Thoughts of a lifelong fan: Day of frustration against Bristol Rovers

What a frustrating afternoon that was!

After spending a couple of hours talking to fans of both clubs, while selling the Red Devils' Diary, to witness a game where the Bristol Rovers’ keeper didn’t have to make a save completely ruined my day.

Don’t get me wrong, I thought there were times when we looked at least their equal and the only difference between the two sides was their positivity in front of goal.

They shot, on target mostly, whereas we appeared to be trying to walk the ball into the net. I will have a moan about the official in charge, but that is not why we lost.

Rovers' first goal, credit due, was a beautifully struck free kick from just outside the box, however, while the referee was pacing out the distance our players had to be from the kick, their free-kick taker moved the ball forward by about a yard behind the officials back, totally unnoticed by any of the officials but clearly seen by those standing in Torres corner.  

To make matters worse, Crawley had a penalty appeal for what looked like a blatant foul on Pemi Aderoju turned down just before Rovers broke away and effectively killed the game off with a crisply taken goal from Bobby Kamwa.

One of our former managers certainly had his team playing decent football and, in my opinion, they deserved the win - but only because Crawley were so off-song.

Even bringing on five substitutes in the second half, including new boy Dylan Morgan, could not alter the course of the game but that’s in the past now and weare on the road this week before we entertain Cheltenham on September 12. 

On paper, both the Cobblers (who we play on Tuesday) and Accrington Stanley, next Saturday's opponents, are both below us on two points and one point respectively, which, while it is too early in the season to class them as “must win” games, I believe means they must at least be classed as “must not lose” fixtures. 

If you’re, at this point, wondering what has happened to my positive outlook on all things CTFC, then let me reassure you that I think we have the makings of a wonderful team that could finish challenging in the top half of League 2.

I do feel however that we are two or three games behind other teams in our division in terms of preparation because of only having three friendlies played in a real game context.

I won’t be at Northampton or Accrington, but I will be watching the Northampton game in REDZ where I will hopefully have witnessed an amazing performance by the Red Devils, and at least a point gained. 

To end on a positive note, the Red Devils’ Diary continues to sell well - thanks to Mick and Josh - and the CTFC Museum is now taking shape and hopefully will be opening in the next couple of months.

The first exhibition we will hold there will be about where Crawley (Town) have played in our 130 years of existence, both at home and away. Watch this space.