After our positive start to the season I was keen to carry that form through September, October and November.
So without any further delay lets get straight into September.
September 2023
Game 7- Sheffield Wednesday (H) 2 - 0
In what can only be described as a display of pure dominance we ran out easy winners against Sheffield Wednesday.
Goals from Verhelst and Clarke in the first half were enough to secure the win. However all the praise needs to go to the defensive unit who limited Wednesday to 2 attempts on goal, none of which were on target.
Game 8 - Millwall (A) 5-0
A quick trip to East London to face Millwall was next. After being delighted with the defensive display in our previous game it was time for the strike force to take all of the plaudits.
2 goals from Danny Loader and 1 from Max Verhelst had us 3-0 up at half time. Verhelst then went on to score 2 more in the second half to complete his hattrick.
An absolutely clinical display from the young Belgian who is showing some serious promise.
Game 9 Derby County (H) 4-0
Derby were the visitors to Adams Park for a Tuesday game under the lights.
After seeing a Defensive masterclass followed by an attacking barrage in the last 2 games, this was a combination of the two which if I am honest was the most pleasing of the three.
Goals from Harvey White , Williams, Leferve and Gutman saw us cruise to a 4-0 victory.
Game 10 Hull City (A) 1-1
Our longest away trip of the month away to Hull saw our three game winning steak c0me to an end.
In what appeared to be another routine victory after Verhelst's first half goal we were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Max Power picked up two yellow cards.
Hull Equalised 7 minutes after his dismissal.
Game 11 Southampton (H) - 4-1
A return to Adams Park and a return to winning ways against odds on title favourites Southampton.
A brace of braces from Clarke and Verhelst put the south coast giants.
October 2023
We move into October unbeaten in 5 having only conceded twice and scoring 16. This is Promotion form and we are playing some incredible football.
Game 12 - Reading (A) 2-1
We reignite our oldest rivalry as we make the short trip down the M4 to face Reading in the evenings televised game.
After falling behind to an early penalty, an Alfie Jones goal brought us level. A Chay Washbourne goal proved to be the winner as we got one over on our bitter rivals on their own patch.
Game 13 - Brentford (H) - 2-1
It was Brentford's turn to make a short journey west as they graced the hallowed turf of Adams Park.
Brentford took an early lead but an immediate response saw Clarke drew us level. He grabbed his 2nd late in the 2nd half, a goal which proved to be the winner.
Game 14 - Nottingham Forrest (A) 2-1
Another solid away performance saw us leave the City ground with all 3 points.
Loader and Verhelst with the goals in a game where we were rarely troubled.
Game 15 - Watford (H) 1-1
In our third local derby of the month, we welcomed Watford to Adams Park.
Freshly relegated from the Premier League and one of the hot favourites for promotion it was always going to be a tough game.
We were 4 minutes away from our first defeat in 9 games, but were saved as Peters popped up to equalise in the closing moments.
November 2023
October proved to be another unbeaten month. A lack of clean sheets was a small concern but we are scoring goals and this form is really encouraging.
We move into November full of confidence.
Game 16 - QPR (H) 0-3
All good things must come to an end, and boy did it end badly.
We came up against an inspired QPR team who took their chances and limited us to half chances and only 1 shot on target. An return to earth with a bump. Our first defeat in 9 game.
Game 17 - Leeds United (A) 4-3
I wanted a response from the QPR game. Going 3-0 down after 40 minutes wasn't the response I had in mind.
Clarke dragged us back into contention with a goal in first half added on time. Verhelst then got two in the second half before Peters completed the turn around in the 78th minute.
What a turn around!
Game 18 - Barnsley (H) 1-1
An incredibly even game with Barnsley ended rightfully in a 1-1 draw.
Max Power with our goal.
Game 19 - Charlton Athletic (A) 2-1
In our final game in November we travelled to East London to face Charlton.
Goals from Peters and Verhelst closed out November with another win.
All in all a fantastic run up to the always difficult December run of games.
Taking 30 points out of a possible 39 is better than we could have hoped for and leaves us sitting in 2nd place after 19 games.
Play offs were a dream when the season started, but should be aiming even higher?
Cheers
Panda