So Everton didn’t quite bring a first team squad down to Edgar Street , yet they certainly came equipped with the players to beat us.

We held firm once again and had the better chances to win the game, which was encouraging. Having looked at last season’s friendly results, we have certainly had a much more positive campaign so far (it wasn’t hard was it!).

Having seen just a deflected shot scored past us while being on the pitch, I’ve been happy with the lack of goals against us. It isn’t just the defenders and goalkeeper (sorry Bitts); we are working hard on defensive shape as a team and playing against different formations. We need to make sure we carry this on throughout the season. This will give us a platform to be a strong side to beat and I’m sure Canno can build on his one goal too!!

Monday saw Chris Carruthers and I start a move in process, joining Sam Clucas and Bruno Dalibard in “the house”! I’m pretty sure this is a move by the management team to make sure they eat properly (in Sam’s case too little and in Bruno’s case too much!!!).

We introduced them to fresh foods and cooked our special Spaghetti Bolognese dish. Onions, peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms….they actually know what they are now!

I had a bad night sleep that first night; let’s just say the mattress wasn’t great. Woke up like a grouchy bear and scraped my car against a wall. So just as well no one took me up on the Ferrari car sponsorship!

It was to get better that day as Sammy, CC and I headed to the driving range. It was no exhibition and when I put all my efforts into a wild swing, Sammy’s driver head went flying 50 yards along with the ball! Anyone care to join us for a game? Didn’t think so!

Prior to moving into the House, we had been staying over at the Royal National College for the Blind. The facilities there are fantastic and the football club has an agreement to use thePoint4 gym up there.

During our stay, the staff have been great to us and the way it runs is amazing. We had the pleasure of watching the Olympic Opening ceremony with two older ladies on Friday night in the communal college living room.

One in particular took a shine to Chris and the other sat next to me. I thought the ceremony was good, however, after 10 minutes of talking to me and Chris, one was snoring away like a trooper.

I’ve watched the England blind team train, how they work together and even sat where I could hear an important team meeting for the Olympics! They have really made me think about life in general while I’ve been there. They don’t ask for sympathy. I wish them luck in the Olympics and hope they meet their goals.

Tuesday night’s game was another tick in the pre-season box for us. Players got more minutes under their belts, another clean sheet and our first trophy as a squad! We had our full squad out on show and played against a spirited Westfields team.

It was their cup final, I heard them coming out the changing rooms like fire crackers. Yet we are superior opposition and you have to be ruthless and show it – why enter a competition otherwise?

I was delighted for Sammy who scored two goals and Marley Watkins on his first ever trophy as a sportsman. We will arrange for him to take the trophy down to Swansea this weekend and have it for a while!

Well done Marley!