In the last blog, I spoke of how we had to show some patience. The game at Doncaster came too early for any real change, though despite the poor performance, there were plenty of positive sounds coming from those outside the club (especially the normally hard to please Neil Price of 3 Counties). The game against Spurs was also a bit of a baptism of fire for the new manager, though it felt great when Priskin scored. Spurs initially looked fairly average considering the price tag of their players. I was dismayed when the penalty was awarded but three people watching the game at home, convinced me it wasn’t a total injustice – I still remain convinced however that the ball had gone out for a throw in though…though apparently I’m clutching at straws. In the second half we sat too deep, and didn’t show the energy of the first 20 minutes. We’d been brave, given Spurs a scare, but the better side won. I wasn’t at Birmingham as I was back in Aberystwyth seeing people I hadn’t seen since we were in the Premiership. It’s amazing how much has changed in the last 18 months, for a start we all have jobs now, but despite all that, it felt like we’d never been away. As usual Caroline and Chris were giving me feedback on our game, and it’s a shame we didn’t get a draw. I don’t know how we played, but a 3.2 loss to Birmingham when considered in isolation did not feel a disaster. Scores had gone our way, so it didn’t have a huge impact. Besides I felt it was further practice for the two big matches against Norwich – a 6 pointer if ever there was one, and then Coventry. Norwich looked a good side, especially in attack with Lita, Pattison and Croft all looking lively. However, at the back some of their defending was as comical our own and when under pressure the slow defence led by Doherty seemed to struggle. Norwich created the more chances but it was the ‘Orns who took the lead in a vital match. A poor kick from Marshall was headed by Bridcutt to Priskin, who had stayed onside, bearing down on goal from what looked to far out wide he placed the ball the only place he could… We were playing a day later, and after the results on Tuesday, it was clear whoever won would be in a promising position to make some ground on the teams above. Despite the lead, we as fans have got used to not feeling comfortable. As usual the opponents equalised, though this time the lead lasted into the second half. Yet again our defence – the blame surely lies mainly with both full backs, were not picking up their men. Pattison was given too much space to cross, whilst Croft appeared unmarked. From then on, it seemed Norwich would have the confidence to go on and win. Thankfully, Tommy Smith single handily put us back in front. Finding some space on the edge of the box he curled in a low effort. It all seemed very slow but Marshall didn’t reach it and the ball crept into the bottom corner. It was enough. It was nevy, it was tense, it wasn’t pretty but it was just what we needed. Roeder was unhappy to say the least, but we’ve been robbed ourselves plenty of times this season, I also admit, whilst normally I’m quite modest in victory this one felt quite sweet and I had no sympathy. Coventry was another big match as victory would see us close in on the mid-table clubs whilst defeat would see the gap widen further. However I could have had an easier start to the day. To cut a long story short, everything was eventually resolved but I didn’t leave Berkhamsted until 2.15. Eventually getting to turnstiles completely soaked, it was quite obvious that I was going to be in the rain for a little while longer. ‘This is the only turnstile for the Rookery’ was bellowed more than once, and I couldn’t help but feel if I’d been waiting like this for anything else there would have been a protest. With football, we seem to accept any treatment the club we support throws at us. True, a few people complain, but on the whole we just take it, as if to question is a sign of not showing loyalty however I was in my seat just in time to see Priskin fouled and no penalty given. Quite a few however were still stuck outside. I’d heard rumours about three pitch inspections and it was only after disagreeing with the referee that I took in the view of the pitch. Now I could see why he probably hadn’t given it as there seemed little chance the match would last beyond half time - especially if the rain continued to pour. But continue it did, and I have to say, we seemed to play better in the rain than we do when conditions are dry. Coventry had opted to shoot towards the dry end in the first half, but their defenders had clearly not got used to the soggy left side. John Joe had the first real chance when he lobbed the keeper who scurried back to tip over. It was a phenomenal effort – to keep his balance, and to get that power and accuracy on such a pitch was awesome…however had he scored and the match later been abandoned it would have been pretty devastating. More chances came but the Coventry keeper was in fine form, next saving from Mariappa, whose turn and shot was blocked. At half time the score was 0-0 but again results were going the right way. All we had to do was get two goals (because no matter how good we are, we will concede at some point). The second half began, and maybe the referee now realised that the match would be finished and all goals scored would count. Again Priskin was needlessly fouled by Ward in the box and this time the ref pointed at the spot. Smith stepped up and scored. If he is to go in January he’s done more than his fair share in the first half of the season. It’s going to be a nervy few weeks however with Ashton departing on Friday (and Simpson stepping down the week before) my belief is that a change of ownership is now when not if. Coventry equalised, slightly unjustly. Firstly they got a free kick, which did not look like a foul by Sadler however their player played for it and knew what he was doing. From the free kick the ball was cleared for a corner which found Tubbs on the edge of the box, his instant volley hit the head of Morrison and it was 1.1 However like against Norwich, we didn’t let our heads drop. Coventry should have been able to take advantage but we continued to attack and John-Joe, another player linked with a January move got it. He always has a habit of being in the right place, arriving just in time, and his celebration, sliding what seemed half way across the pitch was worth it all alone. It was a well taken goal, from some neat play in the far corner in difficult conditions and it was just what we deserved. We dug deep and Coventry never really threatened. When Jenkins went off injured I feared there might have been quite a bit of injury time but 3 minutes was shown and for a change I had faith we’d see it out. Another massive win and 7 points from 4 isn’t a bad start for the new manager. Time will tell if we have been resurrected, but, whilst we shouldn’t get complacent, it certainly feels nice to be celebrating back to back wins and to be (points wise) more mid-table than we were.
that will explain it. I was confused watching the highlights of second half goals infront of the vic road end
