29th February 2004: An opportunity
missed to apply the pressure on Norwich. More importantly, this was
a defeat that was unexpected and distressing and gave the chasing
pack the chance to close the gap.
After a huge win last week and a good first 20 minutes, I didn't expect
such an abject display from this side. It was a re-run of the game
at Coventry before Christmas when they thought they only had to turn
up and win. But surely, these boys have learnt their lesson?
Megson spoke about a lack of passion and drive and also pointed out
how the midfield are not getting forward enough. It has been a feature
of this side all season and while it is encouraging that Megson is
aware of it, why are the players not responding - at times they need
to rely on the defence to deal with a breakaway and get bodies into
the box!!
Had we beaten Rotherham, we would've gone to Norwich on a high with
the knowledge that a defeat, while disappointing, would still have
left a gap to the chasing pack. Now, we go with the knowledge that
should we lose and Wigan win at Gillingham, we could be out of the
top two on Wednesday morning. The pressure is on again.
But having been so negative so far, I must turn to the positive. While
losing to Rotherham was distressing, it's not the end of the world.
With 13 games to go, promotion remains in our hands and I have seen
enough from this side to believe that they will do it. The pressure
is on everyone around us and there will be plenty of other shock results
before the end of the season; we just need to make sure we're not
on the end of another one.
Another result like this and the confidence could go. A win on Tuesday
night and today's result will be forgotten. Surely it's better to
give three points to Rotherham rather than Norwich?
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