Gribbling Not Dribbling !

The Gribble, Oving nr Chichester

I missed Saturday's game as I was at my mate's wedding in Chichester on Friday and had decided to stay down in West Sussex on the Friday and Saturday night to make a weekend of it.

The wedding itself was a splendid occasion helped in no small measure by the happy couple having chosen the splendid Gribble pub in which to hold the reception. They have a wonderful selection of their own ales plus a good selection of spirits etc.

The pub also provides good quality food and we were treated to a bbq and the food was excellent and plentiful. Add in some wonderful weather and it was an absolutely wonderful day !

If you find yourself anywhere near Chichester and have the time make sure you head direct to this fine watering hole !

The Saturday saw me trying to keep abreast of events from West Wittering beach. This is a place I'd not been to before and again I'd highly recommend it should you have the time. Miles of golden sands with sand dunes just back from the shore, it is a beautiful place.

It does cost £8 to park for the day but it is well worth it and I understand that the money is used by an estate management company comprised of local residents to maintain and preserve the area. If you go prepared ( we didn't !! ) you can save money by taking your own food and drink or a picnic. The refreshment outlets have something of a monopoly and are a tad expensive.

We were just heading out of the car park when I learned that Skip had scored and secured a draw. I could have used the term " salvaged " but what I've read of the second half it sounds as though we deserved to win and their keeper was forced to make some fine saves.

Overlooking the continuing mess off the pitch it does seem as if the team is starting to take shape. If as reported a couple more players ( hopefully decent midfielders ) are coming in then we may have a squad capable of mounting a challenge. The return of Diarra and Kashi can can't soon enough but it will be a real boost when they do.

Of course, for this to happen we need to get lucky with injuries not only our own by those of clubs from whom we've loaned players not least Norwich City ! Added to that if we can keep Tex and Lookman and Mr Slade can get them to gel and the front line scoring then it has a chance of becoming reality.

Onto tomorrow and we face Shrewsbury managed by the alliteratively named Micky Mellon. Like us they have struggled in front of goal in the league failing to score to date. Of course it would be totally out of character for us to allow them get off the mark !

The effects of Roland and Katrien disastrous management were reflected in the stands on Saturday where the crowd was reported to be just over 11k. That includes all the freebies and absent season ticket holders like me of course. Tuesday night will give a truer indication of things especially as The Shrews are unlikely to bring many on a Tuesday night.

Hopefully we can go one better and record a win. Here's hoping.

Come On You Reds !