Season 3 started with plenty of optimism. We had some exciting new signings and a a shiny new stadium expansion.
We started the season at home to West London Rivals QPR. Debits were handed to Cosgrove, Gutman and Bishop in goal. It was a sluggish start to the season, conceding after 8 minutes. That was the last meaningful piece of action as we fell to defeat on the opening day.
Next up we began our journey in the League Cup against fallen giants Portsmouth. More debuts were handed out as Loader started on the right win and Davenport leading the line.
It didn't take long for Davenport to make his mark as he scored a clinical finish in the 10th minute. A Harvey White penalty and a Bowler goal sealed our place in the next round
Back to the league with our first away trip of the season which was a long one to the north east to face Middlesbrough.
Another debut in goal this time for Collins, freshly signed from Barnsley. We played the part of the away team well and defended out hearts out to get our first point on the board for the season. Fully deserved clean sheet and a 0-0.
That point away really set us on our way in the league as we start to show signs of what is to come.
A 2-0 win at home to Bristol City, with Cosgrove and Loader both getting their first goals for the club.
Round 2 of the League Cup against Cardiff served up a bore draw and a loss of penalties followed.
We renewed rivalries with our bitter rivals Reading. Cosgrove and Max Power get on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win.
A 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at home followed with Loader getting the goal.
This decent point at home was followed up by an even better 3 points against Stoke as Cosgrove got the all important goal in the first half.
Another impressive 3 points headed our way after a 2-0 win at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers. Max Power again on the scoresheet and a first goal for the club for new left back Andrew Gutman.
The lowest individual rating for a starting player was 7.0 which shows just how well we played.
After seeing out the month of August unbeaten in the league we go into September full of confidence.
A quick return to Barnsley for our new Goalkeeper Collins. An entertaining 2-2 draw with goals from Power and Cosgrove again, Cosgrove has really showed his prowess in front of goal since moving from Scotland.
A disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Rotherham. A game we really should have won. Especially with 11 shots on target. Rotherham's 'keeper must have had the game of his life.
We got back to winning ways on the road with a 2-0 win over Preston. Cosgrove with both of the goals in the first half. We finally gave a debut to Newcastle loanee Johnston. He had a goal disallowed in the 93rd minute.
Our best performance of the season so far came against West Brow at home. Goals from Loader, Stewart and Cosgrove cancelling out an early West Brom goal. A 3-1 win against title favourites shows such improvement.
Sadly all good things must come to an end, and after going 10 league games undefeated, we came unstuck at Craven cottage. Losing 2-1 to Fulham. A early Fred Onyedinma set us up for a good start however a first half equaliser and a 90th minute winner saw the three points stay in West London.
All in all a very good start to the season, sitting pretty in 5th on 22 points after 12 games.
I'm feeling very positive about this season and this squad. It has the feeling of a solid defensive unit and with the front three firing already it looks like we could score some goals too.
Cheers
Panda