25th September 2003: Bogey number
two at three o'clock. On Saturday afternoon, we meet another of our
"bogey" sides in Stoke City. Our last league win against the Potters
was on 18th December 1988, by six goals to nil. Our only win against
them since then came in the FA Cup in 1998.
So having disposed of another bogey side in Ipswich Town in our last
home game, it's time to send bogey number two crashing and burning,
and I'd be satisfied with a repeat of that 6-0 from fifteen years
ago!! Tally ho!
The Ipswich game was probably our best performance of the season,
but we haven't managed to reach anything like that level since - and
I thought that level wasn't that high. But after a win at Hartlepool,
there should be some confidence in the side and we need to go on another
winning run. It should be easier than last time as we have five of
the next six games at home (assuming the Cardiff game will be postponed),
but we need to start proving that we are as good as we think we should
be!
If we do win the next five home games, we'll be at the top or very
close but it won't be easy. Stoke are, on paper, one of the easiest
with tricky opponents such as Millwall and Sheffield United likely
to offer more stubborn resistance. But we should win the vast majority
of our home games if we want to get promoted.
It's not exactly rocket science to say we must win at home, but I
think this run of five home games in six is an advantage that we can't
afford to pass up. If we can win them all, and get something at Gillingham,
we may be able to open up a lead at the top that will be a huge psychological
boost. Obviously, we know from two years ago that leads only count
on the last day of the season but, Dingle disasters aside, wins breed
confidence, confidence breeds wins.
Come on you Baggies!!
|
