And I don't mean just the on-field entertainment, but every part of the fixture yesterday made me smile. The Light Dragoons march was a nice touch and the reception they received was deservedly first class. The playing surface is a dream, and even the wind abated slightly. And it was great to see the lads and lassies around me dancing away to the entrance music, smiles all round - despite the Pompey setback. And then Toby's sojourn up to join us in the Ponty to get us going again, that was another quality moment. Great photo opportunity too, especially for the kiddies. Smiling all night I was... No, thats not quite true. I had a somewhat puzzled look on my face after the baffling decision by the referee to make Andy Gray give Burnley the ball 'back' And I did shout out in sheer exasperation when the same guy - and his two pals - failed to spot the deedar keeper picking up the ball at least 6 inches outside the area.. But those moments aside, I enjoyed a fantastic evening at Oakwell. The last 7.45pm home game was a nightmare. Such a marked contrast in atmosphere, and performance, from that game against Boro, to this one with Burnley. I have read the last 20 hours of postings, and I find it quite mood-affirming that for once my own outlook is being both shared and expressed on ere, and now, by more than just a handful of fellow users. Perhaps Im not the OTT blind-optimist that Im often mistaken for? Perhaps I just had faith and knew we were onto a good thing? But seriously, I felt the game could have gone either way in the first 45. Again, we weren't quite at the standard we had set against Leicester and Birmingham, but we were solid at the back, and tactically sound, especially without the ball. But for once we had 3 or 4 bodies in the box when Jimbo put one of many great balls in, and Davies' header down was perfect for the captain to score a much easier goal than usual. I think we then sat off them a little until the break and I reckon The Clarets would have felt rather hard done by going in behind at half-time. Swapping the wingers over, it helped nullify Trippier and his marauding runs, but in turn stifled our own threat where Jimbo had given Easton a torrid time. The second half saw a rarity as we went 2 up top! Davies looked a lot more at home, and it gave Gray a much needed helping hand with the spadework. Yes the lad knocked two great one-on-ones wide, but at least he was there to miss em! If you get my meaning. He will come good with match practise, and it shows that Keith does indeed have a plan B. Which I was worried about after Pompey. He has had his hands tied and options limited so far so Im now even more confident that we are in good hands. I applaud RVT too. I am not a fan tbh, as he doesnt look a winger to me. But he has looked a good impact player, and so it proved again (up top I might add), this time with a goal to show for it too! Great victory and a great evening. Its nice to go down the 'Well again... HRAWA
