Bradley Pritchard column

By Bradley Pritchard
Tamworth midfielder

I guess a slight consolation could be that even though we didn't play well, we didn't lose (I might be clutching at straws though)

The weekend proved to be pretty disappointing, as we played out a 2-2 draw with Hayes & Yeading. We did well to get ahead after being a goal down, but unfortunately we let it slip. It wasn't as much the result that was upsetting, as much as our performance.

We didn't produce the football we had done previously, and although we still had chances, we weren't ruthless enough. It was a hot, exhausting day, but still no excuse.

At the end of the game, it was evident that we were upset. We've been doing so well since the start of the season, so when we do have a dip like that, it becomes unacceptable because we haven't reached those slowly increasing expectations we've placed on ourselves.

I guess a slight consolation could be that even though we didn't play well, we didn't lose (I might be clutching at straws though). Despite the frustration, I might just label it as 'one of those games'. We learn from it then we move on, and now we need to focus on this Saturday's home game against Salisbury.

The teams lower down do tend to raise their game, as we have done ourselves when faced with teams like Wrexham, Cambridge and Stevenage

I think the game was a perfect example of how tough this league is. Irrespective of one's league standing, if you're not at your best then you're always going to be susceptible. In some regards it can actually work against those in the top half because there is the risk that it leads to complacency.

Also, the teams lower down do tend to raise their game, as we have done ourselves when faced with teams like Wrexham, Cambridge and Stevenage. But like I said, as long as we learn from it, stay patient and maintain our confidence then these results may hopefully be a rarity.

We were back on the training pitch on Monday, and the session was good. It looks like we have put the weekend to the back of our minds. Wyldey [Michael Wylde] and Rodders [Alex Rodman] should be joining in training towards the end of the week, and Wrighty [Nick Wright] will be returning from his stint with England C.

Further positive news that Macca [Neil MacKenzie] was out running today and it'll be good to get him back into full training soon. We did look tired on Saturday, and I think the gaffer's responded by giving us the day off on Tuesday.

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Some of the boys have set up a little round of golf for the day off. Des [Des Lyttle] is a clear favourite to win, with Smudge [Chris Smith] potentially a dark horse. But as you'd expect everyone fancies themselves as a bit of a golf pro.

We've heard a lot from Rodders who likes to talk about his golfing achievements, and to be fair to him he has played at quite a high level, but as I alluded to he's working on his recovery, so he'll be in the gym with [physio] Chris Leary instead (relief on my part because I'm the worst golfer going and don't need another person beating me).