Last updated 10:34, Friday, 03 October 2008

I CAN guarantee that Jim Provett, the Harrogate goalkeeper, will not be on any Reds fans’ Christmas card list.

Two seasons running the man between the sticks has knocked Reds out of the FA Cup.

Last season, the shot-stopper was playing for Bury and this year his penalty heroics for Harrogate ended with the same result.

He made two fine saves from Anthony Wright and Andrew Hardman, who cannot be blamed for the result.

Provett should not have been given the chance to end this year’s FA Cup dream as Reds missed a load of guilt-edged chances to put the Yorkshire side out.

In the home game Dan Robinson and Gareth Arnison both failed to hit the target in situations where you would expect a striker to do better.

I know Robinson is more of a winger, and when he plays there with his pace he can look dangerous. However, through the middle he has not shown what he can do, which is frustrating some on the Popularside.

I couldn’t get to the away game but I have to point out the best piece of football commentary I have ever heard.

The legendary John Walsh said: “There are some good cricketers out there for Workington.” I had just turned the radio on at this point and now understand why he said it.

Now it is back to league duty this weekend, and a tough away trip to Telford. Not only is it a hell of a long way to go, but they are unbeaten at home this season, and Reds have yet to win away from Borough Park.

Still, records like that are made to be broken; the players just need to believe in themselves a little bit more and put away the chances they get.

The chairman and manager of Harrogate both told me after the home game on Saturday that Reds were the best team they have played this season.

But it is goals, points and wins that teams are judged on and, right now, Reds could do with a bit more of all three.