Andy Munro reports back from Blues’ 1-0 win at Brentford.
For much of the first half, it looked as if a headline of “Blues stung by the Bees” might be the most appropriate one but despite some rocky moments the Blues held fast. As a bonus, young debutant Steve Seddon set up Pedersen for a soaring header with a typical pinpoint wing back cross of which he did plenty during the pre-season warm-ups. Admittedly he was subbed at half-time but he showed plenty of promise although he’ll now realise what a step up the first team is for a youngster.
Blues’ record Croatian signing was sensibly on the bench but now he’s seen the score, he needs to be one of the first names on the team sheet and play regularly.
Meanwhile, up front the need for a striker to back up the magnificent holding play of the hardworking Juke was amply illustrated. In fairness, Maghoma did his best to play the Che role but perhaps the biggest mystery was the fact that Isaac Vassell wasn’t used as a replacement when Maghoma had to come off with cramp.
Maybe this is the sign that Vassell’s surplus to requirements, which in my humble opinion would be a premature decision.
Still, it was a great result borne out of determination and resilience and Crowley again displayed his undoubted class. It’s nice at last to sign a classy young player who can only grow in stature and value, similar to Che Let’s hope with the young Croatian can be the same, as this type of signing becomes the rule not the exception.
Trying to get that first win can be a real monkey on the back (ask Messrs Rednapp and Zola) so this hard-earned victory should take a bit of pressure off a team wrestling to come to terms with the new system.