What just happened there? We’re 19 minutes in and winning by three goals to nothing. The game is effectively over….which is roughly a 100% improvement on the last home game (Bolton) which was over in 10 minutes. We were 2 up in 8 minutes. I know this cos I went for a p*** after Norwood opened the scoring with an overhead bicycle kick (have I really just written that?). I mean, there’s no way we’re gonna score 2 in 2 minutes, especially not this early in the game. The cheer went up as I re-entered. Nice to have the recognition, I never thought.
The 2nd was by Aitchison (I’m told). I’ve since seen it on telly and I think most of us would have scored it, the keeper dropping the ball to him to roll into an empty net from 20 yards. Can YOU kick a ball straight from 20 yards? You’ve a few yards leeway either side, so give yourself SOME credit. Aitchison later wins a mystifying MOTM decision, presumably based on his role in the 3rd….as he fails to hold a ball up and Connell’s subsequent throughball for Phillips splits the defence and allows Williams to run onto the return ball. The control and sidefoot…beautiful. A sweet, sweet move finished by a player with the utmost composure. Nevermind selling him to Preston, get him up top!
The other 71 minutes was disappointing comfortable. I’ll be generous. The game was won and we played within ourselves. Hopefully, conserving some of that energy and them there goals for another game. Cos the alternative was we failed to drive the nail into Stanley’s coffin and p***ed away our chance of improving our goal difference. Worse, in injury time, the ref gave the most bizarre penalty decision in a while, as Larkeche was barged over, their player went down with him…and the ref pointed to the spot. Ah, 3 nil, what does it matter? Well, it matters to US. A clean sheet, the goal difference….but to the ref, it’s just giving the little team a sop for getting to our box. How many penalties against us is that now this season?
Onwards and upwards!
*** Connell. Love the way he controls it, flicks it past 2 opposition players and breaks the line. Twice. Fast becoming my favourite Reds player.
** Norwood. Led the line superbly. Held it up, brought others into the game, scored.
* Williams. Love it when your wingback is furthest forward in open play (and scoring).
Official MOTM: Aitchison
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1= Norwood / Connell 3. Jordan Williams
Despatches:
Kane played very well, kept midfield ticking over. Aitchison was decent (but not decent enough to be MOTM) while Thomas had an outstanding game on debut in a back three with Kitching and Mads. Notable points about the performance for me was our ability to win every second ball, and Kitching and Thomas confidently bringing the ball out of defence. Collins had nought to do, save saving a penalty….which he didn’t. Let’s not beat about the bush…for all we’ve conceded, he hasn’t saved a penalty all season, has he? The latest one went straight through him.
I also note that in 2 games against Accrington, we have scored four goals, and conceded two – both extremely disputable penalties. I wouldn’t mind, but I’m still fuming at the one NOT given to us for a blatant foul on Cadden in the away game. If we got the rub of the green (and had a forward line) we’d be running away with this division. (Well, we’d be a place higher than we are now.)
Drink du jour: A lovely IPA in Spiral City. Mind, the small print decreed I couldn’t read it without my glasses on.
Away: 247
Today’s take home: Cole dropped. We score 3. Coincidence?
The Damage:
c.£30 travel (petrol)
£3.50 programme
= £33.50
The Tunes:
BBC 6Music (Radcliffe and Maconie / Huey Morgan)
BBC5Live
BBC 6Music (Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show)
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