1 week Ago
A somewhat backs-against-the-wall game at Gillingham, where we battled to a point having to contend with limited availability due to injuries and illness, was compounded by first-half injuries to Owura Edwards and Jack Payne. So, all in all, it was a point to be proud, of all things considered. Attention, of course, then turned to the home game against Notts County and there was naturally a lot of talk about the line-up with who would be available and who was still recovering.
Plus, there was the ever overhanging issue of our pitch - what condition would it be in pre-match and how it would stand up to another 90 minutes of football? In fairness, both questions were answered in a positive manner and we were able to put out a starting XI that was more than capable of matching a promotion-chasing County and the pitch looked better than in recent games before kick-off and actually held up better than we are used to throughout the 90 minutes. It will not be a game that will be remembered for classic football or anything out of the ordinary, but the fact we were honestly second best for a greater duration of the match and still found a way to win speaks volumes. We frustrated our visitors and although they had much more of the ball and looked to attack us across the pitch, we held our own and kept men behind the ball, limiting them to a lot of possession but fairly few clear-cut chances as most of their shots were from long range.
This tactic led County to push higher and higher up the pitch and we were able to lure them into a false sense of security before Oscar Thorn hit them on the break, ran at their defence, beat his man and was able to square the ball past the onrushing Slocombe, for Tyreece Simpson to hit the ball into the back of an empty net. Simpson gets the credit for the goal, but the plaudits must go to Thorn who had the presence of mind to get his head up at a key moment and unselfishly release the ball instead of taking the shots himself. This goal in the 44th minute was enough to settle the tie and had a calming effect on the U’s as although the second half was still open, we did look more relaxed and were settled defensively after a shaky first 45.
As I said earlier, we were not at our best, but it shows the fight in the squad that even with things very much against them they still dug in, gave everything and came away with a deserved win. No matter what happens between now and the end of the season one thing is assured - Danny and Nicky Cowley have given us a side we can be proud of and one that is a joy to support. It may not be pretty at times, but it sure is effective as our position in the table testifies.
While everyone in Blue and White gave their all for shirt, yet again Jamie McDonnell showed just what he brings to the side. He was a big miss against Gillingham and his tireless combative energy in midfield seemed infectious. With him covering every blade of grass and putting in tackles everywhere, it causes others around him to raise their intensity.
I am no way accusing anyone of slacking in anyway shape or form in other games, but with McDonnell doing his thing, it really does seem from the stands that it motivates others in the side to give that little bit more and it is things like this that are making us hard to beat and frustrating to play against. We cannot hide our heads in the sand and pretend he will be around next season, he has proved he is too good for League Two, so we need to make sure we use him to his full potential between now and May. Plus just take to moment to watch him and realise what a joy he is to watch in a U’s shirt.
We travel to Newport on Saturday to face a tougher test than some may think. They sit 17th in the table and have nothing really left to play for this season, but given they were beaten by bottom side Carlisle on Saturday they will be desperate to put that right in front of their own fans in South Wales. There is no reason why we should not be capable of returning with all three points, but we will as always need to be on our ‘A’ game and put everything into the 90 minutes as we have come to expect this season.
Up the U’s!.
