THE win against Halifax was the best performance of the season-will it prove to be the most important as well?

Nuneaton defeating us on Tuesday was hard to take.

Before kick-off on Saturday, it was clear that the prophets of doom had come to the game expecting  to moan at boss Ady Pennock, not praise him.

Human nature is a funny thing. Why is the forum quieter after a victory?

James Norwood was restored to his wide position, which is his best position-sorry James!

Rob Sinclair is more effective in central midfield.

The striking problem was solved by moving Clovis Kamdjo up front. His pace, plus willingness to race and chase after everything brought a different dimension to the team. It brought us a goal and Clovis could easily have scored himself. Of course his performance was rough around the edges, but it seemed to enthuse the whole team. Rovers were a busy effective side, who established a two-goal supremacy and never looked surrendering it.

Sam Russell was in confident form. His sound and safe handling behind the back four was superb. Oliver, my man-of-the-match, and Coles showed evidence of an enduring partnership. Captain Pipe was back to his best and Halifax never looked like threatening our lead.

This lead had been established by two well taken goals. Norwood made a header from a difficult angle look easy for the first and Parkin thumped the second goal in, taking his chance really well.

The whole team looked totally determined and high-flying Halifax could not compete. It was suggested to that Halifax were very poor (the prophets of doom are never satisfied!) They were not poor, they were a good side, outplayed by a vigorous, enthusiastic Rovers team. Can this standard be maintained? Quite simply, if a promotion push is to be achieved, it has to be.

The first one was evidence that the defenceis gelling as a unit. The goals against column (six) speaks for itself. Chris Stokes has yet to find his true form, but we all know what he is capable of and with Eddie Oshodi and Dale Bennett in reserve, we have strength in depth.

Secondly, midfield is another area where we have a strong group. Sinclair, Kamdjo and Wedgbury give us a fine engine room and add to that the flair of Kelly and Frear-you have a strong group.

Hughes, Parkin, Rodgers and perhaps Guthrie is more of a cause for concern. Hughes provides some sumptuous moments while Parkin knows where the goal is, but do they have enough mobility? This is where Rodgers comes in. He is sparingly used at the moment but I see him being of real value as a speedy sub coming on for the last 25 minutes.

There were healthy signs on Saturday that this able group of players were performing as a team, this more than anything will take us forward. All of us hope that affable Ady is the man to lead us. Personally, I find him a pleasure to deal with, though he can wound. I suggested to him that he had put on a pound or two since coming to Gloucestershire. "John, I have a long way to go to catch you up", was his cutting reply.