All that matters

When Haverhill Rovers' impressive winning run of seven successive league games stuttered to an unceremonious end at FC Clacton last month, it was perhaps not surprising that they did what they do best and get back to winning ways as soon as possible. That 2-0 defeat was followed by a late surge to steal the points of visiting Hadleigh and the completion of an impressive league double over CRC, before crashing to a narrow home defeat by league leaders Leiston. It was a mixed bag of results - not the indomitable winning run, but an impressive points haul given the opponents.

Wivenhoe Town were the latest victims of Rovers' recent upturn in form as they were vanquished 1-0 at New Croft to join an ever increasing list of teams that have taken no points off Rovers this season. It was a scrappy game from the outset, with neither side really taking control, and Rovers struggled to establish themselves in the first half despite having the wind on their backs. I was disappointed to see new striker Owen Paynter not appearing after his injury debut against Leiston, and Dalton O'Brien did not seize the chance to shine, although in fairness his service through the middle from Marc Abbott, and from Jack Higgs and Louis Harper on the wings, was not what he would have expected.

Harper's cross-cum-shot from the half way line was probably the closest Rovers got to breaching Adam Wilding's goal, but Wivenhoe seldom made chances of their own either in what turned into a midfield scrap. Fortunately, one thing manager Peter Betts has shown in this campaign, and something I always trust he will do in games, is to inspire his side into an improved second half showing. Anthony Fernandez' introduction certainly seemed to liven up proceedings, and it was not long before Rovers started to exert their superiority.

When the breakthrough finally did come, it was as scrappy as the game that preceded it. Stuart Wardley, who again was immovable at the back along with captain Marcus Hunt, initially saw his header cleared from Abbott's corner. Wilding's poor clearance though only sent it back to the centre half's head, and as it nodded it goalwards again all sorts of bodies stumbled and tumbled in front of it - at first I thought it was Stuart Kingham's goal, but later confirmed that it was Wardley's. Wivenhoe never showed much intent or ability to penetrate Rovers' defence after that, and the points were secure.

It was a good result in a good weekend of results which saw Rovers' title rivals - nice not to have relegation rivals - drop points to keep Betts' team in third place in the Ridgeons Premier League table. Betts admitted it was not a memorable performance, but also addressed that at half time with the change of shape. “As long as we get the result at 4.45pm on a Saturday afternoon then that’s all we’re worried about”, he told me.

It was, however, a sign of the strength of this Rovers side - not only are they fulfilling the age old cliché of winning while not playing well, but they are also continuing to strengthen and increase the depth of the squad. First Dalton O'Brien relegated Craig Cutts to the substitutes' bench, before Liam Paton's arrival saw him leave the club entirely. Fernandez has returned to the squad and is in and around the first team, while Betts also praised Haverhill's cricket captain Adam Dellar, who has been making his way onto the bench but not yet the pitch in recent games as he looks to fit in at centre half.

What makes this even more impressive is that new striker Paynter has not yet established himself in the side, who along with O'Brien, will surely provide Betts with a selection or formation headache for the remaining 15 fixtures. He should be fit for Saturday's game and getting back into the team. Added to the mix is the re-signing of central midfielder Joe Harvey, a 'box to box' player that was a scholar for Tottenham Hotspurs and Northampton Town. Betts described him as 'one of the best, if not the best central midfielder this club has had'. And don't forget the talismanic Neil Cogger is still to return from injury, and should be back in a few weeks, further strengthening the side.

It will certainly make an impressive line up, a testament to Betts' ability to build his side on a shoestring budget. He recently appealed for town businesses to support the club, and if he were to get that support, along with the club's current success, they could go on to much greater heights. Promotion is not possible in this campaign, but Betts told me a top four finish would be 'like winning the league' with the budget they are on. The team could no doubt push for it next season with this squad intact and firing, and there is still the small matter of potentially finishing the season as winners of the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup as Rovers entertain March Town on February 22 in a semi-final they can be confident of winning.

Before then, however, Rovers next play against Great Yarmouth Town on Saturday (February 12) at New Croft (kick off 3pm). They showed steely character to come from two goals down to nick a point there in October, and Betts described them as a side that 'don't play football'. No matter what physical presence they offer though, Rovers will no doubt have the talent and confidence to continue their fine form and ensure another three points before dinner time on Saturday.