Picking up four points from these two games against these two opponents was way beyond my expectations. Once the game went ahead some kind of result was really important for us as even a draw builds on the momentum gained by our unexpected win at Newport. Is a nice little unbeaten run allowing us to climb up a few places in the table too much to hope for? After a good start to the month January was not good, and, it is absolutely vital we build on what have so far achieved in February.
I remain convinced we will look a pretty decent side once the pitches firm up although it seems every time I allow myself that thought the weather takes a bad turn! I will try to stop thinking that, and, hopefully, both the weather and the pitches we play on, can improve.
Yesterday our effort and commitment was first rate, and, I am happy to give the management full credit for that.
I was long of the opinion that midfield was the area where we desperately needed reinforcing. While I am not questioning JD's skill, commitment or effort I do wonder if he now has the legs to play two games in five days and be effective in both? Nathan Ferguson looked to me one of our better players yesterday, and, had lack of options forced us to play JD yesterday we may have found it harder in midfield. I repeat this not a criticism of JD, who is never less than wholehearted in his approach, but more an acknowledgement of physical realities. As Evita sang towards the end of that iconic musical 'what is the use of the strongest heart in a body that is falling apart; what I would give for a hundred years but the physical interferes'. Or something like that. But you know what I am trying to say!
It seems to be generally accepted that Acquah had a good game yesterday. Would he have been as effective had he played against Newport ie has he yet the strength to play twice in a week in such a physically demanding position? Although many queried the selection of Halford against Newport it seems likely he was played with an eye on the Cambridge game to allow Acquah to start. Lack of squad depth leading to limited options was why we were so hopeless at the start of the season. Things have improved immeasurably since then.
And while on the subject of Acquah it helps him when he plays with better and more experienced players as it would any player at his stage of his career. Even the vastly more experienced Elvis looked better yesterday, and, I put that down to playing alongside a functioning midfield.
Oxley: in this team and set up he looks good and his booming clearances are always an asset in a game like yesterday's. No doubt he still feels he is a chance to challenge for top scorer of the season and I was in awe of his first half long range effort;
Elvis; good and much much better I thought;
TC: excellent;
JW: usual gritty and committed display;
Sean H: can sometimes look lost and indecisive when playing in the back three but rarely looks like that when occupying the middle of the back four. He was very good I thought;
NF: Wow, Looks a pretty decent, and, I have to wonder why Crawley let him go! As has been noted by many on here he seems to have time on the ball. If he stay up he may turn out to have been a key addition, but, perhaps before I get ahead of myself I should be hoping he play like he did yesterday on a consistent basis;
TD: worked tirelessly and was a key member of a functioning midfield;
KT: not at his best and he may be working his way back to full fitness after his attack of COVID which can affect some more seriously than others;
EA: got through a ton of work and often unsettled their defence. And they are the league leaders. 'Nuff said?
ANG: I really enjoy watching him play as I feel he has the potential to produce a game changing moment. It has not yet happened but it will soon right? He was a not irregular goal scorer with Crawley but has yet to open his account with us. Prediction: he will score a brace for us in a game soon! Hope I am right! Yesterday he looked better than anything they had to offer in attack. When JO returns we could have at least two players possessing the 'X' factor;
SA: I love watching him play as he is energetic and smart. I think the management team do really well with him as they are getting the best out of him. Something perhaps for those critical of MM to think about?
Both subs were lively enough when they came on to make a contribution to what was an outstanding team performance and effort.
On the basis of what we saw yesterday there is a lot to build on even if we do not receive and of the threatened reinforcements.
I have an open mind about Jay Simpson provided he is fit as more options up front would surely help us.
I suspect if we sign Ranger we live to regret it but would love to be proved wrong.
I have always rated Ricky Holmes, and, while it would be unrealistic to expect too much from him he might still have enough in him to terrorise a few League 2 defences.
Even without any of these additions we still might be good enough to stay up if we can continue to produce the commitment and team effort we saw on display yesterday.
Time to put together a decent unbeaten run!
I’ll trust MM’s judgement on Acquah as a footballer, but him not signing the contract we offered him until he realised he wasn’t getting anything anywhere else has hardly helped us warm to him. How he thought he was too good for us I’ll never know.
I’ll trust MM’s judgement on Acquah as a footballer, but him not signing the contract we offered him until he realised he wasn’t getting anything anywhere else has hardly helped us warm to him. How he thought he was too good for us I’ll never know.
Maybe he didn't think he was too good for us but instead felt that the prevailing atmosphere at the club at that time was unlikely to help his career develop. Just t a thought.
