Andy Munro on Blues’ 1-1 draw at Preston.
A point at Deepdale is normally not to be sniffed at, particularly given their generally excellent home form. However, these are difficult times as we try to claw our way up the table. In fact it was somewhat galling to hear the Preston manager say in his post-match interview that his team were lucky to get even a point.
However, it would be churlish perhaps to berate Steve Cotterill in getting a point away from home but one wonders whether with earlier substitutions, Blues might have bagged the max. In saying that I suppose one can understand the manager trying to bring in some stability and understanding, maybe even ‘strong and stable’ although that has an uncannily negative ring to it. However, bearing in mind that we are still firmly in the relegation position, some bravery to garner three points may be the only way out of the mess that we are in.
Fair play to Maghoma and Gallagher, who between them are proving an increasing handful for opposition defences but we are still only one injury away from another crisis in terms of attacking potential. It was good to see Bramall on the bench but equally it was a shame that there was no Dacres-Cogley on the team sheet. Yet over in the East Midlands, Nottingham Forest are showing faith in the youngsters coming through their ranks and that’s starting to pay dividends.
Yet as the transfer window draws to a close, Blues probably only need to sign a quick forward to complete the current jigsaw and one can only hope that they can get somebody in before the deadline. Maybe a midfielder as well, unless Cotterill starts to show some faith in the talents of Jota in the middle of midfield.
Hope springs eternal although anything less than three points against fellow strugglers Sunderland doesn’t bear thinking about.
