What a couple of results we have just had. We showed everything needed to beat the drop and with continued fine performances, we should stay up.
Unfortunately, I was not at the Ipswich home game due to being in Cardiff for Anthony Joshua’s fight. So, I will just gloss over that game before I speak about another memorable trip to Bolton.
I can’t lie, going into the Ipswich game I had a feeling we may draw or lose. I never enjoy playing them, they are often an awkward team to play and usually organised. Although, they have been opposite recently and the announcement regarding Mick McCarthy not continuing his managerial reign.
Realistically, it was a good time to play them. They had lost two games on the spin and we had that good win against Hull before the international break. A great run from Jacques Maghoma won us the penalty which Jota tucked away well and that was the winning goal. We had a couple more good chances and we limited Ipswich to only a couple of chances.
We showed good character to hold that one goal lead and make it difficult for Ipswich to get anything from us. Also, David Stockdale deserves a mention for his quick thinking to send Maghoma on his way for the penalty.
Embed from Getty ImagesNow onto Bolton away.
I think everyone Blues fan (including myself) was buzzing to be going up to the Macron. Especially when there is nearly 5000 travelling. We have a great fan base; the team always gets the backing and we brilliant Tuesday night. There is plenty of videos going around on social media of us from a Bolton perspective.
I was just hoping we could continue playing as well as we have in recent games. The confidence will be booming in the dressing room and I think that showed. The initial stages were very scrappy, neither team got a foot hold on the game. There was not a clear-cut chance until the goal. Lukas Jutkiewicz did brilliantly and pounced on the ball dropping right on the money. It was a good finish, considering he was on the slide. Also, a fantastic delivery from Maghoma. Again, Mags being instrumental in a blues goal.
After the goal we did the job necessary to get those vital three points. To see out the game without allowing Bolton to have a shot on target shows how solid we were. Harlee Dean won everything in the air. (despite Adam le Fondre fouling him) the whole back line was a unit. Wes Harding had a great game and looks a great prospect. I have been very impressed with Harding since his first start against Hull. Hopefully he keeps growing which I believe he will. He has shown a maturity to come into the team and perform well considering the position we were in.
The start of Cheikh N’Doye surprised me initially. However, once the game started I understood that decision. Garry Monk must have done his homework and seen Bolton’s game plan. They were lumping the ball forward looking for Sammy Ameobi who is a threat in the air and on the floor. They also had big centre halves who got forward for set pieces. So, I can see why Monk went with the physicality of N’Doye rather than the energy of Kieftenbeld. In fairness, N’Doye had a better game. He has not been the best here, but he did the job intended Tuesday night. The back four and him nullified Bolton. I do like Cheikh’s passion and love for the fans. He is always last of the pitch after praising us. It certainly looks like he cares.
The only downside to the game was Che Adams’ red card. That certainly ramped up the pressure on us with just over 20 minutes remaining. It did look like a red card challenge from where I was, my friend turned to me straight away and said the same. That tackle was just Adams showing his desire to win and try and get Blues forward. He is not a malicious player. I think the fact we played the last 20 minutes with ten men is the most inspiring thing. The players found an extra gear to grind that result out and they were resilient. A couple of months ago, we would have buckled and conceded and then maybe gone onto lose that game. It is like a new Blues team that have been performing under Monk’s first five games. Adams will be a miss for the next three games, especially if Gallagher is still struggling for fitness. However, we have options to come in and do a job if needed.
It could be quite easy to say any of the players could have been given man of the match for their efforts they showed. However, for me it was Maghoma. Jutkiewicz was a close second though. Juke was fantastic up top. Won every header and held the ball up well. He also chased down as much as he could and gave it everything he had. I think that is why he is a fan favourite, he is always giving 100% for the team. Mags had a very similar game to Juke in the sense he put an energetic and all or nothing performance. The difference for me was Maghoma’s defensive work. Especially when we were down to ten men. I know Juke doesn’t need to do that being the only striker on the pitch but Maghoma put everything in to help us maintain our lead.
That game was well worth the prolonged journey.
My view of the scene at full-time.
I think/hope we will be having another visit to the Macron next season. Us winning dragged them right back into the relegation mix, but I can’t see either of us being relegated. However, this is football, and anything can happen.
We now look ahead to another big game Saturday with a very big chance to make it four wins from four games. Burton at home is winnable and with our current form we should be going into that game ready for the task at hand. It will not be an easy game, Burton desperately need the win and they have a good record against us since their promotion to the Championship. Hopefully, us beating them in the FA Cup this year has ended the hoodoo against The Brewers.
I really hope we can get another three points and keep pulling away from the drop zone. It is nice to be five points clear of Barnsley, albeit they have a game in hand. It is nice for it to be in our hands now though.
KRO!
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