Cod Almighty | Diary

The greatest thing since bread came sliced

27 October 2014

Miss Guest Diary writes: You must have heard that saying about football being a game of two halves. Well it certainly was on Saturday. It was business as usual in the first half: a competent defensive display with a few chances created, but spurned. There was plenty of time to catch up with friends, engage in a bit of social networking on the phone and even contemplate the excellent view across the Humber.

Then Nathan Arnold came on and it was a whole different ball game. Obviously, not literally: it was still football but with so much more energy and focus. There was no time – or need – for chatting as we watched him take command. He was everywhere, scoring the first goal, setting up the other two and getting involved in nearly every move. It's hard not to ponder where Town might be in the division had Arnold been fit from the start of the season. But then, if he wasn't so injury prone, he'd probably be playing for a League club rather than Town anyway. I think I'm just going to settle for enjoying the games for which he is fit and hoping some of his skill inspires – or maybe even rubs off on – his teammates up front.

It was also good to hear the manager having a little joke with John Tondeur when he was asked about substitutions and formation changes, rather than getting all snippy. It's amazing what a couple of good results can do to lighten the mood.

So, Town are in the pot for the first round proper of the FA Cup and you can see the draw on BBC2 at 7pm tonight. The number to look out for is 51. I don't mind who Town are drawn to play as long as it's away from Blundell Park. This is for the purely selfish reason that the next round coincides with my birthday, for which I have been promised a weekend away – and I really don't want to celebrate my birthday in a B&B on Isaac's Hill. Not even the most dazzling performance from Nathan Arnold could sweeten that pill.