[The Red Darreners]

Have to agree with Darwen Red, our near namesake. 1617 is a scandal, especially when the Shrimpers pick up 5300 and the sponds from being live on Sky.

Poor old JB really does need all the help/support/appreciation he can get..all our really experienced players hurt/ suspended- a tiny squad etc etc.

But even with those caveats we saw so much to encourage us tonight. The defence looked rock solid for so much of the game- Atko and even moreso Aldred were monumental. For me Aldred has been absolutely magnificent since he arrived- a real find. Keep going Tom! Murphy as ever was all heart. Richardson was much improved and more assertive.


Very reassured by Marcus Betinelli- relieved that his first name isn't Sky!! Thought he was excellent- bossed the box, confident catching- quick distribution- welcome aboard Marcus- time at Stanley is a real badge of honour- you'll soon realise this!!!

Really liked the look of young Mahoney as well- he seemed fearless and created chances when he was on. As for Naismith- he's skilful, works tremendously hard BUT- I feel he should concentrate on keeping focused when he loses the ball - he gets too frustrated too quickly and needs to work on his psychology- and also sometimes- be a little less selfish- flicks etc are delightful but often I feel there's one too many and that's when we lose the ball. But the raw material is there to be sure- a really exciting prospect.

But one final Q- if you disregard the Clayton End- (which I would never do) we're beginning to suspect there are more Darreners turning up than Accringtonians- that MUST change.

Keep the faith and really get behind James and the boys Saturday next.