Two wins in two league games is an encouraging start but let’s face it, that’s all it is. We must learn from the mistakes of last season and continue this way. I am still very concerned about our striking department, and although some of you might say this is not an issue, I beg to differ.
Kayden Jackson might still leave us and even if he stays his goal per games ratio is not that impressive as Marcus Stewart alluded to on Radio Suffolk at the weekend. In fact, of our current strikers, only James Norwood is considered by him to be prolific and that was mainly at a lower level with Tranmere Rovers. Norwood is still not 100% match fit, and we will have to see just how quickly he steps up to the plate.
Aaron Drinan is out for a while and we cannot expect Freddie Sears to score freely out on the wing. Oliver Hawkins is big and strong and will trouble defences but he is not someone who scores regularly, and that has to be another big worry.
What is pleasing however is that our midfield is finding the back of the net. Jon Nolan, Gwion Edwards and Teddy Bishop have all scored goals this term and we will need them to find the net more often if our strikers are found wanting. It seems as if the 4-3-3 system is working in their favour and all we need now is to see Andre Dozzell’s name on the score sheet! The same applies to our back four who rarely seem to score these days.
I am obviously delighted with our bright start to the new league campaign but I am realistic enough to guard against over-optimism. Another win against Rochdale at Portman Road on Saturday would make for an excellent start but it is a long old season and we just have to hope that manager Paul Lambert has learned from his mistakes and does not rotate too much – or postpone matches because of international call-ups, as the season progresses.
