Town mix with the big boys

Strange as it sounds the 1-1 draw felt like a defeat — not only because we conceded a late equaliser, but because we played so well right from the kick-off.

All eyes were on County's big names: Lee Hughes and Kasper Schmeichel, as well as Town's old boys Davies and Rogers, but our players more than matched them on the day.

We didn't let the impressive stadium, great atmosphere or the fact that County had a new manager intimidate us, which bodes well for the rest of the season.

Both sides had plenty of possession and had chances to win the game so a draw was probably the fairest result.

There were plenty of stand out performers from the Town team — Devitt and Fairhurst continue to show glimpses of their quality, while Neal and the returning Hibbert also were excellent on the day.

Another stand out performer was the excellent away following of Salopians who more than matched the home fans vocally, providing the game with a real cup-tie atmosphere.

The Notts County game marked the end of Steve Phillip's loan spell with Town. For me he has been one of the main reasons why Town have picked up their season after a slow start and he has been a very reliable performer. I would have loved for Town to have kept him, but who's to say we won't be seeing him back in the blue and amber strip in the future?

Town's reserves drew 1-1 with Burton on Tuesday following a wonder goal from Steve Leslie late on. Leslie has been a consistant star performer for the reserves, but has never taken his chance when he has stepped to the first team.

There is no doubting he has talent, but will we ever see him perform well on a regular basis or will he end up with a disappointing career, like Jamie Tolley has had, after a promising start.

It's that time of year again — the FA Cup first round where Town will be kicking off their campaign against non-league side Staines Town on Saturday.

Every year I start off with lots of enthusiasm that Town can have a good run in the competition and before you know it they have been knocked out. Will this year be different? Watch this space!

Next up in the league are two winnable home games against lowly Torquay and promotion-chasers Bury.

I am sure Bury will want to seek revenge after we knocked them out of the play-offs last year and Town will also have to be weary of their impressive away form this campaign.