There were definitely some positives to take from Saturday’s win against QPR, 3 points obviously being the biggest of those!
Leigh Bromby and Matt Kilgallon continue to look a solid centre back partnership, despite Bromby’s mistake for the first goal. It was reassuring to see them not unduly troubled by Patrick Agyemang given concerns over how they would deal with a powerhouse striker. Kilgallon’s late headed clearance was incredible. My initial reaction was ‘Great header’ and I didn’t even consider that he may have handled it until the QPR players surrounded the referee. It sounds like TV replays have proved me correct on this occasion.
The midfield looked a little better with David Carney having easily his best game for the club so far. Gary Speed sat really deep for the most part and didn’t really catch the eye although his experience and aerial ability could prove vital. Hendrie scored and managed to get himself suspended for the Sheffield Wednesday game and Tonge did OK although could’ve maybe been more involved.
Rob Hulse missed a number of chances, if he can regain his sharpness in the next week or so he’s due a bagful against someone. It isn’t an exaggeration to say he could easily have been on 5 or 6 goals for the season already. Billy Sharp continues to toil away and was unlucky to be robbed of his first league goal by a linesman’s flag. His lack of pace becomes more and more noticeable though and the crowd no longer get excited when he gets goal side of a defender 40 yards from goal.
The biggest boost though was the return of Derek Geary to league action. This lad just gets people off their seats. He flew into tackles (one in the first half was top quality), got forward and generally gave a typical Derek Geary performance. I honestly believe that the improved atmosphere was as much down to Geary’s presence as anything else.
A quick word for the QPR support. Saturday was the first time this season that I’ve looked at the away end and been pleasantly surprised by the travelling numbers. Amazing what a few quid can do! They definitely played their part in creating a decent atmosphere and made our win that little bit sweeter with songs like ‘We’ve got more steel than you’!
Share this article
