I don’t know why but I didn’t comment on last weekend’s draw
against Plymouth Argyle. This despite the fact I found it one of the most
enjoyable games I’ve attended. Outside of those games where promotion or a
championship was secured, a rarity I think you'll agree, or the obvious ones like the
demolition of Northampton Town and Bournemouth I can’t say much has surpassed
that game in terms of viewing pleasure. Of course, a win would have really put
the icing on the cake and that possibility was even acknowledged by the
Plymouth fans who were good enough to say it wouldn’t have been undeserved. Nevertheless,
it was a terrific performance even given the draw.
We said after the game this weekends encounter would be a
totally different proposition and so it turned out although my own expectation
had been yet another draw. As it happened, by hook or by crook, City emerged
with all three points but at one-nil I said to my neighbour this has a one-one
draw written all over it.
That didn’t happen as the Imps conjured up a second goal. My
prediction went west as did my assertion before we scored that an early goal
would put a whole new slant on the game as Morecambe would have to come out and
play. City did get the goal but Morecambe didn’t particularly change tack.
Perhaps they couldn’t.
For my money City struggle in these types of games because
clubs who can’t really afford to compete at league one level can garner
sufficient points, they hope, by defending stoutly. You can teach a player to
defend well but at the other end of the pitch, the expensive one, goal scoring
is usually more of a matter of instinct and you can’t teach that.
I should say that City are also, to a lesser extent, in the
same boat in that there are some awfully wealthy clubs, comparatively, in the
division and mere survival is an achievement. Having said that of course, as we
are all aware City have done considerably better against teams that are trying
to win the game as opposed to hanging on by their fingertips and you do wonder,
well I do, if City could ever make that leap, giant leap I should say, into the
championship maybe there is some hope that they could survive in it.
First things first, I hear you say, the Imps have got to see
off the likes of Morecambe with rather less huff and puff if such a golden
future is to be contemplated but we can all dream can’t we?
Anyway who thought, at the beginning of the season that
City, now well into this campaign, sit at the tail end of some pretty
illustrious names in the table? Not your correspondent, That’s for sure.
Personally speaking I really should pay less attention to
the naysayers who forecast disaster after every set back. The way things are
going with twitter perhaps that opportunity won’t be an option. I wouldn’t miss
that aspect but perhaps I could pass on the benefit of my experience as a City
supporter. Things have rarely been as successful as they are now. Do enjoy it
while it lasts.
