Here we go again, another FA Cup 1st Round Proper for Gillingham ….. and another defeat. This time it was at least at the hands of higher-league Blackpool who are managed by Gillingham legend, Steve Bruce. That makes 6 defeats out of seven this autumn and the only point was a draw against hapless Swindon Town. Pretty depressing reading but we go again this week and that is always the beauty of competitive sports. There is always an option to right a wrong but it’s against high-flying Port Vale so it won’t be an easy three points. The good news is that we can now repeat our normal November platitudes about being out of all three cups and, “Great to be able to focus on promotion.” Nobody believes it and least of all the person saying it! Obviously, Trump’s victory in the USA put me in slough of despondency but there has been a bright spot; Arsenal have imploded even earlier in the season than usual. Can I suggest a rousing chorus of, “Let’s All Laugh at Arsenal?”

Whilst all that was going on I am delighted to tell you that our intrepid traveller, groundhopper and videographer, Darren Ashley has been out again. This time he’s pitchside at Brackley Town who instead of beating Gillingham (again!) are toe to toe with Braintree Town, Essex.

He says, “So that’s me, far right, sitting on the ground, not on ballboy duties, but having a break from filming during a lull in play at the Brackley Town/Braintree Town FA Cup match on Saturday.

It was an amazing experience being pitchside, so close to the action, but, what was not an amazing experience was, trying to get my 50 something body to stand up afterwards after sitting down for so long

Please have a watch of the vlog I did at the match to ease the aches and pains I’m still suffering and make them more bearable”

Proving the point that the sun is in the ascendancy for non-league football, Christian Obray’s first edition of “Parks to Pitches” is completely sold out. Congratulations but, fear not, he has organised a new print run. Get over to his FB and reserve a copy and especially dwell on the article about the importance of the printed matchday programme. He will send out your copy just as soon as he gets the next run. Whilst you are there, it might well be wise to subscribe for future editions to avoid disappointment.

Final thoughts? Goodbye Erik. I think you are a decent, genuine guy but the Manchester United job was just too big for you too. I thought we would have got Ruud Van Nasalhair and would have loved “The Special One” but we have a young man from the Portuguese league. I wish him every success. To prove that the world is absolutely crazy, Trump is re-elected and I can 1% understand if not accept that. What I can’t understand or accept is Coventry City sacking Mark Robins. I can only say one thing, “I blame Thatcher/Wenger.” The one guy that has brought the first sliver of success to Coventry in 40 years. He’ll get a new job soon, I am sure. I wish him well. Pep next? Crazy world!!!

Have a great week, everybody.

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