Jerry’s thoughts ahead of Hungerford match

On writing these notes, I have just received the shocking news that former player Marvin Morgan has passed away at the very young age of 38 years old. All of our thoughts are with his family. I brought Marvin back to the club when I first came in. A bright, intelligent and hardworking man who knew what he wanted and gave his all-in life. Sleep easy big man, someone else who has been taken way too early.

Today will also see us celebrate the life of Dave Mann with his family as match day sponsors. Dave was a very close friend of my Dad and a man who always came into my office to see me win, lose or draw, always supporting me and the team. Dave lived Bath City Football Club and would often, after returning from his cruise holidays, pop in to give me, Jim and the players some sweets and gifts from his travels. He is sorely missed by us all and today we all remember him, a loyal and very kind man.

Having been able to pick the same side for the last three games has seen us put in three really positive performances. The group is now connected and happy in their environment with much positivity that is showing on the pitch.

Losing out on penalties to Dartford here was really hard to take. We were the better side in the 90 minutes and should have really scored three goals after creating glorious chances in open play. No blame is put on any individual in this group. I was really pleased how we dominated the top side in the league in most areas of the pitch, limiting them to very little.

Wednesday gave me an opportunity to go down and watch Havant live v Dulwich; I sat with Steve King and Marc White, which gave me a chance to listen to how they have seen the league this season and, of course, understand more about Havant as a team and dynamic.

Saturday was the perfect away performance, another one full of energy, spirit and togetherness. We totally deserved the three points against another team that are full-time and expected to be in the top three come the end of the season. It was pleasing to see us score two goals from set pieces now looking a threat from these. And in Cody we have a striker in very good form, his goal displayed what we are about at the moment in our play. A classic counter press firstly from Cody after Jack’s great ball down the side. Joe then wins the duel in the middle of the pitch. Runners and passes forward the weight of pass from Joe for Cody to finish with devastating power and accuracy.

Of course, we had to defend at times but we stood strong and showed wonderful resilience and a will to win the game. The coach trip back was a happy one, days like that are to be enjoyed.

We are by no means getting carried away with our recent upturn in from. We will have to match the work ethic and physical nature of Hungerford today to get anything from it. We keep training hard and demanding of each other.

Please get behind the lads again today through the good and challenging moments of the game. We all value it so much.

Enjoy the game!

Jerry