Hello and welcome back to The Step Places Stadium in what is the first of two homes games over the next four days. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Stuart Tulloch, his team and staff from Alsager Town and look forward to a good battle on the pitch today.

I want to start by thanking the fans for the warm reception you gave Oscar last week when he was our mascot. The players and I enjoyed speaking with Oscar and his family and were delighted to have him by our side in what was an entertaining, if not slightly crazy, game versus Sandbach United. His fundraising efforts continue and I ask that fans donate where they can to help Oscar get towards his £65,000 target.

Speaking of Sandbach, I have mixed feelings about the game. On the one hand I’m pleased the way we battled back to earn a deserved point, showing the fight and desire we’re going to need if we want to achieve our goals this season. On the other, we gave away their goals far too easily and at moments when we were in the ascendancy in the game. We speak a lot about concentration at key moments and this is something we’ll continue to address going forward.

Sadly, we followed that game up with a poor display away at Wythenshawe Town on Tuesday night. I was pleased at half-time; we were in the game at 1-1 and more than matched them in the first 45 minutes. However, Wythenshawe stepped it up in the second half and we found it difficult to handle them. We were all disappointed with the second half performance, especially the players, but we now have two home games in four days to put it right and get back on track.

As always, you the fans play a huge part in everything that we do and we can’t thank you enough for the way you support the team at home and away, especially in these uncertain times we find ourselves in. Please know your efforts are hugely appreciated.

Stay safe, and please enjoy the game.

Come on West!