What a funny game football can be. Only a few days ago I’m weighing up possible loan options and within a week two injuries mean that I’m back in the firing line after coming on against Sheffield United.
The result itself was disappointing, similar to the Plymouth game this felt like a game that was there for the taking. Conceding a goal within a minute wasn’t ideal but the game was made more frustrating as we actually managed to get ourselves back into the game only to lose it late on. I always feel for the fans that make the trips to support us - it is quite a commitment to come all that way and can’t be nice when we get nothing from a game.
I was pleased with my contribution; it’s my first game for a few weeks and was at a ground where I’ve had some fond memories. I was involved in a game a few years back against Sheffield united in the Carling Cup where we came out victors via a penalty shootout. I was unfortunate with their goal which I couldn’t quite react quickly enough and was only able to watch it squirm over the line. I made a few saves after that, one of which down to my left was particularly pleasing.
Of course, as is usually the way, a chance would either come at the expense of a red card or an injury. Unfortunately it was a stomach injury to Scott Loach which gave me my opportunity this time. It seemed very innocuous, Scott plunged to his right to make a save but his grimace was clear to see from the bench. He’ll be getting a scan within the next couple of days and hopefully it’s nothing too serious. It does of course leave us with a bit of a goakeeping problem with me being the only fit keeper at present.
There was of course the great win over West Ham earlier in the week; a game that showed us more than match a talented West Ham team and come out worthy winners.
I’m currently writing this in a hotel in Sheffield. We are staying up north for the game against Burnley on Tuesday so will train here the next few days before heading across to Burnley on Monday afternoon.
It did mean a visit to the greyhound track last night but with a curfew of 11pm with Tuesday’s game in mind. We are in no doubt that Tuesday will be a tough one, Burnley are on a fantastic run of eight games undefeated but it goes without saying that we will go there to win the game and we know we are fully capable of doing that.
Hopefully that'll have been the case and, when I return next week, I’ll also be reporting on six points gained between now and next Sunday Fingers crossed.