FOR the “Forest Green Flier” the only way was Essex on Saturday.

Despite many holiday makers heading for the seaside charms of Southend or the call of Clacton, we arrived at Colchester’s Weston Homes Stadium with plenty of time to spare.

Seeing the team coach parked neatly we knew the players had arrived together – but on the field there was no evidence of cohesion and a display of sloppy passing resulted in a 5-1 thrashing.

A determined Colchester side, using the full width of the pitch, constantly caused problems. Outplayed in all areas, Rovers had no answer.

Obvious faults remain and the team has to wise up. Opponents are taking advantage of mistakes, quickly turning defence into attack.

Four league games have been played so although it is too early for judgments, there are legitimate and timely questions.

Firstly, we kicked off with just four of our Wembley Wonders in the side. Seven new signings made the starting XI. Time will tell but we have to ask how successful manager Mark has been in his recent signings.

Secondly, are we playing the right goalkeeper? Twelve goals against in four league games indicates we are not.

Sam Russell played in the cup tie against M K Dons and kept a clean sheet for 90 minutes, their winning goal coming in extra time.

With him behind them our defence looked organised and confident. I am sure the day will come for young Bradley Collins, but at the moment he is not at his best and his distribution is dire.

Sam may be back in the side at Wycombe on Saturday.

We must also ask about midfield. They seem lightweight physically and are regularly beaten in the air. They are the engine room of the team and crucial to Cooper’s possession-play strategy. But they can be hassled and hurried by quicker, stronger opposition.

I have written before about Christian Doidge being isolated in attack and this remains the case. His frustration at Colchester was obvious.

The energetic Omar Bugiel would be a worthy starting partner for Christian, but Omar is about to head to South Korea as a member of the Lebanese international squad and that puts him out of the immediate picture.

Playing without wingers means Christian gets limited service. I had hoped the determined Doidge would be selected for Wales, becoming the first home international to be selected for his country while wearing the FGR shirt. That remains a real hope but for this to happen he needs real support.

At times, he is so alone he looks like the Bishops Rock lighthouse, but much more mobile, of course.

Some fans are complaining about the formation of the side. Not me! Formations can and do change during games. I am more concerned about performance and, at the moment, defensive performance.

I think we are far too gentlemanly and would at times like to see some ‘Row Z’ defending. We simply do not clear our lines quickly enough.

The ball is now firmly in manager Cooper’s court. He has minimal time left before the transfer deadline and knows he must stand or fall on the strength of the current squad. They are players of his own choosing. He will not shirk the challenge, and as fans we must all wish him every success.

I have been asked if Saturday’s football result made me angry. Sad, yes, but angry no. That feeling was reserved for the sight of a traffic warden booking a middle-aged couple unpacking their car outside the Fleece Hotel. This task would have been brief and the booking unnecessary.

What message does this send out to those who wish to stay here and enjoy the charms of the Cotswolds?

Recently I had a warm phone call from Judith Hiscock whose husband Richard had been a doughty cricketer for Oaksey. He was one of the men “who were boys when I was a boy”.

Other names include Dave and Rodney Woodward as well as the splendid Geoff Boulton.

Judith tells me Richard died recently from prostate cancer and in his honour, but more importantly to raise money for research, a T20 cricket match is to be played at Oaksey on Sunday (September 3). Funds will also go to the wonderful Chance to Shine charity.

The Lord's Taverners have leant an indoor cricket set so if wet the game will go on in the adjacent village hall.