Some random thoughts. All our game changers came to the party. First up, Sam. Would have been nice if it had been his head on the end of that, but it was his movement and positioning that caused the defender to do what Sam would otherwise have done. That gave belief and changed the game. Sam gave his all. He deserves this moment. Ashley Fletcher and Ivan Toney showed some of their class. Fletcher's movement and positioning is fantastic for a lad of his age. And Toney is prepared to put himself in the thick of things. Neither looked in any way overawed by the occasion, and their combination for the second goal was vital. Establishing themselves at their top parent clubs (despite Newcastle's current predicament) will not be easy, but I hope they both go on to fulfill their potential. Adam Hammill - MOTM by a country mile. The cross for Sam/Cheyenne's goal was perfection - the bset since Devaney against Liverpool and Chelsea. And the goal must go down as one of the best moments in our history. Looking back, I'm sure he knew exactly what he was going to do when he received the ball in our half. His enthusiasm is infectious, and the T****y Pearl flick round the back of his leg (and the defender) in the far corner had echoes of Ronaldo or Bale. What a talent. Adam Davies - that save. It's when you see the reverse angle on Sky - and the deflection - that you realise how brilliant a reaction that was. Yes Hecky - it's what he's paid for. I hope you're paying him enough! Conor Hourihane. A true captain's display, and possibly the most complete performance I've seen from him (or can remember). His tenacious and skilfull tackling was inspirational to the side. Championship class or better. For the rest, there wasn't a bad performance among them. True - you could ask questions about the two Oxford goals. But let's not forget Oxford are a good side. Roofe and Hylton were impressive. But apart from that there was some terrific defending at times. Aidy White is a division above where he's playing. And Mawson and Roberts continue to grow. I'm becoming increasingly convinced that Alfie is the lad around who we need to continue to build (and let's not forget here Kevin Long's part in his development) because I think that Hammill, Hourihane, White and possibly Winnall are destined for the Championship - I just hope to God it's with us. Last but not least, Paul Heckingbottom and Tommy Wright. Hecky has an unbelievably calm demeanour. Whether triumph or disaster, he "treats those two imposters just the same". Too many times it seems over the dismal years in the Championship and last season, a poor first half showing has been followed by little if any change. We weren't poor in the first half on Sunday, but we certainly responded with increased tempo after Hecky's half time "kick up the arse". And I suspect that Tommy Wright is an unsung hero. Easy to see Lee Johnson's regard for the man, and I suspect that Hecky values his input equally. One of the great, great days............ now for The Impossible Dream!
Completely bang on and I'll add that movement and positioning are unsung pieces of play in football. Even when you're not the one moving into position to score or as Sam did, force the defender to score, movement and positioning can have a big hand in creating great opportunities, for example the strike partner dragging the centre half away creating a gap for the onrushing striker to carry the ball into and get a clear sight of goal. You don't always have to look to move into a position in which you have an opportunity to score if you receive the ball, rather moving into a position that forces the defender to go with you, can be just as effective.
