Planet Swans ArchivesAnd that was the last FA Cup tie at the Vetch Field and one that was a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch. The Swans gave it their all – it wasn’t to be and there can be few complaints about the game that we witnessed.
But as the FA Cup run ends it is time to wheel out a new cliche that always comes when a side gets knocked out of the FA Cup “At least we can concentrate on the league from now on in”
Taking the cliche aside we always knew what our main priority was to be this season and now we have to assure that we achieve that otherwise the season will be classed as a failure in many eyes. We are in an extremely strong position and we know that promotion is in our hands.
Aside from the enjoyment of the game last night there are several things that we can take as positives. The performance of Leon Britton over the past game and a half. We knew that Leon had it in him and he has proven that. I’m not going to jump immediately on the “Extend his contract now” bandwagon just yet as it would be crazy to say that after just two games but more performances like we have seen and I’ll be jumping aboard with the rest of them. Keep that up Leon and whilst performances are like that then you have a place in the team.
Ijah Anderson. I took some convincing when he arrived but he has put in two decent performances in the last few days. I’m not convinced I would have him as a first choice and I would prefer a natural left winger but whilst we are missing that element then Ijah stands in well enough. Surely worth a contract until the end of the season especially as he can stand in in defence as well when we need him to.
Our defence. Okay, we slept for the goal itself last night and a couple of other times but outside of that they were outstanding. The centre back pairing of Izzy and Monk won pretty much everything that came their way and that has to be applauded. That aside though, am I the only one that thinks that Stone Cold does not look as accomplished at left back as he does in the middle? A couple of times in the last two games he has been caught out and made mistakes and whilst they can be excused, they weren’t something we saw too much of when he was in the centre. I worry about his pace as well for a left back but putting all of that into perspective he is a marked improvement of what we have had over recent seasons.
Sam Ricketts – I am starting to worry about Sam. Read on whilst you think I am crazy. I’m worrying because his performances are sooner or later going to attract the attention of other clubs. We have to be acutely aware of this and be prepared to fight this off. Sam is the gem that we picked up in the summer and we have to ensure that we hold onto him. We will need him next season.
Trundle and Connor are linking up well up front. Nice touches and not all of them from Trundle are creating chances for each other. Trundle will I would imagine be absolutely gutted not to find the target last night and we all know he should have scored. But to see these two linking up so well is something I have said to several people will happen this season and long may it continue.
We can also add the never say die spirit of Forbes. He isn’t the best crosser of the ball we know but for me he should have a place in the team. He has clearly never heard of the word quit and he just keeps going. The effect that this can have on those around him can never be quantified and if we could just get him to lift the ball past that first defender………..
Of course through this there are negatives. Andy Gurney for me is not a midfielder. I have been a fan of his since he arrived but at right back is where I want to see him. He was beaten too often last night and that could have cost us. And of course we didn’t defend the move that led to the goal. But outside of that can I take a negative other than the fact that yet another moron decided to risk the club a fine with an object on the pitch during play. Clever. Not.
But most of all for me last night was the commitment. If we show that level of it week in week out then the rewards will be there for us come May. It’s what we want and what we desperately need. However, it is somewhat easier to show that level against higher opposition in front of TV cameras – it’s the bread and butter against the likes of Boston and Chester that we need it more. And that is what Kenny must now be telling his players.
Through all of this I am not saying that we don’t need to strengthen – of course we do but in defeat have we ever been able to take so many positives? Certainly not for a few years anyway
