The last time I saw us play, we saved our blushes against League Two opposition. Mentally, I gave up on the F A Cup that night. The replay wasn't for the faint-hearted and even if we negotiated that the reward was a kicking at Huddersfield.
So yesterday, whilst sauntering through the woods over Shooters Hill with the dog, I listened for updates via Radio 5. It sounded a predictable first-half with Ben Alnwick keeping the Terriers at bay. Marvin Sordell was mentioned which meant someone was missing and I guessed, rightly, that Kermogant was being protected either for Doncaster or Celtic (pleased to hear subsequently that he has travelled with the squad as they are staying Oop North until Tuesday's six pointer). I was surprised we made it in at the break with a clean sheet but awaited the inevitable second-half goal report. When it came ten minutes in it was a big surprise to hear that the Workhorse had finished off a barrelling run and cross from Lawrie Wilson. Noses in front and with youth product Harry Lennon having been thrown into the fray in the first forty-five to replace the injured Cedric Evina, suddenly there was a backs-to-wall feeling with the walking wounded fighting back.
I suggested after the Oxford result that perhaps players were literally fighting for their bosses job and it was that sort of spirit that saw the match out again yesterday. Doncaster will be a bigger test on Tuesday but today the players will be assembled somewhere comfortable, presumably after a team dinner for the cup draw.
Only sixteen teams left at this stage and it looks like we will probably be one of only six sides outside the Premium League left it in. Every chance of a plum tie although it's hard not to find yourself hoping for one of the other sides at home with a better chance of progressing to a rare 6th Round shot. Being practical and reflecting on our record in the cup in our lifetimes, we should probably hope for a top side at the Valley and settle for a full house and a windfall.
So yesterday, whilst sauntering through the woods over Shooters Hill with the dog, I listened for updates via Radio 5. It sounded a predictable first-half with Ben Alnwick keeping the Terriers at bay. Marvin Sordell was mentioned which meant someone was missing and I guessed, rightly, that Kermogant was being protected either for Doncaster or Celtic (pleased to hear subsequently that he has travelled with the squad as they are staying Oop North until Tuesday's six pointer). I was surprised we made it in at the break with a clean sheet but awaited the inevitable second-half goal report. When it came ten minutes in it was a big surprise to hear that the Workhorse had finished off a barrelling run and cross from Lawrie Wilson. Noses in front and with youth product Harry Lennon having been thrown into the fray in the first forty-five to replace the injured Cedric Evina, suddenly there was a backs-to-wall feeling with the walking wounded fighting back.
I suggested after the Oxford result that perhaps players were literally fighting for their bosses job and it was that sort of spirit that saw the match out again yesterday. Doncaster will be a bigger test on Tuesday but today the players will be assembled somewhere comfortable, presumably after a team dinner for the cup draw.
Only sixteen teams left at this stage and it looks like we will probably be one of only six sides outside the Premium League left it in. Every chance of a plum tie although it's hard not to find yourself hoping for one of the other sides at home with a better chance of progressing to a rare 6th Round shot. Being practical and reflecting on our record in the cup in our lifetimes, we should probably hope for a top side at the Valley and settle for a full house and a windfall.
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