A real tester today and the reverse fixture of the shock opening day win that truly got this season up & running.
After taking the lead and extending it, we simply
had to cross the winning line with this one. The confidence we would take from
this would be huge and perhaps even the most sceptical and pessimistic of
supporters (or me to be precise) would start to believe in us.
Gillingham arrived at Bescot on the back of a
seventeen game unbeaten run and had only lost twice since we ambushed them at their place
on the opening day. They are well
organised, strong and as tight as a
duck’s arse in defence. Basically the identikit Second Division promotion
side.
We however have a team spirit that is
unbelievable and a manager that doesn’t need the money that Tony Pullis has
frittered. Oh and we have Neil Pointon and Richard Green...usually. Suspended
and injured respectively today, and they were big boots to fill.
Surprisingly Ray handed a recall to the
previously unavailable Mr Simpson and the expense of a very unlucky
Jason Brissett. Now I’m not one to question
the great man on his decisions but this one really did baffle me. Simpson is on his way out of here tonight and
he still managed to get the nod over JB.
I didn't think Ray did short term-ism. Strange.
A dull first half ended with the Saddlers
taking the lead when another fine passing move saw wolves legend and Chorley FC
victim Vince Bartram pushing an Andy Rammell effort into the path of Darren Wrack who
finished easily. Half time came and the
questions being asked were; Could we
hold on? and are we really a genuine
promotion contending article?
Five minutes into the second period we had
our answer. Dean Keates ran through the
Gills midfield, he could have gone down two or three times from heavy tackles but kept
going and produced a wonderful reversed cross for Rammell to head home. He had no right to win the header as he had
to rise right over the defender’s shoulder but Rambo has no right to do most things
he does. This was possibly the best goal we have scored at Bescot this
season and Rambo, in front of his adoring people, loved it.
His people, in front of Rambo,
also loved it.
2-0 and three
points? Not quite.
Gillingham hit back with John Hodge producing
a fine cross for Patterson to pull one back and the last ten minutes were utterly manic as the Gills continually piled forward whilst
we were happy to sit deep and keep them out.
Uncle Ray must have unbelievable faith in his
back line to be willing to subject them to this much pressure but it worked
again and we chalked up our first double of the season, put another three points between us and them
and took a major confidence boost in the process.
A rather fine, rather tense but unbelievably enjoyable afternoon. Whisper it quietly, but we are on the march.