City back in touch

Safe to say, I am absolutely buzzing that I braved the arctic conditions to make the trip to Wycombe, along with 781 other members of the Sky Blue Army. It wasn’t a barnstorming spectacle, but it definitely was a professional performance, and one that could get our season back on track.

When Marc McNulty’s penalty rippled the back of the net, the feeling of relief in that away end manifested into sheer delight. After the pandemonium calmed down slightly I had flashbacks to the Colchester game, but credit to the lads, they saw the game out and earned a deserved three points.

In the first 45 minutes, we limited the Chairboys to very little and the back five, including Lee Burge, were faultless. Everybody knows how dangerous Adebayo Akinfenwa can be on his day, but they dealt with his presence well. Dominic Hyam must be applauded too because although he hasn’t featured regularly this season, he has looked very capable every time he has stepped out onto the pitch.

Although Michael Doyle isn’t the most graceful footballer on the planet, his willingness to run through a brick wall to win the ball is commendable. With Liam Kelly alongside him, the pair marshalled the game expertly at times and their defensive capabilities offered more protection in front of the defence.

During the second half, it was if we had flicked a switch and the realisation that three points were a necessity sunk in. Our more creative players put the home side on the back foot, and although they didn’t work the goalkeeper on too many occasions, they looked a threat every time they went forward.

The introduction of Kyel Reid had an influence on proceedings and he demonstrated why he can be an asset to the squad. Whilst I’m sure a few City fans will never forgive him for openly attempting to jump ship in the summer, it is good to have him back. Excluding the injured Jodi Jones, City don’t have too many natural wingers who can skip past defenders – he can do that with his pace.

Jonson Clarke-Harris wasn’t as effective as he has been over the last couple of games, but he hassled and harried the Wycombe back line and that is the minimum you expect. Maxime Biamou was then introduced and he was key in seeing out the win, but McNulty will take the plaudits for his decisive goal – he really is clinical from the penalty spot.

He has now scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, but that one could prove to be a crucial one in our campaign. We are now just three points off the play-offs, and with Lincoln City up next, a side just one point below us, we need to build on this victory. The time for talking has stopped now, we have to prove that we are good enough to get out of this league.

Despite it looking as if we had thrown away any chance we had when we lost to Colchester, we have now hauled ourselves back into the race. Now with four points from our last two games and numerous positives to take from those, some faith has been rediscovered and everything is in the hands of ‘little squeaky Robins’ and his players.

Our supporters can play a huge part too and they were incredible tonight. To take almost 800 down to Wycombe on a Tuesday night is fantastic anyway, but to back the team non-stop for the full 90 minutes is another thing. I’m sure that it helped to motivate the players to grind it out, and that unity can go a long way.

Play Up Sky Blues.