A far better performance than many of us expected. Sheffield Wednesday did not live up the the reputation the six games unbeaten created, and if it had not been for Nicky Weaver they could have been embarrassed in much the same way we were by Brighton.
Our goal was a bit fortuitous in that Scott's first shot was blocked by a Wednesday defender before bouncing off Benson right back to his feet. This put Nicky off his balance and Scott's second shot found the far corner. Matt Fry was very unlucky not to find the back of the net from outside the area and Benson's flick in the second half looked like it was destined for the net from the North Stand.
At the back Doherty was solid, apart from a couple of wayward headers towards the end of the first half, and even mopped up a mistake by Christian Dailly. If he can keep performing at that level Fortune will find it hard to get into the starting lineup. Francis and Fry were good at the fullback positions. Semedo and Racon were at their best yesterday. Wagstaff needs to work on his close control, but he is clearly a far better player than last year. Jackson looked like he was slowing down in the second half, but he caused their right back problems for the majority of the game. Anyinsah's speed was a constant thorn in the side of the Wednesday defenders and they resorted to manhandling for the majority of the game, but the distraction he created meant Benson had a lot more room to work with and his influence continues to grow up front. Elliot worries me a bit as he drifts out of position a bit, but he makes himself big and is a good shot stopper.
My man of the match was Therry Racon, easily his best performance for us in at least a year. His tackling was perfect and he spread the ball brilliantly. If he had a bit more pace we would struggle to hold on to him in January.
Next we go to Swindon and hopefully we can get some revenge for the playoff defeat last season! They don't look the same team as last season but they can still be dangerous, if we get a win then our confidence should skyrocket and we could go from strength to strength. Parkinson seems to have the team well balanced now, and if we can continue this form those that are questioning his suitability to manage us, like me, might finally start to be won over.
I am off out today to another sort of "football". The visit of the NFL to London each year has always been an experience and I am looking forward to it again this year. Both teams are underachieving this year and will be looking to make the most of this trip away which should lead to a great game.
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