THIS was a very difficult game for myself, the following parents and the players to concentrate on, writes Julian Astles.

The tightly knit squad were obviously in shock, learning the news that morning, that their captain Nathan Cox had suddenly and tragically lost his mother, Linda, on the Friday before the game.

She has watched, firstly Shaun then Ryan and now Nathan play at every age level for Southgate. Supporting in anyway she could, vocally on the sideline every week, (not easy when you have three boys all playing!) and with all the behind the scenes stuff that goes into running a junior team. Even putting up with being a team manager's wife (not easy apparently!).

She has done many years of fundraising for the club, and made many friends as a result. She will be sorely missed. I would like to, not only from a personal level as a friend, but as chairman of Southgate, extend from everyone at the club, heartfelt sympathies to Roger, the boys, and all the family. We are all thinking of you.

Two minute's silence, before the game were impeccably observed. One for Linda and one for local Plymouth lad Steve Kingscott who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. His father Michael present at the time standing in the centre circle with the players. Head held high, obviously moved.

With all this going on the game seemed irrelevant, the football, not that important. Nathan was utterly determined to play, and his strength of character shone through as he put in a man of the match performance.

Southgate created enough to get something out of the game but like the previous week, where the opposition were creating fewer chances than Southgate, they scored more of them. But this week it was more understandable given the circumstances.

Southgate goals were from a good passing break from back to front, finished by Callum Thompson and a 25 yard screamer, on the volley, from Ryan Crabb.

Southgate: J Rich, E Astles, N Cox (captain, MOM), J Greenhalgh, R Crabb, M Deeble, A Kingdon, R Julian, S Smith, J Sanders, L Denne, and C Thompson.

Top of the table Southgate Under-13's won 2-1 at home to Tavistock thanks to goals from Rowe and Whitehouse. Tavistock replied through Shalgosky.