Published: 22-10-2011

Programme Notes v Rugby

Written by Steve Bateman

Manager Steve Bateman

I will certainly be freshening up the starting 11 today to allow others to remind us what they can do and as a squad we will need to bounce back and knuckle down to some hard work for which we can be rewarded.

Steve Bateman

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Holloways Park for today's Evostik Division One Central League fxture against our visitors from Rugby Town FC.

We return to league action after the disappointment of our FA Cup exit after a replay at Hanworth Villa on Tuesday evening. Whilst I have to give Hanworth plenty of credit for their performances and resilience over the two games, I cannot hide my disappointment at not getting the job done over two attempts, both of which we were in control of until we finally fell behind for the first time in the two ties during the second half on Tuesday. We had raised expectations with our own giantkilling exploits against Boreham Wood and Banbury in previous rounds, only to fall victim ourselves against lower opposition. I have demanded and expect a response from the players and we now need to channel our efforts and focus into the league as we look to move on from the FA Cup.

I will certainly be freshening up the starting 11 today to allow others to remind us what they can do and as a squad we will need to bounce back and knuckle down to some hard work for which we can be rewarded. That said, there is no need to go over board and panic, we aren't the first non league side to suffer defeat against lower placed opposition and we certainly won't be the last. 3 points today and much will be forgotten for now.

The support against Hanworth was excellent and I am sorry we couldn't reward it with victory and a tie against high flying AFC Totton in the 4th Qualifying Round but at times of disappointment like this it is important we all stick together and continue to move our club forward. I'm sure the smiles will return to all concerned with Slough Town FC very quickly and we have an ideal chance today to get back on the front foot albeit against tough opposition who will fancy their chances of completing a league double over us.