THE boys were buoyant after the game – there was a real positive vibe around the place – and they were disappointed they did not win it.

We had what on paper looked a very tough opening five games on our return to the Southern Premier – Paulton, Bideford and Corby, with Poole and fellow champions Dunstable to come – so I am comfortable at the moment with four points from nine.

Saturday’s match against Corby was a good benchmark. They looked strong at the start and I think we gave them too much respect and tried to stop them rather than playing ourselves. That may have been our fault for telling them that Corby were going to be title contenders.

But apart from one early shot Glyn (Garner) did not have to make a save.

We were much more expansive after the break and perhaps should have won it.

We are beginning to prove to ourselves that we can play at this level. Fear is no longer a factor.

I thought my two centre backs (Gethin Jones and Mark Pritchett) were brilliant and Ryan Elliott came in and did well at right back on his debut. But then I had seen what he could do in pre-season.

Reidy (Jamie Reid) had to come off at half-time with a tight groin but then he has missed a chunk of pre-season due to his wedding and honeymoon.

THE youthful Cirencester Town boss Brian Hughes had his seventh grandchild on Saturday when his daughter Victoria and his centre half Mark Pritchett had a baby boy – Harley Joshua Pritchett. Pritchett Snr was able to be at the birth after dashing to hospital following the Corby game.