Stevenage 0-2 U's: That's More Like It

Two in two! Two weeks ago I didn't think we'd be able to win two games all season, let alone against opponents such as Wigan and Stevenage.

I guess firstly credit must go to Garry Monk. I've changed my mind on Monk more times than he's switched up defences, but he seems to have got things to click now. Credit also to the board to sticking with him, in the face of some fairly strongly worded arguments (not least mine) against keeping him in charge.

Credit due also to the players, who’ve bucked their ideas up and are starting to show that they’re a League One side who can compete on this stage. I’ve worried before that relegation will be terminal for our ambitions, so this showing starts to fill me with a bit of confidence.

My mate Alan pointed out to me that at no point during the game did we have more than two outfield players on the pitch that weren’t a part of last seasons squad. If anything shows the lack of depth in the squad Monk has to work with then it’s that. Injuries are the main reason for that stat, but we’d also do well to remember that we’re not able to bring in an entire new squad every summer due to our finances. Smith has come in for a tonne of criticism from me, a lot of it deserved, some of it not, but over the past few games has really started to show his class. Nlundulu I remain less convinced about, but he’s running and trying hard and he’s been rewarded with a couple of goals already. We know he wasn’t our first choice #9, but he’s wearing the shirt so we might as well back him whilst he’s here. Worst case, he’s crap and we send him back to Bolton in January, Best case, he scores tonnes of goals between now and Xmas and Bolton recall him anyway.

I don’t think anyone had a bad game on Tuesday, but special shoutouts must go to a few of them: Okedina, finally starting to come of age. He’s one of our longest serving players now and has made over 100 appearances. It doesn’t feel like it sometimes, and he’s had ups and downs but has reacted to being placed on the transfer list in the summer with professionalism. His reaction to his last ditch tackle on Tuesday was a joy to see, celebrating it like he’d scored a winner. Kachunga had a decent game (and looks pretty cool in his long-sleeved shirt) and although he was the weaker of the three forwards Tuesday, he still put in a shift. Smith I mentioned above, Morrison lead the backline with all his years of experience and made sure we was wise to Stevenage’s tricks.

The last thing to mention is the United fans. I don’t get to many away games, but the atmosphere on Tuesday was incredible. We didn’t rise to the provocations from Stevenage’s idiot fans, the atmosphere was much better than last season. We sang from kick-off to the final whistle, supported the team and showed we were United, and it was actually a somewhat pleasant experience, which isn’t something you usually say about a night in Stevenage.

Burton come to town on Saturday, the only team below us in the league, and one hoping for a bit of “new manager bounce” after sacking Mark Robinson yesterday. We’ve never had a better chance to make it three in three, and if we play even half as well as we have the past couple of games that should be achievable. Burton seem to be one of those teams we struggle against, although since returning to the League the stats are actually slightly in our favour. What kind of Burton team will turn up Saturday it remains to be seen and whether they’ll be reinvigorated by a change of gaffer or down-heartened by the decision will be a big part in how they play. For us we have to hope that Smith went off with just a bit of cramp (the fact he ran half the length of the pitch - albeit fairly slowly - to celebrate Kaikai’s goal makes me hope the injury isn’t too bad). Ryan Loft should be back, and every week is a week closer to the likes of Stokes, Lavery, Gardner & the others returning. See you at the Abbey!

Man of the Match: Twice in a row I’m giving it to Korey Smith, but there were a number of contenders.

Soundtrack of the Match: The Streets - Turn The Page