Woodrow, Styles, Dike, Palmer and Frieser all had off days to varying degrees, as did Mowatt and Collins. And you know what? With all those off days and us not being anywhere near our best we more than matched them. We were the better team undone by an error. We had an off day and even so they will be sat on that coach tonight realising how lucky they were to end the game 1 nil winners. That's a positive to me. It says we have no reason to be downhearted or feel defeated, it's merely half time and our players havent even got into 2nd gear yet. Step it up to the level we know we can play on Saturday and we wil absolutely hammer them
Fair play for the optimism, but they’ve beaten us three times with a 5-0 aggregate. I think they will feel very confident that they just need to stick to their game plan in the 2nd leg, to get over the line. If it’s any consolation, we know we have to go there and win. $hit or bust
But it's not a 5 0 aggregate. The one that counts is a 1 0 aggregate and they'll know their keeper kept that margin for them.
We’re still in it, no doubt about that. It’s a very tall order from here though if we’re honest. Swansea do appear to have our number. Let’s just hope there’s another twist to this amazing season....,
I’m optimistic for the second leg. It was an entertainment game this evening, and on balance, we deserved to be at least level. However, it is difficult to argue a case based upon what has happened in the three encounters this season. As you point out, the one positive is that we are only down by a single goal.
That's our style. Many times it has worked. Last night it didn't. There have been increasing signs since mid-March of some teams having worked out a way to play against us (Derby, Wednesday, Reading, Coventry). Swansea, with a more expensive team and recent Premier League nous appear to have our number. To think we can prevail in the away leg flies in the face of the form book. And yet..... This team often surprises us (see Fulham and Brentford away last year; Brentford and Bournemouth this.) So therein lies our hope. The dream of football fans through the ages! But if it doesn't go our way, two things. First and foremost Valerien Ismael and the team have been giants this year, and in the most difficult of seasons for club and fans, have given us something to remember. Second, this Summer - and the approach of the Club/Board - will be the most informative of this period of the owners' custodianship yet. Many knotty issues to be decided, and the immediate prospects for the club at stake. COYR!
Brad Collins will be watching Allison's goal against West Brom thinking "Just give me one chance...!"
I wouldn't write this team's chances off for the 2nd leg. Who would have given us a chance in the 2nd half at Bournmouth? Or when we conceded in the first few minutes against the Massive?