A WEEK ago I sat down to write my page for the Oxford Mail while preparing for two home games against Gillingham and Bradford City.

Since then we have picked up four points and, I think, given the fans some great entertainment with two very good performances.

They were very contrasting games, but some of our team work and movement was outstanding.

Against Gillingham we improved as the game wore on.

One key aspect was that our fans understood our game plan and continued to get behind us, which ultimately paid off.

The confidence from the stands made it easier for the team to keep playing our game after a couple of tricky moments at the start of the match.

From that moment on I was really happy with the way we played.

In the second half, we took over and dominated, scoring three goals and probably created chances to score twice that many.

The players were buzzing and knew they had done well.

But we had to try to refocus very quickly because on Tuesday night we knew we were playing a very strong Bradford side, who only lost in the play-off final at Wembley last season.

Once again I was really satisfied with our performance and especially with the fighting spirit and the confidence we showed in playing our brand of football.

We conceded from the only shot on target that Bradford managed in the first half.

And for some teams that might affect confidence or they might start doing the wrong things to get back into the match.

That’s always a mistake – we had a game plan we believed would win the game, so there is no need to change it immediately after you concede.

Instead we kept playing the way we know works best for us and in the end we got our rewards.

The fact we were disappointed with drawing against a team that will be up there come the end of the season, says a great deal about our desire to win football matches.

We can take so much confidence from that.

And I believe the last couple of performances represent the foundations of the side we ultimately want to become.

We are in a good position and have only lost one game so far.

So we have to be pleased with that and continue to work hard to improve and evolve from here.

There’s no let-up in this league and this is particularly the case in what’s a busy and demanding September schedule.

Today we face another tough away test against a very strong Blackpool side that haven’t dropped a single point at home so far this season.

We’re ready for it and I’m sure everybody is looking forward to continuing to show just what we’re capable of.

OUR support has been fantastic all season and I know that thousands of fans are travelling up to Blackpool, not just for the game but to enjoy one last a weekend by the sea this summer.

I thought of those fans when the rain was pounding on the roof of my office the other afternoon!

I hope the British weather is kind this afternoon and everyone who makes the journey has a great time.

We will do our best to make it that much more enjoyable by putting in a strong performance away from home.