Look, I’ll be straight with you: for the first half, it looked like Acton United had finally sorted their consistency issues. They took the lead in the 12th minute when Joaquín Calatayud-Ruiz stepped up to slot home a penalty. It was a clinical finish from a man who has spent the last few days being far too involved in everything, and it sent Acton into the break with a 1–0 lead and a general sense of optimism.

So here’s the thing: optimism is a dangerous commodity in this league. Acton held the lead for fifty minutes, but then Arthur Fortesque decided he wanted in. Fortesque, who spent a particular ten-minute window against Pendle a few days ago treating the goalmouth like a personal rehearsal space, levelled the scoring in the 50th minute. It was a straightforward open-play goal, but it completely drained the energy from the Acton side.

“Fortesque, who spent a particular ten-minute window against Pendle a few days ago treating the goalmouth like a personal rehearsal space, levelled the scoring in the 50th minute.”

Watching the game, you could tell Acton were trying to hold onto the draw, but they looked a bit rattled. They spent the next thirty minutes essentially hoping the clock would move faster. It didn’t. In the 88th minute, Cassiano Avelar-Toledo found Lorenzo Comencini, who finished from open play to snatch the win. It was a cruel way to lose, though not an unexpected one, given how Acton have been blowing hot and cold lately.

Honestly, I reckon Acton will tell themselves they were the better side for large stretches, but the table doesn't care about vibes. Stepney FC leave with the three points and a renewed sense of confidence. Acton United have very little time to reset before Matchday 9 tomorrow.