Dave's Diary

Home > Features > Dave Boylen > Dave's Diary

That from my experience as an ex-player that is so disheartening, because believe me Stockport is a difficult place to get a result from and the Town players probably thought that with two home games coming up against Accrington Stanley and Lincoln City the tide was finally turning in their favour. Then to get beaten at home by a team that in my opinion, we should be well prepared for and even be looking to notch up a few goals against, to say I was deflated after that defeat was to put it mildly.

I could not even stick up for the mighty Mariners to the numerous supporters who asked my thoughts after the game, I really thought that we could be in serious trouble if we did not pick up over the rest of the Xmas period.

The first big test was the local Derby home game against our arch rivals Lincoln City, and even in my playing days they were always a difficult team to play against – home or away. To be fair that’s how the game went. Town in my opinion were just in front and maybe just deserved to win, but the goal came late from a player who gives everything whenever he plays for the Mariners. I’m a big fan of Gary Jones and think his hard work for the team doesn’t get enough credit.

And what a good pro he his. The young lads in the squad, all of whom I think have massive potential, can all really learn from this guy. There he was coming on as a substitute with just ten minutes left on the clock, across from the left hand side of the pitch a ball came in which did not look dangerous, Jones presence made the Lincoln goalkeeper nervous forcing the keeper, who had looked solid, to palm the ball out to Jones who rifled the ball gladly into the back of the net to give Town a vital home win. Despite not being a regular starter – you certainly never see Jonah moaning on the back page of the telegraph.

Then to the away game on New Years day to Chester - a splendid 2-0 win at another very hard place to go. Although in Manager Alan Buckley’s words one of the worst first half performances he has ever seen since he has been a football club manager, but thankfully the Mariners got the right result in the end.

Alan Buckley made a comment in the Telegraph only the other week which I think is quite significant, his words were that he and his coaching staff are trying to build a squad that would be very difficult to beat and also play the football that Buckley demands.

Also it is vitally important hurdle was crossed for the football club since I wrote my last column. I am of course talking about the planning permission for the new stadium that has now been granted, but I better be a little cautious there because it was rumored that a three legged pink elephant had been seen running around in Great Coates village and that we must have a delay in the building of the stadium just in case it decides it wants to stay there for a few years.

On a final note I really hope we can climb to a respectable position in the league and build a strong squad that can get us next year into a very positive challenge to get out of this awful league.

Up The Mariners

Dave Boylen

See Dave's other articles

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• Chesterfield v Grimsby Preview
• All You Need To Know About....Chesterfield
• The Window Of Opportunity
• More Stories