Today wasn’t our day, and there’s no point dressing it up. We fell short of the standards we’ve set for ourselves this season. Too often we were second to the ball, second in the battles, and second in the moments that mattered. It was a scrappy match from start to finish, decided by a penalty that, let’s be honest, will spark more than a few conversations.

But here’s the thing: one tough afternoon doesn’t define us.

We take our first league loss of the season, but we remain joint top — and that tells its own story about the work these lads have put in. Every strong team has days like this. What separates contenders from champions is how they respond.

And this squad will respond.

We’ll regroup, reset and put the work in. Performances like today can either knock you back or fire you up — and we know which choice this team will make.

Plenty of football left. Plenty to fight for. Plenty to prove.

Up the #SarnieArmy.