2016-17| #3| (Re)Adjusting to the Football League

Following on from the previous blog post, the highly anticipated Newcastle trip approached, and it was something that couldn't have been anymore perfectly timed after our first domestic loss to Doncaster. Expecting nothing out of the game it was a chance for our players to play without pressure and just be themselves enjoying the occasion.

Two goals falling either side of the half-time whistle saw a rejuvenated Robins side bow out to a 2-0 defeat, a game which saw Town take the plaudits from the not only the travelling away section but also the home fans too. A night all-round of immense pride to be a supporter of this club, and we were probably hard done by in what looked a promising performance, against the recently relegated Premier League side.

Newcastle United Away (2-0)

With the morale back at a reasonable level, it was another relegated side who were to visit Whaddon Road, for the second successive home league game, hopes and expectations were as high as ever to see how the team would respond in what had been a mixed week. One player who had the bar raised even higher was Billy Waters, our only attacking goalscorer so far this season had a blinder of a game, again gaining plaudits from the opposition in whom were his former club. Cheltenham ran out 2-0 winners, the return of Dickie making an instant impact picking up a goal and clean sheet, Dayton working wonders also with a goal and an assist. All in all it was the kick-start we had needed, and something to build on in the coming games.

The small matter of another Tuesday night away game and yes another relegated team, came in the form of Blackpool away in the Checkatrade Trophy. Being an attendee - yes judge all you want - it again proved that the attackers are struggling to get themselves off the mark. A surprise goal coming form the departing loanee James Jennings, lit up what left us asking the same questions, who is going to take lead and be the goalscorer of this team? The departure of Pell was key at half-time and was missed massively, a game in which Kyle Storer should have been playing I don't believe would have seen us concede two in the space of two minutes from substitute Kyle Vassell.

Blackpool Away 2-1

That game in my opinion should have been seen out comfortably, and it brings us on to the last game played in what was my second trip to Home Park away to Plymouth. All in all it was a pretty dull game and in turn had 0-0 written all over it. If it had stayed that way I would've been more than happy with that point and would've come out with a much brighter and relieved response had the events in the 93rd minute not occurred. A poor clearance from the corner by Amari Morgan-Smith allowed a ball to be floated into the back post to see two of our defenders out-jumped by Sonny Bradley at the back post, stealing the three points for Plymouth.

I enjoy not rushing to write my opinions on a blog post straight away as it gives a good chance for me to realistically analyse the situation we're in. Although I'm probably not as happy with the performance as some were, I'm still not overly panicking. So far I've felt our start to the season has felt like that month of March we dread as Robins fans. It always proves to be that defining month for us, especially in our play-off campaigns under Yates. Full of tough fixtures against teams who are up there and some who are picking up that bit of form. Albeit six games into the season (plus three cup games) and no idea where half these teams are going to end up, it might turn out to be a slight blessing we've played the teams we have done so early on.

Plymouth Away (1-0)

Leyton Orient, Carlisle, Doncaster and Plymouth are all teams I've predicted to be within the top 7 this season. While two points out of twelve doesn't sound at all brilliant against these, it's at a time where many of our players are adjusting to life in a league they've not played in before, and for me the adjustment period will begin to wear off and the game should come natural to them. Add to that the anticipated return of Storer - allowing Pell to move higher up the pitch - Dayton, Munns, Downes, and Holman, again needing their adjustment period, it does make me feel more confident going into this opening half of the season. I don't really care where the goals come from at the minute as long as they're coming, however it's also an important factor for out strikers to all get off the mark and get give opposition defences a constant threat which Johnson has echoed we've not done.

Although a complete whitewash on Tuesday at 7-1, and being a much rather younger opposition to our fringe players. I think we can take great confidence from that, and so can the players who played, especially Munnsy, who had a more than impressive start to last seasons campaign. At the moment our only creativity appears to be Harry Pell driving from deep, or a hoof up to Danny Wright. With the addition of Munnsy, biting at players ankles, he'll bring something different to the team we've missed. Each individual offers their unique ability to this team and once we have the squad we want fully fit, then we will be making our most effective performances.

For now the reinforcements are there and plenty to choose from, for many their chance to stake a claim amongst the first team is slowly fading away, with one or two not playing to their full potential they may see themselves soon replaced by returning faces, eager and ready to take their chance. A set-back to Storer again is unfortunate, karma possibly for his ridiculous antics at the end of last season, but he knows what he's done it's how he reacts to it, which will be the bigger statement. We all know what Stoz can offer and I have no doubt he will take his chance in the Football League with both hands.

The other option we have is risk of a "free-agent" not only free in fee, but free of any form of match fitness or form I hope it doesn't resort to that. Although the trialist took his chance Tuesday it could be a matter of weeks until a deal is tied up and he's near the standards needed. By that time we could have two more faces back in amongst the set up. It can't be re-iterated anymore how important it is for the players to really prove their quality on the pitch, the cooling off period is well and truly over and it's time to dig deep and get the points on the board and let their faces be known and feared.

Newport await us on Saturday, and in the familiar words of Mark Yates "we go again, our season starts now".