Cracking game on Saturday, on a tricky surface, although to be fair Dave and Graham had done great work to get the pitch fit at all, it was virtually flooded earlier in the week. And they will have had their work cut out to get it back into some kind of shape for tonight. But as I say, a cracking game, which we won well. Benfield will have been disappointed, given the great form they are in, but could have few complaints, and must have considered themselves fortunate to be in front at half time, with virtually their only attempt on goal of the first forty five minutes. It looked like it might be one of those days, but Nathan O’Neill’s super second half hat trick sorted that out. Nath started the season on fire, then had a fallow spell, so it is good to see him firing again and among the goals in recent weeks. His overall contribution was excellent as well, leading the line and putting himself about. To be fair, all of the lads played well, the passing and movement was excellent, although a couple of special mentions from me for Reece Noble, who joined in up the line continuously and didn’t waste a ball from full back, and young Dylan Elliott who was tireless and inventive in centre midfield. The battle of the golden oldies up front was interesting as well. Paul Brayson for Benfield and our own Colin Larkin have about a million goals between them, and long and distinguished playing records, but for once Brayson rarely got a look in after putting over a super cross in the first few minutes for the visitors' goal, while Colin continued his great form of late with great positional play and running off the ball, as well as his on field encouragement and guidance for his team mates. When you score a hat trick you are usually in contention for Man of the Match and Nath O’Neill was a deserved winner, but there were a lot of other candidates as well. Top six now, could get a place or two higher, let's keep it going!
The battle at the top of the First Division is hotting up nicely as Marske make an attempt on mission impossible, will we be giving them a hand on Thursday night when we go up to Morpeth? I hope so. Not because I have a preference, just because I want to see us win the game. While tonight’s match for our opponents is about the other end of the table, can the Roofers stay up? Personally I hope so, always find them good opponents, although you couldn’t say that about their changing rooms, as good as Marske’s I hear, which ain’t that good.