Today's match programme featured on page 3, in error, Ian Hendon's programme notes from the Aldershot match. Please find below what should have appeared.
Apologies.
David Bloomfield
Programme Editor
Welcome to Underhill for today's match against Accrington Stanley.
Football was jolted last week with the sad news of Keith Alexander's death. From my standpoint I can only reiterate much of what has been said in that I personally found him a lovely guy, he was always friendly and hospitable. I never played against Keith but after matches, since I moved over onto to the managerial side of things, he would always welcome me into his office after a game and I found him honest and straightforward. He will be sorely missed that is for sure.
On a brighter note, I have to offer my congratulations to Barnet Ladies for reaching the semi-final stage of The FA Cup, a terrific achievement.
When I have watched the ladies this season I have seen with my own eyes a lot of the characteristics in terms of application and determination that I like to see in my own players. I do wholeheartedly recommend that you take time out to see them in action. The standard is good and the team is full of good quality players, they are well worth a visit.
In our last home game we faced a good side on Bury. I have been impressed with the Shakers whenever I have seen them play this season. They might have just gone three games without managing a goal and drawn their last three matches, but I still think they have every chance of securing one of the three automatic promotion spots.
Had we scored early on when we created several good chances we might well have gone on to claim the three points ourselves, but in many ways the teams acted to cancel each other out. Both teams enjoyed spells when they were on top, but Alan Knill has put together a very good squad of players for this division and whilst I always endeavour to go out and win matches in the overall scheme of things a draw against Bury is a reasonable result.
I couldn't quite say the same about the draw at Crewe, the reason being that game was there for the taking. We had deservedly gone in at half-time with a 2-1 lead, but our second-half display allowed the home side to claim a point.
We were fantastic in the first 45 minutes with our 4-3-3 formation working a treat. After reading our scouting reports on Crewe I thought this formation would give us the best opportunity of a victory. In this set-up Albert Adomah and Albert Jarrett have less defensive responsibilities than in a 4-4-2 formation, although that does not absolve them of all defensive duties, but it is more that they are there to assist the central striker, John O'Flynn.
John again put in a terrific display. Apart from his goal, which was excellent in itself, his all round play was of a very high standard. Since his on-off transfer situation to Shrewsbury was resolved he has really put in a stint for us, not just in terms of goals, although they of course are more than welcome!
It will be good to meet up with John Coleman and Jimmy Bell this afternoon. Collectively they have done a great job in establishing Accrington in League 2 on finite resources. And then before we know it we'll be meeting up again at the Crown Ground later this month!
It will be something really special if I could open my programme notes for our next home match against Burton again offering my congratulations to the Ladies team on having reached The FA Cup Final. It is a big ask, Everton are a top-flight outfit, but Barnet Ladies showed their mettle in disposing of Nottingham Forest in the previous round, so whilst they maybe the underdogs, when you align application and ability, then you always have a chance.
