Today we welcome the Shannocks from Sheringham to the Riverside Stadium, for their second visit of the season, this time for an FA Vase tie. The Hall won the August TNL encounter 4-0, and of course we would welcome a similar result, but I am certain the seasiders have their own ideas about that. It should be a good match and I trust that their supporters, officials and team will have an enjoyable afternoon, as is always the case here at Mildenhall Town.

Since I last wrote, our 100% record in the League has come to an end, following a hard fought 1-0 defeat at Newmarket on Tuesday night. A large crowd gathered at the Tristel Stadium for what was announced as a 'clash of the Titans,' and the announcer was not wrong. Newmarket boss Shinny has assembled what I feel is the strongest Newmarket side I have seen for a very long time. They were resilient in defence, combative in midfield and had the much improved Josh Lee up front. I think that tactically, they had one over us to be honest as our midfielders, Steed, Robson and Anderson each had two opponents to contend with every time they had the ball. Newmarket had 5 in midfield, an overload, which really made it tough for us. We did have some chances, and we kept on going right to the end, but that was a tough one, and a tough one to take. I will say that the 3G/4G whatever it is, is not to my liking. as a playing surface. The bounce is too high, the ball doesn't hold up, and maybe I am just old fashioned now, but a natural surface, grass or compacted mud, is just better. I am not begrudging Newmarket their win though, I salute them. They will certainly be challenging all the way for the title this season.

It was good to see a lot of Mildenhall followers over at Newmarket, and hopefully they will all turn out here for the forthcoming home fixtures with the Jockeys, 31st October in the League Cup, and on 4th November for the return League encounter. In some ways, I am clutching a straws here, it could be a bonus that that unbeaten run has come to an end now. The pressure to win every match is somewhat self imposed, and now we are able to relax a bit, but still endeavour to win every game. I think you know what I mean.

On a different note, I would like to wish our former club chairman, secretary, committee member and even player, Brian Hensby a speedy recovery from heart surgery. Brian went into hospital for a bypass procedure this week, which is a serious thing, so I am sure he will appreciate the good wishes from his friends at the Hall. Sheryl Hensby will be keeping us informed on Brian's recovery, and hopefully we will see Brian again before the season is out. Get Well soon Henny! I would also like to wish a speedy return to the fray to Mark Booga Butcher, who is currently away due to a detached retina again, i believe. Come back soon Booga, we are missing you.

Speaking of Butcher, we are also hoping for a speedy return to the team of skipper Luke Butcher. This is going to be hard season, with plenty of hills to climb before May, and we will need Butch at the forefront to help us through.

It is difficult to be too positive about things at the moment when we see open anti semetism on the streets of the country. There was a big anti Israel gathering in London last weekend , with a load of Palestinian flags as well as anti Israeli hate speech, and who got arrested? An English bloke carrying a Union Flag. At least 20 coppers were required to arrest this English citizen whilst the mob were allowed to carry on their pro terrorist , anti British behaviour. The BBC are embroiled in another self destructing controversy by not referring to the Hamas murderers as terrorists, even though the government identify them as such. The only positive thing is that the self appointed guardian of all things woke, Gary Lineker, has been quiet lately. Jordan Henderson has been getting booed by England fans and the useful idiots wonder why. Well perhaps the wearing of rainbow armbands, the taking of the knee before every game, and then going to play in Saudi is something to do with it? Its up to the player where he plays, and the money is pretty handy I'm sure, but it certainly whiffs of hypocrisy.

Back to the football, more than ever, embrace the camaraderie of the Hall family, the excitement of the game and the distraction from all the crap that is going on in the world.

BILL