Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Catons Lane for today`s Ridgeons League First Division fixture against Stowmarket Town.

This is the first meeting between the two sides this season as the previous fixture was called off by the referee just as we arrived at the ground due to a waterlogged pitch earlier in the campaign. Stowmarket always provide a good test and games between the two of us are always close encounters.

After the disappointment of our draw against Fakenham last Saturday it is important we bounce back with a strong performance this afternoon.

This season has provided us with many highs and lows and last weeks game against Fakenham Town did all that and more. After going a goal down inside the opening ten minutes we never got going at all during the first half in what turned out to be one of the poorest displays we have had for quite a while.
A rather stern and honest assessment of our performance was made clear to us by the management team during the interval and it did the trick as we picked it up in the second half.

To be fair for most of the second half we were in control and fought back to lead 2-1 but in the final 10-15 minutes we eased off again and were punished late on conceding a sloppy goal.

It was a frustrating afternoon and one we must forget about quickly and put that right today.

We are looking for a good response from the lads and a committed hard work ethic today will go some way towards redeeming the short comings of last Saturday.

On a much more positive note I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the entire playing squad in congratulating goalkeeper Dave Pledger and his wife Donna on the safe arrival of baby Paige last Sunday afternoon.

Paige is a very welcome addition to what is already a lovely family. Dave is as honest as they come and a real quality keeper so not only do I hold a lot of respect for you mate, I raise a glass to you as well……but you’re buying!!!

Enjoy the game and get behind the lads. 
 

All the best .

Tommy B