From the Touchline. FA Cup First Round….Spalding nil, Matlock nil.

A difficult game to report on, as much of it was a stalemate between two clubs who have had no real success this season so far. Matlock have two points in their league after six games, which makes them slightly worse off than us, but not by much. We, however, are in the position of having a dynamic and experienced new manager, and an array of new players to integrate into the team.

So, following just one training session under Jimmy Dean, the lads were launched into battle. Most games, in the short experience of this writer, begin with a period of probing of the opposition until some kind of pattern emerges. On this occasion however, neither side had any prolonged periods of control, which resulted in a lot of effort but little shape to the play. Spalding’s defence held firm under some forceful attacks, and Matlock threatened to take control of events until a short period late in the first half when, aided by Layton Ndukwu’s probing runs and some forceful play by returnee Lamine Sherif, Spalding had a brief period of ascendency. It briefly recalled those afternoons last season when Tony Breeden enjoyed the leisure of sauntering up to the centre circle in the hope of getting a kick, and regarded any incursion by the opposition into his half as a personal affront. But those days are, I suspect, long gone.

In the second half, the determination of the Spalding defence was tested and found strong…hence the award of Man of the Match to Sam Cartwright. When called upon, our goalkeeper was decisive and secure.  Newbie Jordan Nicholson netted, but was judged offside. The manager made some changes, but not knowing several of our substitutes as well as he would have liked, had no choice but to play safe. Jo Nyahwema came on for a strong cameo and had a good shot saved, while Tyler Winters was allowed just a couple of half chances. The  prevailing feeling at the final whistle was one of relief, both on the pitch and in the stands. It had not been a good match.

But that’s not the point. Jimmy Dean has now seen his troops in action, and can begin to shape his team and tactics, a job that takes a month or two to achieve. That he spoke of a “relegation battle” in his after-match interview (on the final day of August!)  shows that he ready to dig in, and that itself will provide us with good entertainment. We hope.

The chips were good.

Footnote…we may, however, have achieved something new in the club’s history. The replay, on Tuesday evening, is listed on the BBC Red Button soccer results service, so we shall know where to look at 10pm Tuesday. With some trepidation!