These are worrying times. It was etched on the face of owner Marcus Evans last night against Fulham at Portman Road. Yes, we were expected to lose, but this way? What concerns me most is our lack of a cutting edge. Our twin striking partnership from last season is in disarray. Norwood is mainly bench-warming these days, and it seems the other wants away! In fairness, James Norwood was introduced in the second half but was largely chasing shadows and was ineffective.
Now you might argue that we were up against quality Premier League opposition and that much is true, but they fielded a weakened team and yet we could not impose ourselves in the attacking third. The stats speak for themselves. Only 32% possession and only one shot on target from Gwion Edwards in stoppage time was the grand sum of our 90 minutes of endeavour. Oh yes, Town were trying all right. They were very trying most of the time so thank God there were no spectators!
Now I know what you are thinking. Why is he having a go at the Blues? It was a good learning exercise for a side that was clearly out of its depth and we did not get stuffed but instead, lost by a single goal, in a competition that we could largely do without. All this is correct but what I am most concerned about is when are our forwards going to start doing what they are paid to do and that is to start finding the net!
So far we have relied on our midfielders to get us out of jail but now our forwards have to step up to the plate as well. Aaron Drinan certainly needs a goal and Freddie Sears has still to break his duck in league competition and of course, our other striker Ollie Hawkins is still striving for match-fitness.
We travel to Bristol Rovers on Saturday and if we are to take three points there then we have to get goals from somewhere and pose an attacking threat. Goals win games and it is vitally important that are strikers start striking sooner rather than later.
what is this pleb talking about? We’ve scored 5 goals in 2 games against teams in our league and this guy is moaning about not scoring against a prem team.
Dear Liam, if there is a pleb in the room then surely it is you! I have followed Town for more than 50 years so I think I know what I am talking about when it comes to deficiencies in our squad. Yes, we were against Premiership opposition but Scott Parker made 10 changes from the side that got stuffed 3-0 in their first Premier League encounter so let’s get real shall we. We had one shot on target in extra time and that was it! Not good enough, and I think tomorrow will probably prove my point.
Yeah, you really proved my point lmao. Another one for the bin.
So then Liam, which striker scored against Bristol Rovers?
Yes last season’s problems have not gone away we find it very difficult to create chances, our midfield is very lightweight and last season we tended to get out muscled in most games. I think in Norwood and Jackson we have two competent strikers at this level who will score goals with better creativity from midfield. Although he divides opinion Jackson who scored 11 goals was also one of our most creative players with 7 assists which just about sums it up.
Thank you, Keith, and at least you see the potential pitfalls that we are faced with. I agree. A fully fit Kayden Jackson and James Norwood would make the world of difference but the question is, how long do we have to wait for that?