AFTER Saturday's first defeat of the season at Grimsby Town, it is good to have a game so soon afterwards as we look to bounce back in the best possible way with victory tonight.

We knew that there would be disappointments along the way, and it will be a real test of the character that exists within the side as we pick ourselves up and attempt to launch another unbeaten run.

September is an extremely busy month with the fixtures coming thick and fast. It is unlikely that the same 11 will start every game, so we need everyone fit and ready for action.

I am happy with the competition that exists within the squad and this will be further enhanced by the return of Allan Picken, Alex Nicholls and Darren Wrack in the not too distant future.

I am in the rather fortunate position of having a group of 16 to 18 players who I could bring into the starting line-up without weakening us. Competition for places in all positions is so important and I feel we have that.

If we are going to be successful this year it will have to be built around solid foundations. Clean sheets win football matches and if we can keep things tight at the back, it will give us a good base on which to build.

That didn't happen at Blundell Park on Saturday and it cost us, even though I felt that we controlled proceedings during the second half.

Tonight we face a Peterborough United side who will also be smarting from a defeat at the weekend. They have some good players and an astute manager in Keith Alexander who knows this level well and has achieved plenty of success in recent years, operating under the financial constraints that are common at this end of The Football League ladder.

I would like to thank our supporters for the excellent backing that they have given us in our previous two away games. You played an important role in helping us overcome difficult conditions to bring home a point from Barnet, whilst you remained in good voice throughout Saturday's game at Grimsby.

With so many games coming up, your support is going to be vital and I look forward to seeing you all back here on Saturday when we entertain Macclesfield Town.

RICHARD MONEY