OK we lost, but an incremental improvement in performance was evident. After the match I said to Tony Vance, the NDC and anyone else within earshot really, that it looked like the lads were 2 games away from being ready for the start of the season.
And lo, the remaining 'pre-season' programme saw a somewhat remarkable and unpredictable draw away at Tooting & Mitcham then an on paper thumping of Herne Bay at the ARS in the curtain raiser to the season.
After last night's very good 4-1 win against Walton Casuals, by my reckoning, we've played 1, won 1, with a goal difference of +3 but the powers that be won't see it that way. Everyone's feeling a lot more positive than a month ago though and, whisper it, there's a faint chance of witnessing something strange away to Lewes on Saturday.
Away from the pitch we had the announcement of Sticks as the new dear chairman (NDC). Difficult to argue with that and the llamas in the stable block are excited at the potential for the club's view on democracy and community to shift further towards a Western european ideal than may have previously been the case. Sincerely hope Sticks is donning his blazer and making the trip to Lewes where he can here from the host club about how they're approach. Some good things going on at the Dripping Pan.
If you're going to the match on Saturday you'll be pleased to know it's an easy walk from the station, turn left and left again and you're there in a couple of minutes. Clubhouse will have real ale on from the local brewery, Harveys. They have a great reputation among ale fans and their standard offering (Sussex Best) puts many others 'specials' to shame.
If you're after a pre-match tipple in a local hostelry then Lewes is teaming with options. Turn left out of the station, right at the roundabout then second right finds you in Southover High Street where, at number 9, the Kings Head looks a good choice. Close to the ground as well, set your satnav to BN7 1HS.
Keep it green
Allez les Verts!!
