THANKS to the AFCB Women's team we do have something to celebrate since the last article. I'll get on to that, but a tough week for me all round, both in training and watching the men's team.

Wembley will have to wait, for now. Our FA Cup run is over. In the end, Manchester City were the better side over 90 minutes on Sunday. I wasn't at the game due to hosting Mother's Day, however I watched most on TV and have since watched the game. It really seemed like it was going to be our day, after the penalty miss and going 1-0 up, but it wasn't to be.

It was great to see Adam Smith getting some minutes after a long spell out.  Big shout out to Lewis Cook for the shift he has put in, in that position during Adam's absence. Lew has been fantastic there and now back to his more familiar role in centre midfield.

We thought, based on league positions, we'd bounce back to winning ways against Ipswich on Wednesday night. The Tractor Boys had other ideas. We were pressing, but we seemed to struggle in the final third, then got countered. We scored our goal and Alex Scott has a few half chances but other than that we didn't have many, if any, clear cut chances. 

All teams have spells like this and we will come through it and be back to winning ways in no time at all. Bring on West Ham, a game where me and my brother are on opposing sides.

(Image: Richard Crease) Time for some Hometown Glory. It was superb to see the ladies triumph in their league campaign. 18 games unbeaten sealed the title for them at home in front of a packed out crowd. Let me tell you, that is quite the experience!

I managed to get across to the game with my wife and son. The atmosphere was fantastic throughout. Two young girls found the South Stand drumsticks for the drum and used them to great effect!

At the final whistle, the celebrations took off, quite literally. We were walking home (the little man was ready for dinner) and we saw the string confetti launch into the air. We watched it float out of the stadium and over our heads as we plodded along. I noticed it started to drop its altitude as the wind took it towards us. We stopped. The confetti landed on us (see picture). I have complained to the club... where was my confetti when I won a title there! 

(Image: Chris Billam-Smith) Three weeks now until I'm back in the ring. There's excitement, nerves, pressure, all those things you get during camp, in the lead up to a fight. I'm looking forward to getting this next week done as this will be the hardest of camp. The longer, most intense spars and the week I always put the most pressure on. It usually feels like the longest week of camp and once its done, I feel like I'm on the final straight. It's been difficult to find sparring so I have flown a sparring partner in from Latvia for this fight. A strong lad, who likes to come forward and throw big shots, just like my next opponent so it is great work for me. 

Not long to go now. Let's hope the lads get back to winning ways before I will on the 26th.