When we finished the last episode it was the end of November and we were sitting pretty in 2nd Place. In this episode we will cover the always hectic month of December as well as the games in January as well as the ins and outs of the transfer window.
December 2023
Match 20 - Birmingham City (H) 0-1
Its a really poor start to December as we lose at home to Birmingham 1-0.
No complaints, we didn't deserve anything from the game.
Match 21 - Blackburn Rovers (A) - 0-0
The epitome of a bore draw as both teams cancel each other out. Some shooting practice for the lads this week is training is needed!
Match 22 - Cardiff City (H) - 1-2
The winless run in December continues as we Lose 2-1 at home under the Adams Park lights.
We actually lead through a Danny Loader first half goal but two goals in the latter stages of the second half saw us slump to a disappointing defeat.
Match 23 - Fulham (A) 1-0
A full deserved away victory against the west Londoners as Danny Loader again grabs a goal in the first half.
We limited Fulham to half chances and long shots and delighted to get our first win in three.
Match 24 - Swansea (A) 4-0
I was delighted with the away win at Fulham, I am ecstatic with this result.
We simply blew Swansea away with first half goals from Danny Loader and Rhys Williams. The Result was completed with two late goals from Max Verhelst.
Match 25 - Rotherham United (H) 1-0
Its amazing what a bit of confidence does to a team, we started December winless in three and all of a sudden we turn that into a run of three wins
Max Verhelst got the only goal of the game.
Match 26 - Stoke City (A) 2-2
An entertaining game for the neutral as Stoke took a commanding lead through ex Wanderer Bowler and Maja.
However Max Power single handily dragged us back to 2-2 with goals in the 82nd and 94th minute.
January 2024
We Moved into the new year after turning a poor run of form around. We also have the added excitement of the FA Cup to add into the Mix.
Match 27 Bristol City (H) 3-0
The good run of form continued on New Years day as we breezed past Bristol City at home.
A Harvey White penalty, an own goal and a late Washbourne secured the three points.
FA Cup Third Round - Queens Park Rangers (H) 2-2
If I am honest we looked to be out of the cup at the earliest opportunity until Max Verhelst decided he fancied a cup run.
2-0 down going into added on time he scored in the 90th and 94th minute to force a replay.
Interest from bigger clubs has started to appear for Verhelst and I am desperate to keep him at Adams Park.
Match 28 - Peterborough United (A) 0-0
Peterborough were lucky to get a point. How we didn't score i have no idea.
Chalk this one down as 2 points dropped.
FA Cup Third Round Replay - Queens Park Rangers (A) 2-1
Again we were behind in the cup early on. This time it was Harvey White with a second half brace to win the tie.
You have to feel for QPR, They were 4 minutes from a 2-0 win in the first game and once again capitulated to lose from winning position.
To the Victor, a home tie with Hull.
Match 29 - Huddersfield Town (H) 1-0
Back to the league and back to winning ways. A nice 1-0 victory with Max Power getting the only goal of the game in the early stages of the first half.
Match 30 - Sheffield Wednesday (A) - 1-1
A difficult match for many reasons, after leading through a Harvey White goal in the first half. We lost Verhelst to injury and conceded an equaliser in the second half to only walk away with a point.
Lets hope his Injury isn't too serious.
FA Cup Fourth Round - Hull (H) - 1-0
With Verhelst out for a few weeks, the goal threat fell right on the shoulders of young Ian Davenport, as well as the wide players.
It was one of the wide players who stepped up and fired us into the Fifth round of the cup. Jack Clarke with the goal in the first half. Hull were poor and didn't deserve to progress.
An unbeaten January and through to the 5th round of the Fa Cup. A very successful run of games. Our performance in the league has left us sat in 3rd place. Southampton are the clear runaway leaders and everyone else appears to b e fighting for the minor honours.
We are 10 points clear of Fulham in 7th place which bodes well for our Playoff Ambitions.
I will run through the Ins and Outs during January before we finish as well.
Transfers In
Liam Reddy - A young promising English Central Midfielder who strangely came through the ranks at Sparta Prague.
Ivan Villar - A Spanish Goalkeeper who has spent his whole career at Celta Vigo. Hes been brought in to add some much needed competition for Brad Collins.
Reo Griffiths - Another young English player who was plying his trade abroad. Reo is a striker who will add cover for Max Verhelst who is still injured.
Reece Devine - A Young Left back from Manchester United who has a big future. Will offer cover for Gutman.
Transfers Out
Liam Reddy - After signing in the same window we sent him out on loan to gain some invaluable experience.
Andre Burley - Sadly never reached his potential and was sold to lower league Ipswich.
Chay Washbourne - A real success story. We signed Chay for 3.9k in the 21/22 season and has progressed well in the time he's spent at the club. Its hard to keep players of his quality at a club our size at the best of times but when Manchester united come calling its impossible. 9.5 mil is a brilliant deal and couldn't be turned down.
Matt Peters - This was an odd one, we signed him at the start of the season however the form of Clarke and Loader kept him as an impact sub, which he wasn't happy about. Wolves came in and we had to accept. Another 500k in the kitty.
This has been a long episode so thank you for taking the time to stay tuned. Results on the field are promising and with the transfer fees received we can look to improve the facilities at the club.
Cheers
Panda
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