Planet Swans ArchivesHi everybody! And swiftly onto my review of the second month of our League One campaign. As it stands, things are going better than even the most optimistic Jack could have predicted. We are making some serious waves thus far this season, and after the last 10 years of mediocrity and failure, it’s an absolute joy to behold. The side is free-scoring, the White Rock crowds have been bouncing, and people are finally starting to sit up and take notice of the potential of our club. Great days.
So, let’s get on with the match reviews…
Bristol City (H) – A day that will live long in the memory. Let’s get the obvious out of the way now and state that Brizzle were bad. Seriously bad. We on the other hand, were superb. I cannot recall a previous occasion when a Swans side has attacked with such pace, intent, variety and lethality. After a solitary McLeod goal in a first half where even EXCB agreed that we should have been 3-0 up, the side exploded out of the blocks in the second half, with Ickle Leon, Big Bad Bayo, Magic Daps twice and another two from the Ian Thorpe of the left wing (not forgetting the audacious effort from the halfway line) all ruthlessly putting City to the sword. It could, and probably should, have been ten. The only sour notes of the day were Izzy somehow having what seemed to be a perfectly good goal ruled out, and Kevin Austin’s red card for lashing out needlessly at a Bristol player stupid enough to draw blood. If The Doorman catches up with Michael Bridges elsewhere at some stage I’m sure he’ll give him something to put in a sicknote about.
Franchise FC (A) – An injury and suspension hit side travelled away to the club that all decent fans loathe the most (after Cardiff), and despite a somewhat nervy middle 30 minutes come away with our fourth consecutive win. Another three goals make us the top goalscorers in all four divisions. To anyone who remembers Steve Watkin top scoring with about eight one year, that comes as something of a shock. This game is notable primarily for Andy “the Defendant” Robinson’s first league start of the season, and our newly Zen-like Scouse powerhouse responded perfectly with a two goal matchwinning salvo. Good result.
Monkey Hangers (A) – The Jet setting Swans flew up for this game in an effort to avoid the hangover associated with two away games in a week. It was really only partially successful. Not our best performance of the season, yet it was still possible to be a little disappointed with a draw, which I suppose is a mark of how far we’ve come. Willy should be asking questions of himself their first goal, but Lee Trundle’s seventh & eighth goals of the season (and second missed penalty) put us in front with only fifteen minutes to go. Hartlepool then equalised to secure the point that they probably deserved. Oh well.
Nottingham Forest (H) – A complete home fan sell out resulting in a crowd of over 18,000 for the game that for most people would have been the first one looked for on the fixture list in June. The game itself was scrappy. Nottingham Forest were an organised side, but not really that good IMO. Their direct style of play would have had Brian Clough spinning in his grave (unless he was cremated). An overly officious referee also put the kibosh on any chance we had of a free flowing encounter. Bayo will have been disappointed not to put us one up in the first half, but overall on the pattern of the game then a draw was just about a fair result. Our equalising goal by Roberto is a serious candidate for goal of the season already.
Bournemouth (A) – Described by someone as “The most comprehensive 1-0 they’ve ever seen”, our victory at an injury-ravaged Bournemouth was a thoroughly welcome three points gained on the road. The Swans performance in passages of the game was apparently “awesome”. Somewhat worrying that we didn’t bury one or two more of the 20-odd chances that came our way, but I’d rather be missing opportunities than not creating them at all. Lee Trundle continuing his fine September with the goal on the half hour that clinched the victory for the Jacks. Nice one.
Plus Points – As Tim and Helen used to say, Goals, goals and goals. Fourteen of them in a month, a ratio we’ve not seen in years. Trundle is silencing quite a few doubters who said he couldn’t hack it at this level, and Kevin McLeod has provided superb support. If we can put an end to Bayo’s hamstring issues, 50+- goals between the three of them is a distinct possibility. Our away form is good, and crowds at White Rock have been large & noisy.
Minuses – Defensively we’re still not there yet. Individually the players themselves have done well, it’s just that as a unit we’re not as cohesive as we used to be, and are shipping a few too many goals as a result. Whether this is down to the better quality forwards at this level, or because of more fundamental issues closer to home is something Kenny will need to attend to.
My overall Grade for September = A
A superb month. Unbeaten in the league, with three good wins, a thoroughly respectable draw up at Hartlepool, and a five point gap opening up between the top three and the rest. With the prospect of three very winnable home games next month, and trips to Yeovil and Rotherham in-between, the chances of us still being in the top two or three in November look good.
