Well I am a bit behind aren't I?!
Apologies for this, too many jobs to do not enough time.
Let's go back to Saturday 10th March and the superb victroy over Millwall. Following the dismal performance in midweek, it was essential that the lads delivered, which they did, securing a 3-1 victory and move a step closer to safety.
Take nothing away from the victory, Millwall were a side that were enjoying a decent run of form and had put a nice gap between the bottom three and themselves. They would have fancied their chances when they arrived at the City Ground, no doubt about that.
But there were two major differences in my view.
The first was the correct team selection. All 11 men playing in positions that they were comfortable with and the team were balanced and as a result, played some lovely, fluid football.
Secondly, the City Ground faithful were in excellent voice. The whole ground, backed the lads on the pitch for the duration of the game and it helped massively. I haven't been right about many things this season, but I will claim victory on this particular matter. Back the lads and be positive and they will work hard for you.
Even as Henderson got one back for Millwall, the crowd didn't get on their back and we soon got our reward when Reidy stepped up and unleashed a beautiful effort into the top right hand corner.
My oh my, did he deserve it! It was a simply superb individual performance and his ability and class was there for all to see. When the Irishman is on form such as that, the hope is that he can play week in week out. Unfortunately, with his age and stature, he can't. It's a huge shame, but it's just not plausible.
Despite Reid deservedly taking the plaudits, there were a couple of other brilliant performances. Dexter Blackstock continually puts in a shift up front and unless he scores, no-one seems to notice. He was fantastic and caused problems all afternoon for Millwall's defence.
Danny Higginbotham was also magnificent. He may as well have the captaincy with the way he leads on the pitch. He is vocal, passionate and motivated. Everything you need from a centre-half. He also popped up with a fantastic goal. Make no mistake about it, that is a tough technique to swivel on the volley.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a perfect performance and our luck was definitely in. Millwall hit the woodwork three times if I counted correctly so there were still many issues. But we should enjoy the win and more importantly, enjoy the five point gap that has now opened up.
On a seperate note, I heard rumours that the reason Tudgay and Anderson were dropped on Tuesday night was because the pair of them started a fight with Robbie Findley. I pray that this is just hearsay. As soon as the team begins to turn on each other, then it really is game over. Cotterill must manage the situation delicately and carefully and I think the punishment of dropping them both was the correct decision.
Camp - Was called into action a few times but stood up to the challenge and did well. No silly mistakes or anything to be accounted for. Solid. 7/10
Gunter - Playing in the correct decision and had a much better display than in recent. Still gets caught out from time to time but it was very much improved. 7/10
Chambers - Probably the weakest of the back four. It just hasn't happened for Chambo this season and I can only think of the captaincy being the reason. Too much of a burden? 6/10
Higginbotham - Was superb in all areas of his game. Calm, controlled, self assured. Fantastic loan signing. Just fitness being the issue now. 9/10
Cunningham - Has worked out well that he regains fitness just as Elokobi injures himself. Solid game from the left back. Committed and passionate, offers a good attacking outlet as well. 8/10
McCleary - I've said it before that his recent good form will mean oppositions will aim to keep him quiet by using more than one man to mark him. He has to be able to improve his game to beat this. Very quiet second half but took his goal well. 7/10
Guedioura - The problem with the Wolves loanee is that he's set the bar so high in his first couple of games. He wasn't poor on any level, just not as good as we've seen recently. Plenty of energy and enthuasism as always though. 7/10
Moussi - I've said it before and I'll say it again, Moussi is like an excitable dog. Fiesty, passionate, tenacious, he's fantastic in the middle of the park. But you cannot help but get nervous when hes trying to help the defence. There were a couple of dodgy challenges in and around the penalty area which could have really shot us in the foot. 7/10
Reid - Man of the match. Simply controlled the game from start to finish and outclassed the other 21 players around him. Wonderful goal as well. Just wish he'd stick to his wing! 10/10
Tudgay - Our little workhorse. What he lacks in ability he definitely makes up for in passion and energy. He was no different on Sat, chasing lost causes and being a general nuisance. Needs to be finding the net soon though. 7/10
Blackstock - Worked incredibly hard and took a few bumps and bruises for the cause. Looked a lot more confident after his recent goals and will be a vital part of the team as we aim to avoid relegation. 8/10
Wootton - Came on in the midfield and looked comfortable. If one part of the negotiations was to play Wootton for a certain amount of time, he could certainly do a job in the middle of the park. 7/10
Miller - Not enough time to make an impact but its nice to see the big man fit again. Always causes problems and held the ball up well to waste the time away. If he can begin finding the net, he'll be back in the starting 11 in no time. 6/10
Onto Tuesday night then. When it was first postponed, I think we all imagined that we'd be on the end of a spanking. Now, we've won a few games, they've had their annual slide..who knows?
It's always a good occasion!
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