This week sees a very important game for us and we'll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing result last weekend in difficult circumstances. For 45 minutes we were comfortable without too much happening in the game. However, the unfortunate dismissal of Nobes had us playing for a draw at best. Our second-half plan was to go out and make sure we didn't concede and hope to nick something but after the first goal went in, it was always going to be tough.
The midweek game saw a lot of changes in the team which meant some were coming back from injury and playing their first 90 minutes in a while. After a bad start the boys had to show a lot of patience and try to wear down a dogged Macclesfield team and in the end the difference in quality finally showed. It was really pleasing to see a few important members of the squad back including last season's runner-up for player of the year, George McCartney.
It was also good to see Zavon [Hines] and Reidy take advantage of their opportunities with performances and goals that will be great for their confidence going forward. The most important thing to come out of Wednesday though is that we are in the hat for Saturday's draw and keeping our fingers crossed for another home draw.
We welcome the staff, players and fans from Blackburn and, in particular for me, friends that I have shared good memories with. I have had three wins from three against my former club and I am confident this weekend we can make it four. As we all know Blackburn are always tough opposition in terms of fitness and organisation and they have got off to a great start with an away win against Everton so we must be on our guard.
After this weekend it will seem a long time between league games with internationals to be played but thankfully we will also see the transfer window closing which is always unsettling for all clubs and players with constant rumour and speculation that often causes unnecessary distraction.
On a final note I would like to pay tribute to Anton's 15 years at the club. He's a great lad and we wish him well for the future.
Lucas Neill