Were we disappointed not to have picked up any points last weekend?

Yes, of course. But not downhearted. Once again, I thought the team should be proud of their performances, both at home and away.

I think the two strongest teams we have played this season have been Coventry and Cardiff, so Saturday's match was an important measure for me to judge how far we've come since our new owner took over.

Had it not been for a standout evening of goal-tending by Cardiff's Phil Osaer, I thought we could have scored heavily in this game.

As a coach, I have to be pleased that we more than matched Cardiff, while understanding how disappointed the players felt not to have picked up any points.

That certainly was the way the fans talked about the game afterwards, as we waited in the bar for the shirt auction.

A big thank you to everyone for the money raised at this event.

We also know how wholeheartedly you have got behind Tomas (Enerston) in his efforts to put the club on a sound financial footing.

Of course, we are short-benched at present, but determined not to let that stand in the way of good performances.

It does mean, however, that we are vulnerable if we take penalties during a game or players pick up injuries.

In Newcastle, we lost Greg Owen and were 5-0 down. But as I've been saying all season, this is a squad that will not drop their heads.

It came as no surprise to me how we pulled back three goals.

We've got some great games coming up. Sheffield will be anxious to wipe out the memory of their defeat against us earlier in the season.

There's another important date for your diary, on Wednesday December 19, as Sky will be recording our match against Coventry.

Short-benched or not, we know we're the match of any team in the league.

See you Sunday.