ONE man and two words stand out from the fine victory over Macclesfield on Saturday.

The man is Ady Pennock, the words are determination and resolution. What we are now seeing is Pennock’s side and how effective they can be.

Gone is the soft-centred approach of previous seasons.

The team is tough. There are warriors all over the field. It is not just the 50-50 battles that are won, some 60-40 ones are as well.

On Saturday you could see how much our players care and how well the crowd responded. It was uplifting being there.

In what was a fine team performance two players deserve special mention. Jon Parkin scored a sublime goal, but he did so much more.

His defensive work at corners was outstanding and his deft touch and ball control are a delight to watch.

The other name is David Pipe. A natural leader, he coaxes, cajoles and encourages those around him, criticising when necessary, but above all organising those around him.

Now playing in midfield David has more influence and he has given the team more impetus.

The goals were crackers. The first by Aarran Racine demonstrates how much better Rovers are from set pieces. Delivery has improved and we have players determined to take advantage.

Dale Bennett was back to his best on Saturday and there has been some debate over whether he scored with a shot or a misplaced cross. The debate is irrelevant; it was a goal!

The much maligned Steve Arnold made a decent save when Macclesfield were having their best spell of the game and the strong wind was behind them. A few minutes later we were 3-1 up and in total control.

At the end of the game, manager Ady made no promises, but rightly praised the effort of all the players.

He was even more exuberant and effervescent then usual! It is amazing to realise this lively young man is already a grandfather.

Now to Gateshead, where there is a wonderful athletics ground on which football is played.

The native talk in a strange tongue and eat even stranger foods (Barm cakes and stottie bread). Mrs Light is equipping me for missionary work giving me 25 portions of lardy cake to distribute. I fear I shall be mobbed by the natives demanding more.