I can still feel the bitter after-taste of Saturday’s defeat. There’s no point, however, in dwelling on the past. It’s time to learn from our mistakes and remain focused on the journey ahead.
Every game, from here on in, is critical but tonight is a defining night. Win, and we will make a definite statement of intent in reminding the others that we are still serious play-off and promotion contenders. Anything less than a victory and our playoff position is serious jeopardy. This will only serve to motivate our nearest rivals to reach greater heights.
Monk and his coaching staff will need to serious re-imagine and re-configure the team structure and tactics. The most noticeable flaw on Saturday was the absence of an attacking presence to support Wood. It has become something of a cliche in recent weeks: when Wood is on fire then we’re on the road to victory. When Wood is out of the game, there’s very little chance of us scoring. Something needs to be done to bolster our attacking department without compromising the balance of the team. Although it’s only two games in, I have still to be convinced about the value of Barrow and Pedraza to the team!
Hernandez blows hot and cold after much promise earlier in the season (recall the Derby game) and Roofe, despite clever interplay, is struggling to find the goals. He was bought on the strength of the goals he banged in last season! I have seen the video of his outstanding performances for Oxford as he hit them from all directions. But this is a different league all together. There’s mixed feelings about Antonnson who, in truth , has not been given a real chance. I don’t have the answers to our attacking options. I’m depending (like all of us) on Monk to come up with the solutions so that the team can deliver us a victory.
I’m scratching my head wondering? Did we go over the top with our expectations after our great run during the November-December period, or is this just a little blip from which we will recover? It’s not going to be easy this evening. Unless, there are key changes from Saturday (with more support for Wood), I cannot see us bagging all three points.
Hoping, as always.