AFTER starting the season at 100mph against Macclesfield with one of the most exciting finishes to a game ever seen at the County Ground, Town have been slowly going down the gears and after the past week it seems they are struggling to get out of first.

This season marks the 50th anniversary of the greatest campaign in the club's history, with Danny Williams’ side earning promotion back to Division Two after a few years away and of course beating Arsenal 3-1 in the League Cup Final at Wembley to lift the club's biggest major honour to date.

With this important anniversary adding extra significance to Tuesday night’s game against Forest Green Rovers you would have thought a half-decent League Cup run might have been on the cards?

But in keeping with the theme of recent years, disappointment ruled the day and Forest Green went into the draw for the second round.

Michael Doughty again ran the show in midfield for Town, as he looked a class above his teammates in the first half and must be wondering if he needs the help of a chiropractor as carrying this team all season will lead to major problems later on in life.

Once again this season the weaknesses at the back were on display, with on-loan defender Sid Nelson making the mistake which led to the away side taking the lead.

Mistake aside, the Millwall loanee did a decent job, but he’s not the answer to our defensive woes.

Again captain Olly Lancashire didn’t look like the man to lead our defence, and most worryingly, Matty Taylor is struggling to hit the heights of last season.

There is no doubt 36-year-old Taylor has a big role to play, but I think it would be unfair of Phil Brown to ask him to be first choice this season.

Before the loan window shuts, it’s vital we bring in another left-back and centre back.

This Saturday, Town face another newly-promoted side as Tranmere Rovers visit the County Ground.

After the disasters of Lincoln and Forest Green it’s important Brown’s side get back to winning ways and not dwell on a disappointing week by dispatching of Micky Mellon’s side in style this weekend.