CITY skipper Craig Jones has paid tribute to the Blue and Whites faithful who again set a record attendance at Claines Lane last weekend.
Supporters turned out in their numbers once again to set a record crowd for the fourth time this season, but the majority of the 551 went away disappointed as City fell to a 2-1 defeat to Tividale.
Aaron Roberts gave City a first-half lead but goals from Darragh Bustin and a Luke Carter penalty gave the Black Country side all three points.
‘Jonah’ has been out with an ankle injury suffered in the 1-0 win over Racing Club Warwick last month but praised the City supporters in an interview with the club’s website.
“As well as thanking the gaffer, chairman and others behind the scenes, I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the fans who have messaged me privately or have stopped me at games to ask how I’m doing,” he said.
“I really appreciate it. Please keep turning up and supporting the team, you’re vital to what we want to achieve on and off the pitch as a club.
The popular centre-half revealed while the injury is improving he is still ‘a way off’ from making a return to the side.
“It’s still swollen, but the pain is decreasing as the days go by,” he said.
“Unfortunately I think I’m still a way off playing, which is beginning to really frustrate me. The club and especially the gaffer have been great with me though, showing me a sense of loyalty that I’ve not always been used to in my non-league career.
“I’m so grateful for that and hopefully I can go some way to repaying that loyalty in the not too distant future.
Despite Jones’ absence, centre backs Aaron Roberts and Fortune Maphosa have formed a solid foundation for Tim Harris’s men. But the skipper isn’t worried about regaining his place.
“Now Robbo and Fort are playing well together, I can pursue my true position, striker! Look out Westy! (Dan Westwood),” he quipped.
“I think we are in a good place at the moment. There’s always room for improvement, but given what we’ve had available and the challenges we’ve faced over the start of the season, we are in a decent position.
“I think if we find some consistency, which at times has been lacking, we will go on to have a good season and win football matches. We have a really good group of lads and my injury aside, it’s been great to see the recent performances, wins and smiles on faces.”