in one of the threads before the weekend I said that these two games would be a good measure of our performance and prospects this season. were they? well, maybe. on the one hand two 1-1 draws against bottom 3 teams isn't the kind of result that a promotion hopeful should get. in both games we led, looked comfortable, conceeded and then couldn't step it up to grab the initiative back. we aren't putting games to bed when we have the opportunity and this is costing us. on the other hand, we are 6th (probably temporarily) which is better than we were last year or at this stage in 07/08. Last year we lost the corresponding fixtures, quite badly. the 1-3 at Donny was probably the nadir of our season and the 0-3 at Bristol was a spineless surrender of the unbeaten away record. So on the surface two draws, and draws that we could and maybe should have turned into wins is an improvement, right? or is that Doncaster and Bristol have gone backwards? probably an element of both I think. so next up, Cardiff. Last year we lost twice and lost deservedly on both occasions. Cardiff were the only team in the eventual top 6 that beat us last year and I thought the best team we played. They aren't looking so good this year but could be above us come the weekend depending on their result tonight. this will be another yardstick to measure us by.
Two potential banana skins in a league where any team can beat another on their day. I'd said before them that two points would be a reasonable haul from them. We tend to play to the level of the opposition, and always have done. To say we should beat bottom sides is far too simplistic, such are the dynamics that make football entertaining and unpredictable.
on a night where Brighton and West Ham lost at home to 'lower' teams, a draw should be considered a good point. That does not however mean that our inability to score more than one goal in a game should not be a serious cause for concern
On the basis of yesterday we have stepped up since last year & Cardiff have declined. The result was reversed but it was the manner that was more important. In the playoff spots after six games. Still ways that we can improve but I for one am very satisfied with the progress. 3 straight wins at home. 6 unbeaten. Who knows maybe even the press and pundits will notice us.
