Thanks to the dictates of the 1-eyed monster, TV scheduling, we found ourselves Stevenage-bound on a wet and miserable Thursday. The weather was perhaps indicative of the fact that as far as viable targets are concerned we are just treading water. Being stuck at the Newport Pagnell services for close to an hour didn’t improve matters, but it’s this sort of happening that tests the mettle of many a travelling fan.

We arrived to find that across the adjacent highway was an early Easter fun fair in full swing. The question was briefly posed as to which side of this thoroughfare would offer greater pleasure.

As to the match, the news of the late recall by Shrewsbury of Jones, who’d proved his worth, was not something we wished to hear. We certainly did miss Jones (not in the 'Rigsby' sense), even though there was more than a dash of comedy in the first half. Mind you, no one was laughing, least of all Hurren for his error leading to their opener. Whatever he was tainted with appeared to spread to others, surprisingly even Kenna. Though still nimble of mind, Kenna's hard-wired reaction time appeared on the blink, which was duly recognised by Stevenage who exploited his lack of pace. At times it appeared that we did have a plan, the problem being that we were not reading off the same proverbial hymn sheet. For long periods Penn (surprisingly) went missing, as did Bennett (not so). The front three, being starved of any worthwhile service, were reduced to snapping at ill-aimed scraps.

In the second half, as predicted by us 'experts' in the crowd, there were no sudden changes. Taking off Hurren and Kenna and bringing on just about anybody would have to be an improvement. In spite of this disregard of our collective wisdom, matters took a turn for the better. Credit where it's due, they battled, Christie's equaliser being the epitome.

Mention here for the away fans. It never fails to surprise me the absolute ear-blowing support they somehow engender even when the chips are down. As often happens, with such sustained pressure the opposition broke away to steal the lead. All it did was to generate even greater efforts by fans and players alike. The dying minutes produced ‘hiding behind the sofa’ moments for the home fans. I don't think even they could have had cause for complaint if we'd have equalised.

I didn't agree with Russell getting MotM on Saturday. No such qualms on Thursday; he was my choice as he easily had his best game of the season. A tiring Knights replaced by a more-focused-than-of-late McGrath also helped to add late pressure. The Harriers’ barnstorming finish certainly went a long way to ease the drudgery of a ‘pointless’ quest.

There was a slight tinge of disappointment that only a few players took the time to acknowledge the fans at the end, for they had been truly tremendous.

I’m looking forward to Exeter for a decent pint and pie at The Green Man. The banter is free, if not the beer, but it does help to nullify any (unlikely) defeat and embellish the euphoria of victory (I hope). Come what may, if the game is half as good. as the accoutrements I’ll not complain.

My memory was jogged by The Green Man for I am of the age that I can remember The Green Man (and Still) in Kidderminster, where the height of sophistication was to drink halves of Worthington E and smoke a Castella just to try to impress young ladies who used to attend jazz nights at the town hall. All I will say is that it never worked for me.

Just a note for all of you of the twinkle toes variety. I see that the popular Five-a-side competition is to make a welcome return to Aggborough on 10 May. In fact, the usual size is teams of eight. If you want any more information you can contact Helen MacDonald at Aggborough on 01562 823931.

Finally, congrats to all involved in the Back on Track event at the King and Castle for raising the princely sum of £1000.

Thanks for your time.