Planet Swans ArchivesIf we fail to beat the leading sides then surely we aren’t worthy of being a leading side ourselves? I disagree. I think that we are comfortably one of the divisions best outfits, and fully deserve to be where we are.
Let’s look at our home defeats so far :
Northampton – Disappointing, but with an entirely new defensive line up, it could be expected that they would not gel instantly, as witnessed by Stuart Jones’s howler that put us on the back foot from the off.
Bury – The one truly disappointing home defeat, but even then other excuses can be made. Five first teamers out, and two last minute loan signings in, and it showed.
Yeovil – Outclassed in midfield by the best side in the division, a side I truly expect to be Champions at the end of the season. No disgrace there, and even some Yeovil fans thought it could have gone either way.
The only other points we dropped at home were a draw with Cheltenham. Every other side to visit the Vetch has gone away with a defeat, including decent sides such as Orient, Bristol Rovers and Moansfailed. We have beaten the other sides currently in the top seven, Darlo and Lincoln.
After reviewing our away defeats, again only the defeat at Shrewsbury can be classed as truly disappointing. Other teams have beaten us, but given that they were all promotion challengers, we can’t expect to take a point at many of them can we? And even away we have beaten sides like Wycombe and Rochdale, sides that could well be in the mix at the end. The divisions weaker sides we have beaten quite comfortably.
We have also shown, and I truly hesitate to use the word, Bouncebackability. After losing to Northampton, we beat Rochdale. After losing to Yeovil, we beat Kidderminster. After losing to Southend, we beat Orient. We have lost just two back to back games all season. This indicates a mental toughness and will to win that can make all the difference.
What we have done that has earned our place in the top three is consistency. We are regularly beating the lesser sides in the division. We are winning points at the middling sides such as Grimsby and Chester. We are winning the vast majority of our home games. In a division as open as this one is that will be the key. This is despite the weaknesses in the side that have been discussed at (very!) great length on the Messageboard. Kenny has got the green light to improve the squad if he can, and is not shy in doing so.
We have every opportunity to capitalise on the league placing we have earned ourselves and end our time at the old lady in style. I have every confidence in the Board, Team and Management to ensure that we take them. Let’s be confident in ourselves, and proud of our achievements so far!
Who are we?
