“I didn’t like us today” was how manager Steve Tully summed up a below par performance which saw us exit the Emirates FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage, at the hands of Taunton Town who we beat in the league a few weeks ago. In his very frank post-match interview, he went on to say how disappointed he was with the performance, even when we were 2-0 up. He has wasted no time in strengthening the squad by going back to his previous club Bristol Rovers and bringing in defender Charlie White on a short-term loan and, to give greater options up front Steve has signed the exciting striker Rafa Ramos from Salisbury, who scored 28 goals last season in all competitions.

There is no need for Dolphin fans to be too down hearted as we are in 9^th place in the league (P6 W3 D1 L2 10 points) and still very much in touch with the leading pack.

We now have two home games in quick succession, Saturday v Walton & Hersham followed by Plymouth Parkway on Tuesday evening.

Walton & Hersham have made a great start to the season, although they lost the first match away at AFC Totton they have not looked back since. They are currently in second place in the Southern League Premier South table (P7 W5 D1 L1 16 points) and have scored 19 league goals along the way. They have recorded wins on the road at Wimborne Town and Plymouth Parkway and top the form table with five wins and a draw from their last six matches. They come into the match on the back of a 2-1 win, thanks to two very late goals from Johl Powell and the very experienced Nana Owusu, over step 2 Farnborough in the FA Cup last Saturday.

Last season they did the double over us, a 3-1 win at the Black Gold in March was followed up by a 3-0 win at the Elbridge Xcel Sports Hub in April. The Swans missed out on the play-offs by 3 points after winning 18 of the 42 league games.

Walton & Hersham appointed Billy Rowley as their manager in May this year, he has been with the club for four years and on his appointment, he told the club’s website, “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to take the helm at Walton & Hersham, and to carry on the momentum here. Having been here for four years already, I feel an immensely strong connection to the club, its supporters, and the wider community, and can’t wait to get to work in my new role.”

So, it’s clear that Steve Tully is expecting a lot more from his squad and there is no doubt that the next two matches will show us how he will motivate his charges into giving a more consistent and improved displays. We can look forward to two very competitive matches in four days against two entertaining teams starting on Saturday. Come on down to the Black Gold and give the lads your full support.

Enjoy the game,

Neil Wellington.