WE ASKED for a response after the defeat to Whitehawk, and we got it on Saturday with a very good win against Eastbourne.

It was a game where we didn’t have as much possession as we have enjoyed in recent matches, but we were clinical in front of goal and very disciplined in our performance. It was a good three points and we need to build on that this week.

On Tuesday, we faced a tricky Hampshire Senior Cup tie against Whitchurch United, who are going very well in their league.

To the players’ credit, they went about the job well and should possibly have had a few more goals. Whitchurch were a good side, and I wish manager Jim Macey and the team all the best for the rest of the season.

This week, we face Sutton United in what will be a very tough game. Sutton have a very good side and are a real threat going forward, so it is important that we are as disciplined as we were last week.

The Academy were defeated by a strong Southampton side last Wednesday, but several senior players were missing through injury, illness and college commitments.

We were punished for making mistakes in vital areas and were a little unlucky in front of goal, but it was a good learning experience for everyone. We are starting to see more and more first year players involved now, and they can take a lot from each game played.

We have no midweek game next week before we enter another really busy period, during which we hope to close the gap on the teams above us with our games in hand.

Regards,

Jason