When Colin Faiers first presented the goal statistics to the Club at the start of the season, laying down the gauntlet for 'JT', it seemed a tall order for him to beat Alan Biley's long standing record. John has had an excellent season and the record quickly became achievable as he began to rattle in the goals in his quest to keep pace with Martin Butler and Trevor Benjamin. Not so long ago he became the Club's loading goalscorer in all competitions since we gained our Football League status and there was no better way to break the League record by scoring in front of a packed Newmarket Road end to cap a fine 4-0 victory. Normally, I don't often get to see too much of the home games, but on Saturday I was pleased to say I witnessed the fourth goal. After being named 'King of The Abbey' earlier this season and hopefully with greater success to follow, 1999 will certainly be a year for him to remember. Well done John.

Continuing with the congratulatory theme, I can't ignore the achievements of Ian Darler and his 'team' in winning the Nationwide Groundsman of the Year for Division Three. Ian will receive his award before the Peterborough United game later this month. A special mention must also go to the other members of the team, Trevor Ball, Kevin Hill and the old stalwart Wally Rookes. I know the excellent condition of our pitch has been an important factor in allowing the team to play some of the best football seen at The Abbey for several years.

With the Club enjoying a successful period, it was nice that we ware able to entertain some of the unsung heroes at the Halifax Town game on Saturday. Step forward Pete Hammond, Jim Griffin, Peter Norris and Gary Hooper, our Scouts who cover thousands of miles each year reporting on teams we are due to play and looking for up and coming players. Whilst Gary and Peter have been to The Abbey already this season, it was Pete and Jim's first visit. All four cover the length and breadth of the country to ensure that Roy McFarland is prepared for each game by supplying him with information on our forthcoming opponents. Each of our opponents are watched at least twice before we play them and our Scouts send in reports detailing their formation, set-plays, strengths and weaknesses. It can't be easy motivating yourself after a day at work to go out and watch a game, knowing you'll be sitting in the cold in the middle of winter and then arriving back at home late at night. None of them refuse a request to attend a game and their commitment to the Club is outstanding and is greatly appreciated by all concerned.

On Saturday the 'SOLD OUT' notices went up on the Main Stand turnstiles just prior to kickoff. Pre-match interest in the game had been good and the message to arrive early has obviously been accepted, Tonight is the last 'pay-on-the-turnstile' game of the season as you must all know by now that our remaining two home games against Peterborough United and Brentford are both all-ticket. The increased attendances at The Abbey make it a sensible option to consider buying a Season Ticket next season, the prices for which will be released shortly.

Finally, and as expected, the total attendance figure for first team matches at The Abbey passed through the 100,000 barrier on Saturday. With the help of the computerised turnstile monitoring system and his own eagle-eye, Graham Eales was able to pick out the 100,000th supporter who was Justin Weiss, a Season Ticket holder from Potton.