IF there was any doubt that we get good value for money supporting Darlo, Saturday’s game at Stockport reinforced the sheer entertainment value of Martin Gray’s team. For any neutral fans, we are a must to see. However, what’s great for the neutral is not always great for us fans. I aged ten years at Edgeley Park and I’m still trying to recover.

The game saw the best and the worst of Darlo this season. In terms of the worst, as a team, we really struggled to keep a lid on the game at times. While we haven’t been great defensively this season, for a long period of the first half in particular, we really struggled to ease the inevitable home pressure. The midfield struggled to assert itself. Meanwhile, I found it really strange that when camped in our own half, it was Mark Beck dropping in to supplement the midfield rather than Nathan Cartman. The target man dropping deep meant long clearances went unchallenged, leading to the ball coming back almost immediately.

The big positive was the way we fought back three times. We may have been a bit fortunate with Josh Gillies’ free kick going straight in, but the two other goals were all about the threat we carried. While the quality of our play can be questioned, particularly from a defensive perspective, what can’t be questioned is the sheer determination of the team as a whole to try and get the job done.

The big talking point following on from the game was Peter Jameson’s continued selection following another goalkeeping error. Having performed consistently well throughout last season when mistakes were as rare as hens teeth, this season will have come as a shock to all, starting with the conceding of a penalty at Altrincham on the opening day. I’m convinced having to play through an injury that clearly hampered him didn’t help and it appears his confidence has never recovered.

Martin Gray will have a big decision to make soon, if he hasn’t already and the worst thing is there’s no perfect solution. Gray has been loyal to his stopper and he can continue to do that, although there’s the risk of further mistakes damaging Jameson’s confidence further – if there is any confidence left to lose. Do you keep playing him and hope he somehow develops confidence? Yes, he is a good shot stopper and you can argue that he has kept us in matches, even those where he has made mistakes. However, most goalkeepers who are at this level are excellent shot stoppers; excellent saves aren’t the exclusive domain of Peter Jameson. Alternatively, you drop him. It could relieve him of the pressure that he appears to play with in every game but it could also further damage what little confidence he does have. I’m glad it isn’t me who has to decide.

After the drama at Edgeley Park, it would be really nice to enjoy a regulation win at home when we face Curzon Ashton on Saturday. No doubt our visitors will be buzzing from beating AFC Fylde last time out. More positively as far as we’re concerned, The Nash have lost three of their previous four away from home, conceding three in each of those defeats. If our visitors keep up that trend, I would be pretty hopeful that we can take advantage and secure a valuable three points for our playoff push.