Alan Julian dives to save a Huddersfield free-kick

E-mail your comments and questions to John Nutter atjnutter@thekmgroup.co.uk

I was delighted to see Alan Julian play well for us at Huddersfield on Saturday.

AJ took his place after Roycy was unfortunately involved in a car accident (which we all hope he recovers from quickly). He was exceptional – just as all the boys expected him to be.

AJ pulled off some outstanding saves, particularly from a point blank header in the first half and I think he can go a long way in the game.

We see every day in training not only how good a goalkeeper he is but also how hard he works at his game.

His attitude has been incredible ever since I met him four years ago but even more so since his chances have been limited at Gillingham. In fact, he has just worked harder.

We expected last weekend’s match to be a test and so it proved as we came up against a strong Huddersfield side.

We took an early lead through Jacko after a great ball from Kev Maher. He raced away and, just as I was berating him for not having a touch and taking on the goalie, the ball flew over their keeper and nestled in the goal.

It was a great finish for Jacko’s first goal away from home this season. We’ve been giving him a bit of stick about it and it was nice to see him shut us up. We seemed to be frustrating Huddersfield and were forcing them to play long balls.

They were having long-range efforts throughout the first half and we looked like we would go in at half-time a goal up. Unfortunately, Huddersfield had other ideas.

They managed to get their way back into the game through a goal which I felt was at least a yard offside (I had a good view unfortunately as I was substitute and warming up at the time!).

It was a blow to concede when we did but a bigger blow when they managed to nick in front from a set-piece. That’s something we are frustrated about and in the end it cost us a good point away from home.

We couldn’t find a way back in the second half but we go into the next away fixture feeling as though the first away win is fast approaching.

Huddersfield was another over-nighter so I gave Stewy another shot as my roomy and he did well again. He is a bubbly lad and we always have a giggle, although I don’t enjoy having to tuck him in and check the wardrobe for the bogey man before he can get to sleep!

We face Stockport in a vital game this weekend and we need to make sure they stay below us. It’s going to be tight this season and only a few points will separate the top half from the relegation places. It makes every point important and we’ll approach Saturday as we have done every home game, hoping to get the three points.