THE DEFEAT against Notts County in our last game was only our second defeat in the last nine League games, so we'll take the positives from that.
Our first half performance was nowhere near the standard that we have set ourselves and the players were made aware of this during the half-time interval.
The second half display was much better and I have since had an apology from the Match Officials for the goal that was disallowed. They now agree that it wasn't a foul by Manny Smith on their 'keeper, which in some ways is good as it shows that they are learning and taking on board what we are saying to them, but it can't change the result.
Still, it's nice to know that they agree with us and had the goal been allowed to stand, who knows what would have happened after that?
It proves that you need that bit of luck. I believe that if you work hard enough luck will come your way eventually.
Generally our performances have certainly been getting better, it's just a case of turning some of those draws into wins.
It's fine margins, but we have to make sure that we start converting these fine margins into good performances which yield three points.
Training has been really good just lately. The players are working hard with a good tempo and have been receptive to what we've been doing.
The bad weather has forced us to seek alternative venues over the past week or so, but we've made the best of the situation and the lads have responded. We've changed the schedule somewhat from our usual routine, but that is not always a bad thing and we've had a productive week.
It's an important time for us. There are a lot of games coming up in a short space of time and plenty of points to play for.
Including reserve games, we have something like ten games coming up over the next 30 days or so. This will give the players plenty of pitch time but they are ready for it and I have to say that their mentality has been fantastic.
Things are still extremely tight and one win can make a big difference.
It's another big game for us at the weekend. It's never easy against Colchester, they are a strong and well-organised side.
I've had two tight games against them at their place over the last 12 months and on each occasion they have come out, shall we say, controversial winners.
John Ward has done a fantastic job there. I've got a lot of time for John; we attended a Referee's and Assessors' Seminar together on Monday evening where we had the chance to air some of our views on various subjects.
John is a good football man with great experience and, weather permitting, it will be nice to pit my wits against him.
With the Emergency Loan window re-opening, we've certainly got a few players in our sights at the moment as we look to strengthen the squad.
We're doing the work behind-the-scenes so that we are in a position to make our move.
We have announced our Early Bird season-ticket offer for 2012/13 this week. It's fantastic and shows that the club means business in attracting more youngsters along to matches and developing the next generation of support for the club.
The more youngsters means the more families will come along with them. We certainly need the support and backing of everyone and this offer is certainly an attractive one.
DEAN SMITH
