameras possibly? Anyway, Coker, in particular, settled in and stepped up. Wood started the 2nd half brightly but it was no surprise to see him replaced by Mooney.
Defensively, I thought we were pretty solid though if you allow Will Grigg that kind of opportunity in front of goal, he's going to score it 9 times out of 10. 1-0 to Chesterfield. Apart from the close miss late on, that was pretty much all the attempts they had on goal because our boys were blocking, challenging and intercepting everything else. Martin looked a bit shaky at times in the 1st half but came into his own 2nd, claiming everything with confidence and a very safe pair of hands.
We were wondering if Kabongolo would be brought on to allow Taylor to push up into midfield where they weren't as dominant as we're used to seeing but, no. This wasn't necessary. Indeed, it was Taylor who won the penalty early in the 2nd half, which was slotted away comfortably by Bridge. 1-1. Then it was just a very short time later that Fonguck, on one of those runs he does, that forced an error out of one of their defenders to ease a shot past their GK - who really should have done better. Euphoria ensued! 2-1 to Blues!
And it could have been more. A quite convincing penalty appeal on Cardwell, Mooney coming on to remind us of his skills in getting forward and into positions, Bridge getting crosses in etc. Chesterfield continued trying to come at us but we just thwarted them at every opportunity. It was a fine performance against a very good team, and I should imagine a great match for a neutral to watch.
Chesterfield are going to walk this league, I don't think there's any doubt about that, and I don't begrudge them that - or the stroke of luck that led to them being in the position they are.....all down to an erroneous tick for a pandemic clause on an insurance document just before Covid struck! Since then, they have invested well and built a cracking team under an experienced manager. Fair play to them, but yesterday, that was our day and I think we ALL enjoyed it very much!
Martin - 7
Scott-Morriss - 8
Taylor - MOTM, 9
Kensdale - 7.5
Ralph - 8
Bridge - 8
Coker - 7.5
Husin - 7.5
Fonguck - 8
Wood - 7
Cardwell - 8
Subs: Mooney for Wood - 8
Kabongolo for Fonguck - n/a
Officials - thought the ref was Chesterfield's 12th man in the 1st half, but he improved in the 2nd. Lino west side was behind play for much of the game, and got some offsides wrong.
you and Steve will join us all again full time moving forward. Dan and Luke miss you the most, must be those chocolate biscuits although they deny it 
. Hope you are soon back home and look forward to catching up again sometime soon. Love and Hugs from the East Greens boys.
