Royals Rumbled!

One player’s performance reflected that of the team on Saturday and that was CBT. He ended up as many people’s man of the match.

Our number 23 had a poor first half where his decision making and execution let him down. Like all skilful players he can frustrate and delight in equal measure.

CBT’s second half display like the team’s was all together better and he ended up with three assists and was central to our win.

The first 45 minutes wasn’t very good from us and a better side would have gone 2 or 3 up as they had the better chances much as they continued to do in the early stages of the second period.

I know Chuks scored but I wouldn’t have started with him as I feel he’s better coming off the bench. He took his chance well and it was a well executed header. Sadly, I fear the worst with the injury he picked up. Certainly his reaction to it suggested the worst and now we face being without him for some time I suspect.

In the first half we failed to play to his strengths, there were no balls played into his feet so that he could lay it off or attempt to turn the defender. It was such a waste!

We really need to improve our opening efforts as better teams will not be so forgiving.

After a 4-0 win it seems a bit harsh to be even slightly critical but if we are serious about achieving at least a play-off place then we need to make that improvement.

It was pleasing to see Hector have a decent game and he looked more like the player we know he can be. He and Jones worked well together and the Welshman had another impeccable game.

After being repelled mostly by Reading’s impressive number 32, Nelson Abbey (I’d be more than happy if we got him) we finally made the breakthrough. From then on the goals kept coming.

Each of those goals was quality and it was nice to see us score four and for them to be so good.

Campbell’s strike was superb as was his assist for Leaburn’s goal.

The one sour note from Saturday was the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton. He was an England legend who won everything in the game. He was a real gentleman and no one has a bad word to say about him. He was a true giant of the game. RIP Sir Bobby.

Appleton’s unbeaten start continues and fair play to him. If we can overcome Lincoln tomorrow then it’ll make Saturday’s encounter with Bolton all the more appetising.

The Trotters will present the new manager’s biggest test to date.

Lincoln have just dispensed with Mark Kennedy and Tom Shaw is in caretaker charge. The Imps managed a 1-0 win over lowly Fleetwood at the weekend.

The Charlton connection for this game is Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. He went off injured on Saturday and so we wait to see if he’ll play.

Given the number of clubs he’s managed it ought not to be a surprise that for the second time in a few weeks we come up against one of Appleton’s old teams. He is more fondly remembered by Lincoln fans than Blackpool’s.

A win tomorrow would be quite timely and a real shot in the arm for our drive up the table.

Come On You Reds!