Rovers avoid falling victim to Cupset, winning 3-1...

Had a few hours to reflect on the game and the more I think about it, the more I'm pleased with the result. This could VERY easily have been an upset today, so to win the game comfortably is pleasing. It could have been ten times better than 'comfortable', because quite frankly we were well on top all game and limited them to very few efforts on goal. We hit the post and had several efforts blocked or wonderfully saved by their goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie, so 3-1 was a little kind to Corby.

On the subject of our opponents today, Corby Town came to the Mem today with one thing on their mind - enjoy the day and experience. They did that for sure. Their supporters came in impressive numbers, with the away terrace looking almost sold out and they provided a superb noise all afternoon. Okay, they were aided by an annoying drum (why the hell do you need to take a drum to create an atmosphere?!) but they sung and supported their team throughout, with the odd rendition of 'Let's go f*cking mental' clearly audible and visible! So credit to them, I'm sure they enjoyed their day.

Mustapha Carayol, again, was just sensational. Truly fantastic. Corby couldn't deal with his pace, skill and direct runs towards goal... he was unstoppable. Muzzy was on the rampage forwards when he was felled in the box, giving captain Scott McGleish the opportunity to score from the spot. He stepped up and coolly slotted home in to the bottom right corner - 1-0. At this point, you couldn't help but think we were going to go on and score several more and we should have doubled our lead before half-time, when Craig Stanley placed wide after a cut-back from Matt Harrold. Corby needed the half-time break and to be fair to them, they came out in the second half looking less nervous. They mustered up a couple of attempts on goal without really threatening. However, to the shock of Gasheads but delight of the travelling Steelmen, the visitors equalised. A shot was only parried by Scott Bevan and Callum Reynolds was on hand to poke home from 6 yards and the away dugout and terrace, in tandem, erupted. 

Coaching staff, substitutes and fans alike went mad in celebration - even though it's horrible seeing the opposition score undeservedly, it was fantastic scenes to watch, because you could see just how much it meant to them.

They applied a bit of pressure for a spell but Rovers got back in front, deservedly, through Muzzy Carayol. He glided past three Corby players before unleashing an incredible effort past MacKenzie to the sheer delight of Gasheads. Corby were visibly deflated at this point and it only ever looked like Rovers who were going to score. We added a third late on when Chris Zebroski headed home a Craig Stanley cross, to mark his return to the side with a goal.

It was a lovely scene at the full-time whistle. I'm not going soft, but the Rovers players were clapped off and left the field of play to choruses of 'Goodnight Irene' and 'Na na na na na na na na na na, Muzzy Carayol, Carayol, Muzzy Carayol!', whilst the Corby players were applauded by their own fans and many Gasheads who stayed behind to show their appreciation. It meant a lot to the players and they seemed chuffed with the reaction.

I was proud to see the Rovers fans clap them off the pitch, it was a nice gesture. Anyway, 3-1 win and we march in to the second round, with the draw made directly after Halifax vs Charlton Sunday afternoon. Decent tie please!

Up the Gas!