AFTER a week of unsettled weather up in Harrogate including snow, it was a concern that the game might be another that would fall victim to the climate.

But as it turned out, there was little to worry about and it turned out fairly nice in Yorkshire with a pitch that was in very good condition.

Credit must go to the hosts' grounds staff who had worked hard, and the evidence was there for all to see.

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With the Cowley brothers firmly settled in and behind the tiller of a ship that they are firmly in control of, there was a strong following for the U’s, with more than 300 making the trip up from North Essex.

We were treated to a game that showed lots of promise and improvements across the pitch, except for where it counted.

We were punished for this with a late goal conceded which deprived us of a point that would have been a fair result, given how the game went over the 90 minutes.

But of course, points are not awarded on what should have been, but rather on what had been and although we were at times the much better team and on top of the game, we were not clinical enough and also had lapses of concentration in all areas.

Gazette:

It was a typical match where the stats do not show the whole picture.

Sat at home and watching the highlights it seems a game that we should have won and comfortably.

While there is some truth in this, it does a disservice to Harrogate and especially their goalkeeper who produced some fine moments, none more so than the first half save from Noah Chilvers whose long-range shot looked destined for the top corner only for it to be tipped wide.

What most impressed me was the understanding of the players and how they have clearly been working on shapes and movement during training.

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The little combinations and one-two touch football had improved massively and the ability to move the ball around on the front foot was evident in spells.

It was of course nowhere near the finished article and at the end of the day, it was another game where we failed to get anything from it and build the gap between ourselves and the drop.

There were steps forward and the takeaway is that we are getting better and week by week, look more like a side that is on the front foot and able to challenge teams.

But we need to get points on the board and use all these positives as a building block for next season.

Gazette:

At the moment, we need the points on the board no matter what and the next few games give us the perfect opportunity to do just that with a home double header coming up before the trip to Sutton.

These are games where out of the nine points on offer, I think we should be aiming for seven minimum.

Yes all nine would be great, but two wins and a draw would see us in a bit more of a comfortable position – relative to where we are now of course – and would have the benefit of taking points away from those around us in Grimsby and Sutton.

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At the moment, it's all in our hands and we are in a position where as long as we keep doing our thing and picking up points, we will be OK.

I know survival is not a success story, but it is the most important thing.

Get this season done and dusted with us still in the Football League and then over the summer, we can start to get excited by what is to come next season.

Let's keep up the support and enjoy the games as no-one can deny the entertainment is back.

Up the U’s.