Carlisle at home – 1st September 2012

Well how delightful was that?

My first proper match of the season due to me sunning myself in beautiful Kefalonia for a couple of weeks, and I get a two-nil victory, and had it been three or four, it would still have been a pretty fair result. While I was away, we had a man sent off in every league game, yet when I’m back, there isn’t even a yellow in sight – I don’t want to take full credit for it, but that’s some pretty compelling evidence right there.

Some things I noticed today:

  • The cladding on the Saxon street side glistens in the sunlight
  • The traffic lights by the main entrance have been replaced with men.  Whatever next?
  • It seemed to take much less time to get out of the car park
  • All the club need to do to get people to stay behind and clap the team off is get a tosser to stage a one-man pitch invasion after the final whistle
  • Our stewards are actually pretty good at dealing with tossers.

On the pitch, I thought we played some great football, particularly in the first half.  When you consider that we had a few key players out through suspensions and injuries, I came away feeling positive, fluffy and to be completely honest with you, rather content.  We were strong defensively, creative in midfield, and created a lot of chances.  Stand-out performances today from:

  • Chicksen – it’s great to see him getting some matchtime in his proper position, though I’m sure he’ll be back fighing for a place one Lewie’s back off of the naughty step
  • McKenzie – solid as a solid thing that’s been taking night classes in getting even more solid
  • Otsemobor – looks solid and creative in equal amounts
  • Chadwick – a man possessed in the first half, and deserved his goal
  • Powell – whatever we’ve done with him over the summer, it was a great idea.  I’ve always been a fan, but his first touch has improved beyond recognition, and he looks great – this could be his season
Great to see Lowe get a goal, and great to see him following in on Powell’s shot.  Slightly surreal to see Jimmy Bullard in a Dons top, but hilarious to see the reaction to him – every touch greeted by cheers and willing him to shoot.
It’s obviously early days, but I’m feeling quietly confident about what I’ve seen so far.
COYDs.

Brando.

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