WE got our season back on track at Hartlepool with a great 2-1 victory against Yeovil at the weekend. It was an important win for after the disastrous 6-1 loss the previous week away to Stevenage.
After that loss it was a very tough week for us both physically and mentally and we did a lot of work to try and rectify the situation.
Still, we made hard work of the win after conceding the opening goal of the game and it took a moment of magic from Nathan Thomas to win us the match in the 92nd minute.
But it was one we will take and hopefully it kick starts our season now. We took a lot of stick last week after the heavy defeat and rightly so. It was great to make things right this week. The atmosphere in training wasn’t the best because we were trying to do everything to make sure we don’t ever have that feeling again so when Nathan’s goal hit the back of the net there was great celebrations from everyone.
This weekend we are at home to Mansfield and we really could do with a win to get our first home victory of the season. It is also the least our fans deserve because so far this year they have been very good to us. Our performances have been quite decent even if the results haven’t been as good. To be honest, I would take results over performance any day of the week.

Ireland back in action
The Rep of Ireland started their World Cup qualifiers with a very tough game away to Serbia last Monday and in the end it was a very good result for us. We drew 2-2 in a game where we could have lost either 4-2 or won 4-2.
We had big chances to win the game but were also blessed at the other end with the crossbar saving us. Before the game I would have taken a point. It was important not to lose the first game and keep the feel-good factor of the summer’s Euro campaign going. When you look at the group we have, Serbia are probably second favourites after Wales so to take a couple of home points off them was good. But only if we make sure we win our games at home and do our best to make the Aviva a fortress.
The double header next month against Georgia (home) and Moldova (away) are massive games for us because they are both winnable and if we have any ambitions of qualifying for the World Cup they are must-win games for us.
That might sound silly this early in the group but we don’t want to be playing catch up on teams. Also, let’s call a spade a spade. We are a lot better than both of those sides and seven points from the opening three games would be a great start for us.

Premier League
The new Premier League season is a couple of weeks old but it is taking a familiar shape with the top 6 made up of Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal.
So far Man City have been the most impressive with maximum points. I didn’t get to see the derby game on Saturday but from the highlights Man City were easily the better team and it is very interesting to see how Pep Guardiola has them playing.
He has brought their confidence back and stamped his own mark on the team too. Raheem Sterling, who I have been a massive critic of so far in his career, has been brilliant for City in the opening games and apart from Sergio Aguero, Sterling has been their best attacking player.
For City to beat United away from home without Aguero is a massive statement of intent and they look like a force again this year.
Liverpool are fifth and I have been very impressed by their performances in their two wins against Arsenal and Leicester. There have been a couple of defensive mishaps so far but let’s be honest, if you’re going to play Lucas Leiva a midfielder that is going to happen.
Sadio Mane has been a great signing for them and if he keeps playing well he will be a major influence in their season.