Cod Almighty | Match Report

by Chris Parker

10 December 2025

Frustration is mounting. Yet another game of cudda shudda.

Town were unchanged from their FA Cup exploits against Wealdstone but in blustery conditions made a slow start. Slowly we grew into the game, with McEachran looking one of very few players able to control and pass the ball.

Loud claims for a penalty from the away end when Kabia went down immediately in front of the assistant referee. Not even a twitch of his flag and the confused referee blew and gave Shrewsbury a free kick. I can't say I had a clear view from the far end of the ground but not long later we were awarded a penalty when Walker hit the deck. Again, my long distance view, with ageing eyesight, was that it was a fortunate decision as the Shrew defender looked to have played the ball. I guess those watching on various forms of TV and streaming would have had a clearer view than those in the away end. Nevertheless Vernam calmly sent the home custodian the wrong way to put the Mariners one up.

The quality didn't improve due to various factors, strong wind never helps, but equally it is fourth division football. No shortage of effort, but little else.

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, both Tharme and Rodgers had a chance to clear their lines but tried to overplay and only succeeded in giving away a throw-in level with our penalty box. The initial throw was poor but when it was recycled it was crossed in with some pace, and old nemesis Marquis thumped in a powerful header to level the scores.

In the second half Town dominated possession but, frustratingly, didn't really create chances nor work Brook in the home goal.

Frankly we huffed and puffed but created diddly squat. Would we have been better with an additional central striker? Kabia ran their two central defenders ragged but was largely isolated (yet again). Substitutes were made but, if anything, made us less effective (again), no change of shape (again) and points were dropped when we really should have won (again). Oh so familiar.

One win in eight league games is a woeful return when we are repeatedly told the stats 'prove' how well we are playing! The stat that matters is outscoring the opposition and winning games. We are fed a diet of clichés about XGs, whilst updates on long-term injuries are avoided like the plague. The superiority of our leaders is beginning to grate on many. It would be irrelevant if results were good, but they aren't, they are awful.

Things need to change and quickly.

I do believe we have the players to go on a three- or four-game winning run, but at present confidence is visibly fading, and the body language of some does not give the impression of a happy camp.

Notts County and Bromley will be stern tests pre Christmas. Four or six points will raise the spirits!