Firstly, a big thanks to the Stafford boys who came down for their annual tour this weekend and finsished with a victory against the 9's on Saturday and a defeat against a select XI on Sunday.  It was, as ever, great to see them and long may the tradition continue.

Congratulations also to the 1st team, who extended their unbeaten run with a fine victory against Southgate.  This was a tough game on paper, and made even more difficult with the loss of a keeper an hour before kick off.  A great result therefore and thanks to Tom Frost who stepped up from the 4's to fill the void between the sticks for the 1's, and to those who found me kit so I could help out the 4's! However, the state of the gloves that I was given (I've worn marigolds with more grip!) did make me vow to ensure that all the spare bits of kit in the kitbags are at least fit for purpose so that we are always equipped for emergencies and don't let ourselves down in that department.

This did obviously give me the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the 4's, who have had mixed fortunes on and off the pitch recently, and I have to say that in general I liked what I saw.  It was a good battling performance in a somewhat feisty encounter, but both sides played with plenty of commitment, and given that the 4's are currently in the process of reinventing themselves and so is a relatively new team, the spirit was very good with plenty of encouragement for fellow players.  Having soaked up some early pressure we did make chances ourselves and a draw would probably have been a fair result, and so it was completely gutting to go down to a last minute goal.  However if the spirit and commitment is maintained I am convinced the 4's can start climbing the table very soon.

One thing I would like to raise this week is the Respect campaign being run by the FA.  This does not only affect the professional game, but goes right down to grass roots level, and is something that the SAL backs.  Our disciplinary record over the past couple of seasons has been good, but it could be improved and yet again we have received bookings for dissent.  We are lucky to have the referees we have and I am pleased with the hospitality and respect we show them in the bar after a game.  However, this respect should also be shown on the pitch also.  A referee is only as human as either you or I, and will make the occasional mistake.  However, he is there to make a decision and once that decision has been made he is not going to change his mind.  So moaning and having a go when a decision goes against you is a complete waste of time, as you will firstly get the refs back up and secondly end up paying the cost of a dissent booking.  I'm all for open communication and banter with the ref, but yesterday (and indeed in other games) I saw examples of players (from both sides) just continually moaning at the referee.  If you want to spend 90 minutes on a Saturday taking your frustrations out on an individual, then go to an anger management class, the rest of us are here to play football!!

Steve Martin-Lawrence, Chairman