AT THE final whistle on Saturday manager Ady Pennock raced on to the Sincil Bank pitch and hugged all his players.

Had I been able to, I would have hugged him too. Tactics had been right, selection had been inspired and the determination and character of his team did everyone proud. Lincoln City 1 Forest Green 2. Hooray!

The strong, swirling wind prevented any quality football being played and the game was never more than scrappy but at this time of the season it is results that count.

There were some surprises. Firstly Ady had picked both James Norwood and Kurtis Guthrie. The latter was outstanding, playing with pace and determination and being the ideal foil for the experienced Jon Parkin.

David Pipe played in midfield where he gave a combative display. His experience was invaluable and his defensive work made matters easier for our excellent back four.

They like history at Lincoln and are justly proud of the Dambusters squadron who flew from nearby RAF Scampton using the Barnes-Wallis bouncing bomb to destroy German dams.

The match ball had obviously heard about the bomb because it was scarcely on the surface, bouncing everywhere and it was Lincoln’s dam that broke first.

Starting vigorously, Rovers were two goals ahead after 14 minutes. The first a Frear header was as rare a sight as the chairman wearing a tie. A Dale Bennett cross skidded off the head of Parkin, but despite being the shortest man in the vicinity Elliott headed high into the net.

A few minutes later Guthrie bore down on the Lincoln goal where home keeper Paul Farman impeded him illegally. He was the last defender but received a yellow card not a red. Strange.

After a long, nervous wait, Parkin blasted home our second goal. He was less successful with the second spot kick which hit the keeper's legs.

Despite missing the kick Jon showed his value to the team throughout, some of his defensive work being strong and decisive.

In the second half Lincoln had the wind behind them and were more of a threat. Goalkeeper Arnold was outstanding. He handled the ball well, showing both confidence and judgment. He does need a ‘Plan B’ for dealing with penalties. Diving early allows the taker the chance to wait, then shoot into the unguarded net.

Anyone who does not give Rovers full credit for this win should look at the stats. With 11 wins and 33 goals scored Lincoln have one of the best home records in the league.

It may have been untidy but it was a fine win. I loved it, so much so it made my non-attendance at Cirencester Town’s 125th birthday celebrations easier to bear.

Having watched them from the Somerford Road to Smith's Field and now to their fine ground, during which time they have progressed from the obscurity of the Cheltenham League to the Premier Division of the Southern League, it was an occasion that would have meant so much.

Like so many in my youth I was penniless but had a push bike and following Cirencester Town in the late 50s was a joy. The names are still with me – Stratford G, Tugwell J, Parker H, Archer H, Taylor B, Parker F and a centre forward known as ‘Stump' Robbins.

He was short and far from slender but did not have to run much, the service he received being so good. Some I have mentioned are still with us. I am proud that the heroes of my youth are now the friends of my late middle age.

I was also proud on Tuesday. What a joy it was to visit such a lively cricket school as ‘The Cotswold’ at Bourton-on-the-Water. Before the dedication of the new MCC ‘cricket hub’ the school groundsman told me the new grass wicket is almost ready. There are two artificial ones already in use.

The new school feature will enhance the good work being done in many local clubs such as Great Rissington and Slaughters as well as Bourton Vale and Stow. Quality players of both sexes were on view.

It was the same that evening at Bath CC. Stephen Chalke has produced a book covering the history of the county cricket championship.

This competition has never made money, has always been criticised, but is still with us and long may it be so. The index with the names Light J. and Lillee D. in juxtaposition shows the depth, range and quality of Chalke’s book. It is a steal at £20.