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Here we are. One calendar month into the 2005/06 season, and an ideal time to sit down and see where we stand. After a reasonably solid pre-season, hopes were high, if a little tempered by Kenny’s marked reluctance to splash some of the cash that’s been made available to him. So, despite the various stories of bids and counter bids, the eleventy millionth rumour linking Trundle with a move elsewhere, and our move to the new stadium, how have we done against our League One opponents thus far? Let’s have a look……
Tranmere – A somewhat nervy opening day fixture against one of the promotion favourites. The step up in class from the likes of Bury and Mansfield was evident from the start. However, I felt we acquitted ourselves well in the first half, and just about deserved a lead. In the second half, Tranmere absolutely mullered us for 25-30 minutes, and a draw might well have been a better final result. Still, Bayos’ debut goal was a welcome one, and a fine way to open White Rock in a competitive fixture.
Colchester – Our first away win in League One. Nothing really to write home about here. A typically scrappy lower league encounter that we just about edged. Containing another good performance from The Human Tank, and a first goal of the season for Magic Daps. So far, so good. Six points from six.
Huddersfield – The walls came tumbling down. Accusations and recriminations flying about regarding the referee, red cards, and probably the Gaza strip situation. Look through all the extraneous guff however, and the bottom line is Huddersfield are a damn good side and deserved the win. No complaints from me on that one.
Doncaster – In the immortal words of our new scoreboard, Doh! Three points in the bag and we blew it. Opinions vary wildly on this game. Some believe we were outplayed by a classy Doncaster side, others (like me) felt that despite not being as fluid as them, up until those fateful substitutions a Swans win was the most likely result. A largely ineffective Goodfellow swapped for a fresh Paul Connor (and a slight tactical switch) and a forced withdrawal of the impressive Akinfenwa for the bloody hopeless Thorpe threw us into disarray. The only bright spot seems to have been the emergence of Kevin McLeod into the player we all hoped he could be.
Reading (CC) – A game few expectedus to get anything from, and they were right. However, we can take something from the game in that we pushed a side that has started the season so well all the way to extra time, again with a less than full strength squad.
Walsall – WooHoo! We travel to a side unbeaten in ten and walk away with a fantastic 5-2 victory. It’s the type of result that this game of ours throws up infrequently, and makes us love it all the more. Reports suggest that we competed strongly in every area of the pitch, with special plaudits being reserved for ickle Leon, Kevin McLeod, and the frequently maligned (especially by me) Paul Connor & Roberto Martinez. Good work Fellas!
Barnsley – Another excellent win at home against a more than capable side. Defensively we weren’t the best, but Kevin McLeod’s performance was one of the best personal match-winning displays I’ve seen in a long time. Another well earned three points, and just makes the Doncaster result even more disappointing. We should be top Dammit!
Plus Points – For me, Bayo Akinfenwa has been a strong addition to our forward line. The sight of three Fulham defenders just bouncing off him in pre-season will stay with me all year. The emergence of Kevin McLeod into a genuine attacking threat, and the excellent atmosphere produced at our new home (despite dire warnings of all-seater stadiums lacking it) are all major plusses thus far for me.
Minuses – On the pitch, discipline has not been good. You can argue the toss over whether KOL deserved to go at the Galpharm, but there’s no excuses for Izzy’s chopsing at the ref. Throw in Freezers failure to hit the heights he managed last year, and there are a few issues to be worked on. It would also have been nice to have brought in another one or two permanent signings prior to the transfer deadline, but loanees will do.
Off the pitch, the disaster area that is Stadco continues to make headlines, and Huw Jenkins’ nasty habit of making himself look like a complete prat in transfer negotiations shows no sign of going away. Keep quiet until the deal is done Hubert. We’ll not think any less of you if you’re not on the back page of the Post on a weekly basis.
My overall Grade for August = B
A solid start to life in a new home and division. Things aren’t perfect, (probably more so off the pitch than on it) but there’s plenty of time and scope for improvement.
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