I'LL START this week's Blog by looking back on Saturday's 2-2 draw with Millwall. We were gutted to concede a last-minute equaliser.

We did really well to go 2-0 up then we conceded a silly goal to let them back in and then they hit a 'worldy' with the last kick of the game.

I said to the ref 'how long left', he said '10 seconds'. Talk about last-gasp.

It was good to get on as a substitute though. I thought I did okay when I came on and, with Matt Richards suspended on Saturday, I've been doing my best to impress in training this week. It will be up to the manager as to what team he puts out but I'd love to get a start at Leyton Orient this weekend.

Nobody likes to sit on the bench. It's horrible. I can't complain because the lads have been doing well but, even still, I'd obviously rather be in than out.

Training has been lively this week and there has been a good atmosphere around the place. The weather has picked up a lot so we've been able to do more stuff. Jon (Whitney, Physio) beasted us yesterday and I can just about pick up my legs today!

I've been having a few problems with my car, so today has been spent filling in forms to get the problem fixed. Bore off. Not the best way of spending your day off but it had to be done I suppose. I'm going to chill out tonight, watch a bit of tv and put my feet up.

I did go to see Everton on Sunday. What a game! We were well worth the 5-1 win over Hull. It was a date and I asked my girl friend for a score. She went for 6-1 so I was hoping for another goal! It was a good day. I'm an old romantic aren't I - taking her on a first proper date to the footie!

I spoke to a couple of my mates who are at Leyton Orient now - Jamie Jones and Scott McGleish. I know Jamie from our days together at Everton and Scott was at Northampton with me. They're both good lads and it will be good to see them on Saturday. Scott was saying he hasn't scored for a while....let's hope that continues if he plays on Saturday!

Mark Hughes