A dark cloud is beginning to lift at Victoria Road.
Plunged to the bottom of League Two with the 1-2 reverse against Port Vale, a fug had consumed the terraces with the Conference trapdoor beckoning. Fast forward three weeks, and things are looking up. Fingers of sunlight have begun to shine through the gloom. Knocking Walsall out of the cup has triggered an upturn in fortunes which was long overdue, if not anticipated.
That game at the Bescott marked the return from injury of Maher, for the second time already this season. Unlike the first time around, he set about making his presence felt. The plodding and puffing displays of a man unfit and unable to keep up with runners into the box were a thing of the past; this was the player we all wanted and expected when he signed in the summer. Unfortunately I’m talking in the past tense because, you guessed it, he’s crocked again.
The injury situation this season has been nothing short of a joke. And it isn’t a funny one. Like Maher, Josh Scott has made a long-awaited return to the starting eleven. Eeking towards full fitness, he brought with him the ability to keep hold of the ball up front, to provide a focus for our attacks. Again, like Maher, he is out again.
Still, having this duo at the top of their powers simultaneously, albeit for just a handful of games, has provided a timely boost to the side. Crucially, they aren’t the only ones reaching the peak of their capacity. Dominic Green is back and just beginning to find his feet after a career stalled on Peterborough’s scrap heap. His first start against Barnet brought a searing run capped with a fizzing strike against the bar to remind us what we’ve all been missing. In two games since he has shown more rounded performances in a new attacking central midfield position. Billy Bingham is now fully fit after a stop-start few months and, although we’ve lost Gain to yet another injury, he looks ready to stake his claim with classy touch and quiet efficacy.
The fluidity of our attack in a loose 4-3-3 system has been palpable. Cristian Montano has thrived playing off Woodall and Scott; indeed, both provided assists for his double against the Bees. And with Scott now back on the treatment table, Woodall himself has stepped up to the plate in front of goal, scoring in 3 consecutive games.
Another big factor in our improved form has surely been Spillane’s rebirth in the centre of defence. Exposed in his early games at right-back, a move into the middle has seen an upturn in fortunes. He is calm and assured in possession, able to control the ball and find a teammate rather than simply hammering it into row Z. He is reminiscent of a young Mark Arber. It is no coincidence that Scott Doe is finally turning the corner after a spell of poor form, nor that we’ve only conceded 3 goals in the last 5 games.
Mark Arber is due to return from injury imminently, players such as Elito and McCrory are back in contention, Ogogo’s suspension has been served. Is everything starting to come together?
Possibly, but there is cause for caution before we all get giddy. If Maher, Gain and Scott are absent for any length of time and if we are unable to twist Mr Allardyce’s arm to prolong Montano’s stay, the squad will be looking decidedly threadbare once again. It remains to be seen if we can plug any gaps with further loan signings.
Momentum is key; now we finally have some, we really need to keep hold of it.
