However, this does not diminish our overall effort. We performed admirably yet again. Possession data present a different image. However, despite having a lot of the ball, Fulham were quite limited in their ability to hit us where it mattered. Our new method of playing three centre-backs has made us a lot closer unit. And, with the return of the outstanding Nathan Broadhead, we have more to look forward to. There is a good likelihood that our ongoing improvement will allow us to survive. However, our poor injury record will continue to be a hindrance. We can now add Conor Chaplin and Omari Hutchinson to the list of injured. That is something we could really do without.

The January transfer window was already massive, it may just have got even bigger. But squad size limitations will really force our hand.

Nathan Broadhead has impressed since his return to the starting lineup (Image: PA Sport).I am glad to see Ben Godfrey arrive so early. I believe we will see him in action in Sunday’s FA Cup match. He will add experience down the right, but it will take him a few games to catch up. With his loan signing completed on the fifth of this month, he joins other signings on this day in the previous two years who have made a good impression. Massimo Luongo (2023) and Lewis Travis (2024 – loan) were successful fifth-day of January purchases. Here’s hope Godfrey can do the same! Sunday’s performance, two games unbeaten, and with more signings expected in this window, we have plenty to feel positive about.

If we can get two or three more newbies over the line sooner rather than later, cause for optimism could go up another notch. Mind you, it is just the small matter of Brighton, Manchester City and Liverpool up next in the league!

Ben Godfrey has signed a loan. (Image: ITFC/Matchday Images)Before that, the focus shifts to Sunday’s FA Cup match against Bristol Rovers. There have been some memorable FA Cup encounters versus the Pirates in the past to think about. The most memorable moment occurred on our path to winning the tournament in 1978. We were fortunate to secure a 2-2 draw away to Eastville in the fifth round. Robin Turner scored two goals in frigid circumstances, forcing a rematch, which Town won 3-0. Almost a year to the day after that replay, we hosted Rovers in another fifth-round tie which we won 6-1. I was at the game. It was only my second ever game. I was just seven years old.I now know that it was the only time I saw Kevin Beattie play for Town.

We left at 4-1 and only found out the full-time result when the newspaper came through the door the following morning. My dad liked to leave early, and we missed two goals.

Further victories came for us in 1985 (third round) and 1998 (third round replay). I fully expect us to progress this time around too. Unless another Maidstone scenario rears its ugly head!

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