The facts are simple; the periods of play when we didn’t even think about how to use the ball, hoofing towards two lethargic looking strikers, were rubbish. We achieved nothing. On the other hand, when we played well, when we passed the ball to feet, when the lads worked for each other, we looked killer. Sparrow and Garcia battled, Stanton and Dawson ran their hearts out and Carruthers and Torpey looked lively and caused Oxford problems.
Yes, that is correct, you read it right, for the first time since I started writing this column, I have something good to say about Steve Torpey. Honest. No Brian Laws opposite thing going on here, he looked better than he has for a good couple of years, he even ran, I swear it, HE RAN, using his feet, and everything. His flick-ons occasionally worked and he used his strength well at times. He’s no Ruud van Nistlerooy, but it is encouraging to see him care.
We are not yet world beaters, but if we can play like we did when we were passing it around, then we could continue this run. The home side were petrified by the options that we had; Garcia and Graves with their lethal shots from distance, Sparrow and Carruthers lurking in the penalty area and Torpey, ready for the ball to hit some part of his anatomy and trickle in (Sorry, Steve, that is slightly unfair). But we don’t seem to realise our potential, I reckon we still need a goalscorer, someone to finish off the chances, to pick up the rebounds, to destroy a hesitant defence.
My biggest worry is in defence, especially now Jacko is out. McCombe, despite being a great prospect, was a nervous wreck, he is scared of the ball and out thought by strikers who get goal side too easily. He needs to build his confidence again in the reserves and then come back stronger.
Right, after the Steve-Torpey-played-quite-well admissions, I really need to go have a long bath and scrub myself.
I feel dirty.
Up The Iron.