Planet Swans ArchivesSo the FA Cup run is over and what a great day out on the Wirral it was ten days ago except of course from one thing – the result. Fans in good spirit before, during and after the match was a throwback to some great away trips of the past and it’s just a shame that we couldn’t bring them back here to sample the atmosphere that four times as many Jacks can produce. Sense prevailed after the game though with the overturning of the red card shown to Alan Tate on the day – it seemed as if only the referee deemed his challenge worthy of that card.
But it is back to league action and we have the final 10 weeks or so of the season to mount that promotion charge. A win at Boston was denied us last midweek from a late goal and I write before the Kidderminster game so no ideas how we got on there. But we have to start winning our home games starting tonight if we are to stand any chance at all. Form in the league has been patchy for far too long and, at this stage of the season, you always expect a few teams to mount a run that takes them into the play offs as a minimum. We have to be one of those teams and we probably have to look at 9 or 10 wins from our remaining league games. A tall order but one that can be achieved. Just look at what Wrexham did last season to know what is possible. AT the end of February last year, they were 21 points off then leaders Hartlepool. They ended just a point behind them and three behind eventual champions Rushden. They took 35 points out of the last 48 possible. It can be done?
The league table actually makes for interesting reading at the moment. On one hand we are 9 points off the play offs (at the time of writing) – the other says we are 11 points off the relegation places. A good run or a bad run could certainly make a big difference at this moment. We know what we need – we just have to rely on the players and management to deliver it. Leyton Orient are another one of those sides looking to make a late run into the play offs so let’s hope that we are in for a good match tonight and, of course, the right result from our point of view.
Off the field it is great to see some shape taking place at White Rock. I went up there a week or so back to take some photos for the web site and it is beginning to take shape. Over the next few months we should see a stadium growing in front of us. For those not able to actually see it for themselves, then point your internet browser at www.jackarmy.net and select the link for White Rock Stadium and you can see it grow in pictures. It’s hard to believe it is already six months since the old ‘stadium’ was knocked down already. And, of course it is sad to think that we only have around 30 games left at this, our home for 90 years, we shall miss the old girl but it is time to move on. Isn’t it?
Finally, this week I think back to the last game we played here at the Vetch – Torquay. We played defensive suicide in the first half by not clearing the ball when we had the chance. Similarly we did the same for the first goal at Tranmere in the Cup. Whilst we would all love to pass our way out of trouble all of the time, sometimes it just isn’t possible so maybe we as fans should collectively get together and shout “Row Z” when the time is appropriate? Nah, it’ll never work!
That’s it from me for another game – let’s get behind the team tonight and until May (as we always do!) – don’t give up all hope until it becomes impossible.
C’MON THE JACKS
