I'm sure the players weren't too displeased either.

It's just a shame that it comes when spirits are perhaps the highest they have been all season.

A couple of excellent results away at teams around us, coupled with a battling draw at Stamford, means that Retford are set fair heading into the busy Christmas fixtures.

Come the turn of the year, there is no reason we can't be sitting on top of the table.

And with the crummy weather, so the old spectre of ground facilities is beginning to raise its ugly head again.

There can be no disputing that our crowds could, and would, be even better than they are if spectators didn't run the risk of a drenching and/or pneumonia on every visit.

I don't doubt that the new Chairman has something up his sleeve to this end, but it would be good to hear some noises coming from the club.

We all know that the problems of the old regime will not have been rectified simply by the presence of a large chequebook, but Retford United, like all football clubs, is truly only as strong as its fans.

The club has one of the largest away followings in this league, and week after week we visit clubs who are better equipped to support the standards of football we aspire to.

Don't get me wrong, if one has to outstrip the other, I'm happy it is this way round.

But I know the fans would be happy to hear what is planned for them and their Saturday afternoon habitat.