After the fortunate draw and welcome point secured against Peterborough last week, warmly greeted because of the very, very late comeback, we completely changed mode and mood by allowing Derby County to do exactly the same to us on Sunday. Frustrating and annoying it most certainly is, but that’s the life pattern of every born Blues supporter. We never take anything for granted or genuinely try to predict an outcome.

Perhaps not knowing or anticipating what’s around the corner is the very reason we are addicted to our club. We follow, we support and above all we hope. This is probably the edge we enjoy. But following last week’s transfer activities, including the arrivals of Taylor and Bacuna, there does now seem to be some reason for optimism that the next seventeen games will produce decent returns.

My hope is that we can keep a few clean sheets, and starting this Friday night against Sheffield United. Lee Bowyer was again visibly annoyed that his defence could not prevent Derby equalising with the last kick of the game. Do we have a solid defence is more to the point? My opinion is that we do not, a conclusion not difficult to reach when reviewing the goals against column.

Scoring goals should be more doable now, with the added signings of Taylor and Hernandez both having made their mark already. Plus, hopefully, a few contributions along the way from Bacuna, more from Scott Hogan and the attacking creativity anticipated from Taylor Richards. Deeney on his way back soon too. And we may, hopefully, see Tahith Chong again before the season’s end.

After a fairly turbulent period off the pitch there have, nevertheless, been precious points gained against Barnsley, Peterborough and Derby. What is now ahead of us is a further three game fixture list against Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Luton Town. Five further points against three decent teams would be very useful and move us closer to securing the forty six points target sooner than has been usual in recent seasons.

First up is the Sheffield game and assuming Bowyer sticks to a flat back four, then my dressing room request to the players is simple. Clean sheet please.

Mitchell Bray

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