A disappointing weekend on the sporting front in contrast to the social one. I failed miserably in my attempts to get tickets for Griffin Park and experienced an ultimately pointless trip to Rugby School on Sunday as Kent's game against Warwickshire ( Birmingham / Bears - take your pick ! ) was totally washed out.
Bbqs on Friday and Saturday were splendid affairs and on Sunday my return to MK ended up with a few bevvies in my old cricket club.
I think most would have taken the draw prior to kick off on Saturday with a team that saw so many new faces with a manager to match. Ultimately it was frustrating not to win given that it appeared that we had the better chances and as per so many occasions last season, we conceded a goal to a deflection.......arghhh !
However, the performance was encouraging. Like many others I hold little store with what happens in pre-season as it never offers a true indication of the team's potential. On this early showing then I'm hopeful that we will fare better than last season...........well, it wouldn't be too difficult would it ?
Tonight we return for a home game and it's at home where we really need to see some improvement in performance and results. Last term it was dire and it must improve, not just for us poor sods who witnessed it but with the aim of getting new and lapsed folk back into the ground.......why should we suffer alone !
Having said that I won't be there tonight as a family commitment, ironically in the metropolis, rules me out. My first sighting of the revamped Valley and team will have to wait until Saturday.
Traditionally the league cup first round games see us put out a changed side from the league one and whilst I've no idea how Bob views things I'd be surprised if he didn't follow suit even if he seems reluctant to wear one.
Last year's tie against Oxford saw Cousins come to the fore and ultimately establish himself in the first team somewhat ironically ahead of Diego. If given the chance Gomez might well view this as a similar opportunity. Fellow centre half, Morrison will certainly have that view as one can't imagine he'll be too pleased at missing out on Saturday.
It's not hard to envisage the entire back five being altered with Pope, Wilson / Nego, Gomez, Morrison and Fox all adequate and probable replacements.
There's potential for changes across the whole team of course and a front pairing of Pigott and Church wouldn't be the biggest shock either.
Colchester flirted with relegation for some of last season before a decent string of results saw them finish in 16th place. All their summer transfer activity both in and out has been devoid of any money changing hands as they've been free transfers or loans.
Joe Dunne's team will pose a threat as these games are never easy but it would a big disappointment if the Addicks don't progress to meet Huddersfield in the next round. Bob may put out a strong bench in case things don't go according to plan.
Come On You Reds !
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