There was definitely an anti-climactic feeling after last Saturday's defeat at the hands of Preston.

We went into the game with renewed confidence after the tremendous result and performance of the previous encounter.

It was particularly frustrating as prior to the game we felt we could really have a go at them and three points were well within our capabilities.

But football is a funny and non-predictable game. Just look at Reading's result against Preston three days later where they came out 5-1 winners.

A triangle of totally different results and I bet similarly adverse performances. It goes to show that the more consistent you are, the more points you will achieve.

We started slowly Saturday and they seemed to dictate the pace. We, however, had the better chances but were unable to convert and, in all honesty, the game had stalemate written all over it.

The first goal was always going to be crucial and they grabbed it from a trademark setpiece as well as lengthening the lead late on.

It was a blow to us to lose that game but there's no time to dwell as now we have two weeks of monumental proportions. An opportunity to defy the odds and remain a First Division outfit.

It is going to be a testing fortnight and one in which we all must pull together for the common good.

Home games will be vital and we need you as supporters to be our extra man as you'll never fully know how helpful a patient encouraging crowd can be be.

Well the Brazilians continued their tour of the undisputed worst pitches in Britain, taking on QPR at Northwood FC's grassless Divetville Road ground and earned an incredible 0-0 draw.

The game was devoid of any real quality and chances were as scarce as decent clobber in Robbie Pethick's wardrobe, as both teams competed in a "who can kick it the furthest" competition with Adam Virgo just edging it with a second half clearance of Neil Jenkins' proportions.

Then, having survived the game, disaster really struck when our transport (carnage coaches) wouldn't start and we were stuck at the ground for over 90 minutes waiting for the AA.

Now you wouldn't mind if this was an isolated incident but Pete has been renowned for his disastrous journeys. We've had blow-outs, battery failure, no petrol, missed turnings on at least five occasions, as well as a constant flickering TV that can only be watched while stationary and in the depot.

After 90 minutes the AA fixed the problem and we saw them disappear outside. The Samba coach then set off and managed to get 400 yards before an emergency buzzer went off with Pete informing us in a thick northern accent: "I think we've got a problem."

There was mention of taxis until prices were quoted, so I set my mind on snuggling up to Charlie Oatway for a night in the bus. However, with the AA recalled and another 45-minute delay, we were back on the road and arriving back in Brighton well in time for a repeat of Prisoner Cell Block H.

Dave Lee Trotter was up to his old import and export tricks again this week as he brought in some 100 per cent genuine Snyde sunglasses straight from the fashion catwalks of Basildon.

He did, however, get a few orders as the lads went crazy for the Guggi ones as well as the Larry Vuitton tints.

However, the Versatchi specs proved a bit of a non-seller. He's also got a load of Peter Beardsley beauty products, so get your orders in now.

Saturday April 19