I was very impressed with Town’s performance against MK Dons on Saturday. The Blues played exceptionally well and fully deserved all three points, and to be top of the table!
It was bordering on faultless display – apart, perhaps, from Luke Wolfenden dwelling on the ball too long, which almost lead to a goal for the visitors. It was another big crowd at Portman Road, as 23,000 + witnessed one of our best home performances in a long time. I guess in terms of months it is a long time, but it is only a few home games ago that we stuffed Charlton Athletic here 4-0 to end last season in style!
Manager Kieran McKenna was his usual good-natured self in the after-match interview when he said that our scrappy second goal was the pick of the bunch for him. He is a real pragmatist and never gets too high when we win, or too low when we lose. He has a calming effect on the whole squad I think. I guess the only disappointment was that Freddie Ladapo didn’t score, but his all-around play was good, and he never stopped running after lost causes. The crowd was very vocal too and served as our extra man.
I predicted that Town would win this one 3-1 and that Conor Chaplin would score the opener. And although he did not get our opener, he got on the scoresheet in the end, and thankfully, we did not concede any goals. There is a real understanding within the squad and when four subs came on, it did not have a detrimental effect on our performance. Everyone knew their positions, and everyone plays to their strengths. On Tuesday it is Burton Albion away, and as Conor Chaplin alluded to after our tremendous victory on Saturday, it has set the standard for the long old season ahead.
Very heartening and impressive performance and result. The next two games are very winnable. Having said that before Kieran Mac joined us they would have been potential banana skins too.
Stand our for me was the excellent performance of Janoi Donacien. What a turnaround in his performances during the past year! Good on him. The other very significant thing is the growing threat we are posing down the left flank with Leif Davis Davis and Marcus Harness working increasingly well together.to sign a prolific goal poacher too. Mind you, who doesn’t!
All in all though a good start to the League 1 season for the Blues.
Indeed. It is what dreams are made of. Now we have to sustain that form for the remaining 43 games and promotion is surely ours. Sounds easy, but as we know, it’s anything but.
Whoops missing line. Meant to include ‘Still need’ before ‘to sign a prolific’
We all make the odd mistake Richard. Nothing to be ashamed of. Your writing is lucid and concise, and always, clearly articulated and I thank you for your incisive contributions.
Makes a mockery of all the negativity on Tuesday. Ladapo is clearly a dangerous player and the goals will come I’m sure. I don’t think he’ll be scoring 20+ anytime soon but the way we set up and the quality we have I don’t think we need it. Can see at least 5 players getting double figures. Really excited for the season ahead but we’re yet to play any teams playing for a draw in the league as yet. I think that’s where we will drop points.
I think goals will come from everywhere, as you suggest Rednotitfc, and they will need to if we don’t find a prolific goalscorer from somewhere.
Good point Redhot, that’s where a hot shot finisher will be worth his weight in gold!.
Looks like George Hirst will be coming to Suffolk, so hopefully he will fir the bill.
Spot on, as usual Richard!