Or was there? 4As four-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday after a feisty to and fro battle with relegation threatened Stortford. As with the away match the strength and performance of Stortford was more akin to a team in mid-table security, their league position a genuine puzzlement.
At the end of the game neither side had demonstrated the quality required to score up top against two solid keepers and defences, Gate slipping into the old habit of over-elaborating when really a well-focused hard strike would have made all the difference. Both sides fielded a strong group of juniors and they acquitted themselves well throughout.
In goal, Sam Levene displayed his class with a second clean sheet in two matches since guesting for the team. He was authoritative throughout.
Steve Gwynne-Jones was solid and made a couple of crucial challenges when the game was on a knife-edge.
James Rushton was James Rushton, enough said.
Jon Huddleston marshalled the team and provided calm when emotions threatened to overflow.
Sajiv Saha was a close candidate for MOM, adding composure and class on the right.
In the Midfield, Simon Holmes linked play well between all the lines.
Will Hargrove kept the game ticking over and was behind the start of most of the more dangerous attacks.
Ali Priestley continues to provide invaluable skill and technique to the midfield, a constant threat.
Kyle Shah linked up well across the top of the pitch and was unlucky to be denied towards the end by a strong keeper.
Felix Rushton continued to demonstrate he deserves his run in the team with some nice touches and adoption of great positions.
Raj Saha provided physicality up front.
Max James, making his adult debut, made a positive debut and received MOM. He worked hard and showed some nice touches and skill and showed a lot of potential for the future.
Finally, a big thank you to the hardy souls who stuck it out on the balcony during a game that must have been a difficult watch at times. Your support was much appreciated. The umpires were both also excellent and ensured the game was run smoothly and fairly.
Ultimately, 0-0 was fair. Gate will hope to find their shooting boots as they travel to promotion chasing Rickmansworth in a fortnight’s time.