Birds, Leps, Observations & Generalities - the images and ramblings of Mark Skevington. Sometimes.

Sunday 9 August 2009

We're Off

I took Josh to the opening game of the 09/10 season yesterday, the Championship clash against Swansea City. Alex decided he wanted to do something else.

Super, super C ....
We got there nice and early to soak up the pre-match atmosphere and the searing sunshine - something we've not seen for almost as long as the football! After a well supported and respectful minute's clapping for Sir Bobby Robson from the 27K crowd, the game kicked off. It has to be said that during the whole of the first half, whilst City had the most of the ball they didn't look structured or threatening. Swansea didn't have too many opportunities either, but went in at half time a goal up through Ashley Williams from a corner after c15 mins. I had faith in Nigel Pearson anyway after last seasons success, but the changes he made at half time (taking off Matty Fryatt and Andy King, replacing them with newboys Martyn Waghorn and Dany N'Guessan) were pivotal - always a good sign. City started the second half looking a completely different team, with a lot more pace and some excellent link-play. After Steve Howard missed a penalty in the 51st min, it still looked like City would get on top and they did on 68 mins through Waghorn. Only a couple of minutes later and City were 2-1 up thanks to N'Guessan. Nicky Adams came on to replace Lloyd Dyer for the last 10 mins or so, and it only ever looked like City would get another rather than drop a couple of points. A great winning start, despite the poor first half performance. City are joint second in the first league table of the year - don't get carried away.

2 comments:

davidearlgray said...

Hear City were a bit lucky on saturday!!, hopefully will be up to see City play Cardiff and John's mighty Owls?!

Skev said...

Lucky my arse! City were as good in the second half as they were poor in the first. Swansea never at any point looked to be in control of the game, even when City were struggling to do anything with the ball.
One or two of the Swansea players appeared to be more interested in the inflatable sheep that their fans were waving about.
Will certainly look to see City play Derby (Sat 17th October), Sheff Wednesday (Sat 12th Dec), Newcastle (Sat 30th January), Forest (Sat 27th Feb), Coventry (Sat 20th March). Of course, next home game is Barnsley on 22nd but we'll be in Devon. Sheff United on Boxing Day, Middlesborough on the last day of the season .....
Norwich are fucked in League 1!