HAVING made the long trek up to Carlisle last weekend, it was obviously disappointing that the game did not go ahead. We were keen to get back into action following our late defeat at Tranmere in the previous game, but in these situations the safety of the players has to be the paramount concern.

Our first game of 2009 sees us play host to Brighton & Hove Albion. Thoughts will, of course, immediately turn to the away game at the Withdean Stadium back in September in what was a very emotional and proud day for myself and the club.

To go on and win that game having played with just nine men for over an hour was fantastic and one of my proudest moments in football.

Every single player on the pitch for us that day was a hero, but I hope that we don't make life as difficult for ourselves this time around!

We've got to display that same level of commitment, drive and willingness to win on Saturday and indeed during the challenges that lie ahead as the games come thick and fast.

Brighton have a good squad of players and an experienced manager in Micky Adams. Why they haven't clicked so far is not for me to say, but we're only half way through the season and they have time to start moving up the table.

It's going to be a tough first test of the year for us, but we are up for it and ready to go. We are determined to get the three points any way we can and start 2009 on the right note.

There has been a lot of hard work put into getting the pitch ready all week and we are confident that everything will be okay.

JIMMY MULLEN