Those hours spent on the training ground paid off at the weekend.

A couple of penalties from Danny Kedwell and an excellent tackle at the end of the game by Callum Davies were fine examples.

When you put in the hours and do the extra in training then ‘almost’ becomes a ‘great’ finish and a ‘good’ tackle.

Callum has done his extra work and he made a great tackle, coming across the box in the last seconds. Everyone in the stadium realises that if there is any doubt in that tackle, then the officials may well give a penalty, because he gave us two.

He showed confidence to come across and make the tackle and showed great mental strength.

Keds takes a great penalty. All the pressure is on the taker but the more you practice, the more your anxiety reduces and these things only become a problem if you haven’t practiced them – like anything.

It’s not just penalties but crosses and set-plays, marking etc. Every asset or part of football. If you practice it, then you get your rewards. It’s never nice to see anyone get sent-off, especially a player who did so well for us last season.

Tom Flanagan is an excellent player and an excellent prospect and last Saturday was the first time he had started this season for MK Dons but it’s all a learning curve and he will be stronger for it.

He might not feel like it at the moment but that red card he picked up will help in weeks and years to come. He will be stronger mentally for it.

Tom’s dismissal left us playing against 10 men but that is never an easy task and fair play to MK Dons manager Karl Robinson for being positive and making changes (bringing on a striker) that at times looked as if they might pay off.

Having said that, the character we showed pleased us.

Full column in Friday's Medway Messenger