WE showed real character in our 1-0 victory over Whitehawk last weekend.

After getting an early goal and creating a couple of other really good chances during the first half, we had to show real desire and commitment in the second half.

We restricted a very good side to half chances and it was an excellent display of defending from the whole team.

This weekend we face another good side in Wealdstone. Last time the teams met, we were able to get the win, but it took an injury-time header from David Ray to break them down.

They don’t have a lot to play for, but it can be hard coming up against a team playing with freedom. They have threats of their own and we know we will have to perform very well if we are to stay in contention.

It will be good to welcome The Wealdstone Raider to The Soccer AM Stadium. We are expecting a few extra people through the gate because he is coming and it’s up to us to make sure they come back.

We will be without Rob Dickie, whose loan is up and probably will not be extended as he is away on international duty with England Under-19s. I’m not sure the club has ever lost anyone to international duty before, but it has been great to have Rob for three months and we are grateful to Reading for letting him come to us.

With the end of term approaching, we will be holding trials for next year’s Academy programme again on April 7 and 14.

The standard has been excellent so far and if you are interested, visit basingstoke town.net for more details.

The Academy only have a couple of games left this season. They travel to Oxford City on Monday before their final fixture at home to Southampton Sparsholt late in April.

Regards,

Jason