Post match reflections on another decent win.

Driving back with my best mate Rob on the three hour journey home after Saturday’s ballsy win over Sunderland, there was a strange atmosphere in the car. It was quiet after all the euphoria of the win. We had nothing to moan about.

Ok, Paik’s pass to Roberts was poor. Roberts reacted in slow motion but, aside from that, we played well.

Being in front of a full house was a throwback to better days and at last the players responded.

Even 0-1 down at half time there was optimism. There was a sense we could get at their defence. One goal would turn the game on its head.

So it came to pass. JJ’s finish after a spot of pinball galvanised the players, who seemed to gain an extra yard from the crowd’s belief.  Mowbray subbed on Dembele and Bacuna, as he had against Blackburn in midweek. And it was Bacuna again who was the catalyst. Quick free-kick, Stansfield fashions a chance which is blocked and Miyoshi reacts quickest to poke home.

We managed the last 10, plus five added, and cue pandemonium at the final whistle. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many fans stay to applaud the team off.

Tony said he wants the players to believe in themselves. Just as importantly, we need to. On the evidence of the last two matches, something is brewing and it feels like the fans are indeed starting to believe. It may take until a good summer transfer window to bear real fruit, but I think Mowbray might just be rousing a sleeping giant.

There’s still work to be done, but me and my mate Rob have nothing at all to moan about at the moment.

Jez Hemming