My “beloved” is something of an artist and works with colours in everything she creates.
Me? I often see the world in black and white, as in print on paper.
Seeing the Wolves team in that lurid strip made me quite glad that I have no real appreciation of the finer points of a palette, but it looked truly dreadful. And then, John Ruddy’s top clashed with those of the match officials.
Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen and his mates would have had something to say about it, I’m sure.
The team selection seemed okay for once, but what was about to unfold? There were all sorts of pre-match rumours about non-attendees, supporters staying in the Barclay bars for five minutes before kick-off, etc etc etc. None of that happened.
A few minutes into the game, the Lower Barclay (and quite possibly The Pit, it’s sometimes hard to hear them properly from my seat behind the goal) sang against Jez Moxey, which made the Wolves laugh and they gave the perpetrators some grudging acknowledgement.
The atmosphere was on the proverbial knife-edge: which way would it turn?
Jonny Howson shifted the balance. A cracking long pop, slightly deflected, hit the bar and Steven Naismith did the rest after a poor attempt at a clearing header from a Wolves defender. We went in at half-time in some form of control, and without pulling up any trees were playing like a committed team – yes, I include Robbie Brady in that.
Colour came back to mind during the break: our lot don’t always use the Upper Barclay bar but this time we did and in the corner there was a sea of amber: pre-poured lagers on a table with a staff member behind to take the money and dispense them. Strange concept, but doubtless appreciated by some supporters – or do I mean customers?
We all know how the second half unfolded. Their penalty (soft but justified – Ivo Pinto did push him) and a few very tense minutes followed.
Then Wes the magician came into his own, drew the penalty and the sending off of Ikeme was a bonus, as was Howson’s late three-point confirmer although it looked like an OG to me (one of those hefty deflections that makes it hard to call either way).
So, three points against a club that – let’s be honest – few of us admire. And what I believe is our first double of the season. Unlike some folks on social media I am not concerned about putting a spoke in Paul Lambert’s wheel. His tenure leaves me with fantastic memories and I wish him all the best.
So, which colour do we think of now? The flaky, pale yellowish-white of yet another false dawn? Or the rosy glow of a shepherd’s delight?
Unfortunately for me, it is the former. A good performance agreed, but we’re still playing catch-up in terms of that vital, all-important Championship league table.
Well played boys and full credit to you; do the same against the Bluenoses and we will be breathing down the collective necks of the top six. If we make the play-offs, we might get it right or get lucky. Again.
However I proffer a caveat. There are nearly two weeks left of this wretched transfer window and I do not trust those at NCFC who are in charge of it. We have Nelson coming back from suspension, Alex Neil is inflexible in his 4-3-2-1 system so, to me, a striker is not a priority.
Russell Martin was pretty good alongside Timm Klose against Wolves, but that doesn’t disguise the fact we need a new centre back – now!
And as for Robbie Brady, he left us with a decent parting present when he carried on after being clattered and scored an excellent penalty. I don’t care who was in goal; he still had to put it in the net.
And we have Jez Moxey to get any forthcoming deals over the line. And that truthfully terrifies me because I can understand what his brief might be. As a CEO he is doing his job. Under instruction.
Come on Board, a left back and a centre back and we still might have a chance to go up this season via the playoffs.
You claim to care: prove it.
Until that point, I have The Blues.
Good stuff, Martin. I’m certainly glad I wasn’t watching that Wolves strip with a hangover.
Pretty sure Jonny can claim that last goal – his shot was clearly goal-bound from where I sit. And most definitely deserved.
Thanks Stewart – I never expected too many comments on what was a pretty bland piece!
I have no idea what lies ahead – I really don’t – but between now and the end of the window it is in the lap of the Gods.
Maybe it is indeed the time to keep silent and see what happens.
Yes, you’re probably right about Jonny’s goal – it appeared to take a wicked deflection, but as you say, thoroughly deserved. Possibly his best performance in a long time.
Hope still exists…
Accurate summing up Martin. The game itself had the required amount of action, decent play, good city performances, goals and the result to tick many boxes.
Naismith, when allied to oliveira, with the prompting a of hoolahan and pace of Murphy offers potential. Is Neil capable of extracting their best on a regular basis? Doubts remain.
The dullest of transfer windows has meant that only potential departures and interest in our players has given the local press any material, the latest being Josh Murphy to wolves!
Moxey, as forecast is playing the role he was recruited for. Namely deflecting the flak away from the ownership by becoming the focus of all the vitriol. Plenty of it as well I might add. He will do,what he is told and offer no opinion or ideas to the mix.
still glimpses of what could be when the team fires but will it be followed up by the usual three stinking results and performances as per usual?