Swapping sunny Perth for soggy Bolton, 37C for 7C, I made sure that I was well wrapped up for the afternoon.

The Doombar deliberations were more of a catch up of what had happened while I have been away. Other than the hiccup against Carlisle United, it was deemed that the Wanderers had done alright in my absence, and it was playfully suggested that I should keep away to prolong the good run that we are currently on!

I did manage to keep up with our games whilst in Australia, watching Soccer Saturday at ungodly hours and catching up with the goals on video early morning.

The first match in the FA Cup each year is always a special match for me, with hopes of a prolonged cup run and fantasy dreams of Wembley. It is the centenary of the White Horse final, the first FA Cup final at the old Wembley stadium, when Bolton Wanderers beat West Ham United.

These days we join the competition in the first round proper and we were facing unknown opponents from Solihull Moor, a team doing well in the National League and who have made headlines in the FA Cup, reaching the second round on four previous occasions.

After a spirited start from Solihull, the Wanderers settled down to take control of the match. The only issue was would we score as chances went begging. However, captain Ricardo Santos nodded us in front just before half time.

In the second half, it was a case of fill your boots lads, as Paris Maghoma, Will Forester and Dion Charles duly did. We then had the luxury of seeing Carlos Mendes Gomes return from injury and a cameo performance from Luke Matteson.

Now we are in round two for the first time in four years, let us hope that we get a good draw so that we can join the big boys in round three. It is back to League One business on Tuesday, and we need to keep the good run going.

We know that there is room for improvement, but for any ambitious team that is how it should be. Just ask Pep Guardiola at Man City.