NINE out of nine! The record run goes on but some may say only just.

Not me. You get three points for for a win whether it is by five clear goals or a 2-1 struggle. A win is a win and we have a record-breaking nine!

Saturday was a close call. With the pace, movement and ability of our forwards showing to good effect, Rovers dominated the early stages and took an early two-goal lead.

We sat back and waited for more but it seemed the players did the same. I would rather give credit to Southport, who kept going, and with the wind behind them in the second half posed a real threat. There are no easy games in this league. It improves year by year as good British players are forced out of the higher divisions by the excessive number of foreign players in the English game.

Aaron O’Connor scored the first goal with a composed finish. I do not share the view of some that he was offside.

Then we saw a sweeping move, a glorious Guthrie pass and an emphatic Marsh-Brown finish. There were some near misses before half-time and after, but Southport always looked dangerous, especially at corners (they had nine) and an away goal was no surprise.

Rovers needed the defensive skills of substitute Jon Parkin to hold out and the relief of the final whistle meant the joy of three points.

Manager Ady wants everyone to enjoy the record-breaking run. He is quite right. It is special, and there is a very special group of people who should be basking in glory.

FGR are the longest serving club in the league, and until these wonderful Dale days it was a struggle to remain there.

We did so because so many people did so much, either putting their hands in their pockets, decorating the new stadium or doing voluntary matchday jobs. This still happens of course and the desire to help and do what is needed is that essence of non-league football. Some of the past heroes are now of a certain age, some are no longer with us, but the part they played by keeping the club alive until chairman Dale recognised its potential should not be forgotten.

Penny and I will be proud to rub shoulders with many of the current group at Thursday’s Supporters’ Club meeting.

This is an important one as an exciting organisation may emerge, building on the many strengths demonstrated by Trustees and Trust members. This will take the club forward in a united fashion off the pitch, matching the outstanding success on it. There will be even more for us to enjoy.

Football this week will be difficult. The Woking ground has not been a happy hunting ground of late.

The current team are good enough to rise above such suspicious as bogey teams and bogey grounds but a look at Woking’s home record shows how tough it will be.

Played four, won four. Goals for eleven, against two, but remember our away record is pretty good as well. Whatever happens, something has got to give.