OutByEaster?

In the last of the early evening light, with a full moon rising over the Holte End is there anywhere you’d rather be than Villa Park? Certainly not tonight or you’d have missed a trouncing of Portsmouth by our reserves who wound up on the right end of a 6-1 score line. These top against bottom clashes never seem to be quite what you expect at reserve level, and I expected a tight nervy game with Villa having one eye on the title. As I say, they’re never quite what you expect. Villa lined up with Taylor in goal, a back four (l-r) of Nicky Shorey, Lowry, Clark and Lichaj with Hofbauer, Bannan, Hogg and Albrighton strung across the middle and Delfouneso and Weimann up front. The game started at a quick, chaotic and alarmingly enjoyable pace. Delfouneso shot over the bar when he might have done better after Lichaj had broken free of his marker and headed straight up in the air from six yards out. Portsmouth’s Marlon Pack tried to chip Taylor from distance but put his effort over before a delightful Delfouneso back heel sent Shorey through in the box for a cross that the keeper did well to get to. Delfouneso charged down the keepers kick and nearly fashioned a chance for Hogg, before a Portsmouth player volleyed over the bar unmarked from the penalty spot on the break. Weimann’s fierce cross-come-shot then almost deceived the keeper who made a great save to tip it over the bar and from the resulting short corner Bannan drifted a ball in that just eluded Clark on the back post. Pompey broke and had a three on one, but Hogg did very well and when the shot eventually came it was deflected over for a corner. Three minutes gone and I’d gotten the idea that this wasn’t going to be a nil-nil. Thankfully the game settled after the opening ten minutes although Villa struggled to find a pattern. We were at times a little too direct and a little impatient, but when we got the ball down and played it we looked threatening. Marc Albrighton threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck though and a drive from a good way out wasn’t far over. A moment later he was at the full back again, this time winning a corner, a short one from Bannan played in to him allowed him to float a ball to the far post where Hofbauer cleverly nodded it towards Lowry who hammered home a volley and celebrated like only a goalscoring centre half can! I think it’s fair to say he enjoyed it. Albrighton was still at it and managed a run from one box to the other to force another corner, this time it was Hofbauer’s chance to volley but he could only put it over the bar. Villa were starting to turn it on and Bannan’s clever quick free kick found Shorey on a run into the box, but he couldn’t quite squeeze out a shot and the keeper smothered the chance. Next up was a cross from Albrighton that found Weimann unmarked at the back post for a free header from four yards out which he managed to put right across the goal. The onrushing Hogg almost put it away. We were getting very close to half time and starting to wonder how we were only one nil up, when suddenly we weren’t. First came a corner which was cleared by the defence to the edge of the box where Hogg met it with a fierce first time volley that never looked like it was heading anywhere other than the back of the net for 2-0. Then Lichaj finally showed that it is possible to score with a free header six yards out and put us three up from another excellent Bannan delivery. Three nil up at half time, they say it’s true you get what you deserve and we were good value for our lead. I’m not sure what the owner of the green estate who’d left it in the North Stand car park with the engine running deserved, but I hope he managed to get to it while it was still there and I’m disappointed to report I couldn’t spot him sneaking out when the announcement came over the tannoy. Portsmouth started the second period very brightly and for about five minutes we looked a little vulnerable at the back, managing to concede in the end from a free kick headed back across goal for the elaborately named Paris Cowan Hall to nod in from close range. There followed a period of Portsmouth pressure that lasted around five minutes before blowing itself out. Defensive assurance retained, Shane Lowry went on a little adventure upfield from where he had a little jink and a little shimmy before lifting a ball into the box where Albrighton lurked, poised to put it away. Weimann nipped in first however, leaving his better-placed colleague flat footed. The crowd let out a small noise of frustration. It quickly turned into a satisfied cheer as Weimann proved he knows a bit more about these things than we do, burying his header into the bottom corner for our fourth. He should have had a second a few minutes later, side footing wide from eight yards out after good work from Bannan down the left. The crowd were enjoying this, and there was an outbreak of singing in the Trinity Road, a rarity at reserve games. Lichaj was next to have a go and headed wide from a good position as we looked to make it a thrashing. Gary Gardner came on for the hardworking Hofbauer and was quickly involved, starting a move that saw Shorey overlapping really well down the left and crossing for Hogg whose excellent run ended with him heading past the now deflated Liam O’Brien in Portsmouth goal. James Collins came on for Weimann with a quarter of an hour to go, and quickly went looking to add his name to the scorers, he should have added his 25th of the season almost immediately but shot wide. Albrighton shot over from the edge of the box after a little altercation with Jerome Thomas who had gone over the top of the ball in a challenge in the middle of the park that he was lucky not to be booked for. We saved the best ‘til last however, with some good work in midfield releasing Delfouneso who drew a defender or two towards him before playing in Gardner. Without further ado, Gardner curled the ball expertly passed O’Brien and into the top corner from fully 25 yards, a beautiful finish that I’m sure his brother would have been proud of if he’d been there. (It wasn’t free this week.) There was still time for Thomas to make a horrid looking lunge through the back of Clark, and in fairness even he looked disappointed that the ref didn’t send him off for it. He’d definitely had enough, and when he was leaving Charlton for the bright lights of the Premiership I don’t think a 6-1 reserves thrashing at Villa Park was quite what he had in mind; never trust a Redknapp young man. Finally the referee showed the mercy of the full time whistle, and probably the most impressive thing about this victory was that I think there’s a lot more in the tank. We scored six, should have scored another four and I don’t think we were at 100%. Next up at Villa Park are Stoke on the 23rd March, it’s cheap, it’s great to watch and it’s on a Monday night. What’s stopping you? Some ratings: Taylor (7) Two or three good stops and he looked really confident on crosses tonight. Solid as a rock, although to be honest he could have played in a blindfold and we’d still have outscored them. Lichaj (7) A good goal and should have had another, struggled at times with their nippy winger, but never let him go and defended doggedly. He’s looked a lot more of a player this season and he’s clearly more comfortable in his ability. Shorey (7) Rock solid and got forward very well, he’s another who could have scored and his support play and crossing was excellent. Defended well too and whilst he looked a little rusty you can tell there’s a player here. Clark (7) Assured, calm and confident. Lowry (8.) A goal and an assist from the centre half in a game he’ll remember. I thought he was excellent. He didn’t half look pleased with his volley, and rightly so. Hogg (8.) Another all action display; he’s brave, industrious and makes great runs from deep, add that to a fantastic dipping volley and he’ll be very proud of his performance. He doesn’t look like a player that’s just back from a very serious injury. Bannan (8.) He worked his socks off, kept us ticking, and provided some fantastic dead ball delivery. On another day he’d have had five assists. Albrighton (7.) Lively throughout, he drove us forward whenever we started to flag. His first touch is always aimed at getting at the full back and he’s great to watch. Still has a tendency to get a bit excited in possession and hold on to the ball too long, but it’s hard to criticise when he’s able to do so much with it. Hofbauer (7) He grafted tonight, and showed some very good touches. He just lacks the bit of explosiveness that Albrighton has. His work rate is excellent though and he can pass a ball very well. Weimann (7) He’s a good finisher and quick, but sometimes looks like he doesn’t realise it. His goal was good and he could have had at least one more, he links play well and seems to work with Delfouneso. Delfouneso (7) we scored six and Delfouneso didn’t get one. In truth, after the opening five minutes, he never really had a chance; don’t be fooled though, this was a very good performance, he dropped deep and dragged defenders with him, won balls and played passes, he has the ability to influence defenders and a presence that I’m not sure you can learn. Subs Gardner (8.) A really good goal and a decent performance from the young un. He’s taller than Craig and not so evil. In fact, there’s something about him that reminds me of the eighties. I’m not sure why. Collins (6) He missed a couple of chances to add to his goal tally and will be disappointed not to have done so. He’s got 44 goals now in the last two seasons, and I reckon he might just make it fifty by the end of the term. Blythe – Not really on long enough for a mark, but I’ll say this for him; he’s a skinny beggar. There’s you go, and I don’t think I’ve missed anyone out this week.

Nice one Trim. I'd keep this news to yourself mind in case another VT'er starts thinking about what you can spend it on.

Good results for us tonight. Arsenal 0 West Ham 1 Fulham 3 Tottenham 0 West Brom 2 Stoke 1 That's a Spurs side by the way that featured; Gunter, Bale, Giovanni Dos Santos, Jamie O'Hara, Frazier Campbell and Adel Taarabt. Should have gone on holiday instead lads!

Fat cat!

There's some highlights here What a cracking game of football.

Tom Cruise spent the whole of the recent game at Hinckley touching himself up. It was slightly disturbing. Leave it alone Tom. Dirty boy.

Well, sadly following our crowd of just under 40,000 for the Stoke game, the dream of 1,000,000 fans through the gates can be put to bed for another season. The most we can get this year now is a frustrating 999,532. We should pass last years total against Spurs though, and we look in good shape for another crack at this next year.

I realise this shows a distinct lack of perspective on my part, but with a game against Portsmouth on Tuesday, does anyone know if Albrighton, Bannan and Delfouneso have joined the squad in Dubai?

Ah, I was hoping just to so the scrapping bit. I think I misunderstood the initial point, thought they were just getting all the old cars off the road to encourage the market to lift a bit. This is more of a trade in offer then?

Can I buy a cheap car and drive it to Germany?

Ooh I say.

Ah poop, I'm getting ever so careless of late. Bannan (8.) Pulled the strings, made some great challenges and worked his socks off. He's got that little touch of quality to create chances and start things off. How's that?

Villa Reserves vs. Chelsea Fine fare for reserves watchers, with a cracking 4-3 win over Chelsea. A very welcome return for the irrepressible Wilfred Bouma and one or two of Chelsea’s big stars too, but mostly just a treat for those of us still trying to get over Sunday. This game was moved from Hinckley United, the home of the nil-nil, to Villa Park, and I think the decision paid dividends with a good sized crowd and plenty of goals. Teams news, and importantly for us the Villa Park comeback it’s okay to like, Wilfred Bouma back in the number three shirt and looking lean and mean. Stuart Taylor started behind him and the rest of the back four were Lichaj, Clark and Lowry. In midfield we started with Weimann on the left, Bannan and Hogg central and Albrighton down the right, and up front Marlon Harewood and Nathan Delfouneso. Not to be outdone, Chelsea started with £24m man Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho, and their bright young hopeful Miroslav Stoch. Also settling in amongst the Villa fans was Craig Gardner, I presume here to see his brother Gary who was on the bench and not as was suggested, because it was free. Chelsea, wearing yellow, kicked off towards the Holte End and immediately settled into a rhythm. So much so that only three minutes had passed when Stoch ghosted passed Lichaj and crossed for Van Aanholt, who put Chelsea ahead. It wasn’t as good as his stunning volleyed own goal in last years reserve game, but it was still a neat finish. Chelsea looked very tidy and Villa needed to wake up. We did almost immediately, with Nathan Delfouneso shooting wide and Lowry heading over a Bannan free kick. Stoch continued to pester Lichaj thought in an open and lively start with Marlon seeming particularly keen to keep things moving; he warmed himself up with a lively rollocking of a tardy ball boy. Stoch was again involved a moment later, hammering a free kick against the angle of post and bar from a good 25 yards out. Taylor didn’t stand a chance, and was happy to see Jacob Mellis head the rebound ten yards wide from ten yards out. If Villa were as rattled as the post it didn’t show and Jonathon Hogg’s early ball forward lead to an equaliser. Marlon Harewood stormed passed his man before centering for Delfouneso to poke home. Lifted by the goal Villa started to press, Albrighton scuffing a ball through a crowd of players that somehow eluded Delfouneso and Weimann. Frank Nouble was proving a handful at the other end and keeping Lowry and Clark on their toes, but Villa looked the more likely scorers with Albrighton now operating down the left. Weimann on the right was profiting too, and following great work from him, Harewood laid the ball off to Bannan who shot inches wide from the edge of the box. Chelsea remained a threat on the break and it was Stoch again who broke free down the right to cross for Mellis who made no mistake with his header this time and put Chelsea back in front, slightly against the run of the play. The run of play was having none of it though, and almost from the restart a Bannan ball found Hogg charging through the middle, he brought it down perfectly and rounded the keeper in one movement before sliding home to bring us back on terms. This seemed to upset the Chelsea keeper, who had to have the trainer come on for a bit of love and to give his face a bit of a wipe. He was also allowed a new shirt to cheer him up a bit. Villa were getting on top and creating chances, the clearest of which fell to Weimann who might have done better with his volleyed effort from inside the box but shot wide. Moments later, Delfouneso raced clear of the defence, but was cynically brought down just outside the corner of Chelsea’s box by the keeper. The ref deemed it a yellow card offence, and our friend in fluorescent orange can consider himself a lucky boy. Enter Barry Bannan, centre stage. His whipped, dipping free kick got the slightest of touches from the keeper before firmly striking the crossbar and falling temptingly at the feet of Ciaran Clark who buried it with no little glee; Villa finally ahead! A fabulous half of football ended with Villa pressure, Marlon a nuisance, Delfouneso cool and Albrighton flying. The first forty-five felt like ten minutes. The second half opened at a much more sedate pace, with both sides probing for an opening and looking threatening, but the home side gradually began to assert themselves. Delfouneso won the ball from Essien, played it out wide to Albrighton and got on the end of his cross, but couldn’t get enough behind it to force more than a regulation save. Chelsea broke the game up, and the ref seemed to be spending a lot of time having to administer talking toos and sort out (very) minor injuries. In between, Villa seemed to struggle for rhythm and Chelsea looked a little unthreatening on the break. This Villa side are exceptionally fit though, and Jim Henry can take great pride in the way that they often seem to take games like this by the scruff of the neck after about an hour. Villa were quick, snappy and full of bite, and definitely in control of things. And so, as in the first half, it was Chelsea who had the next chance. A ball over the top found Mellis clean through with only the keeper ahead of him. Impressively, his first touch actually took the ball back towards his own goal and he followed this by scuffing a shot very wide. Not one he’ll look back on with much pride. Delfouneso again won the ball in midfield and unleashed the Hare, a fired up Marlon drove at the Chelsea defence, found a yard of space and cracked a shot against the post with the keeper beaten. Bouma showed there’s nothing wrong with his defensive instincts, taking a rocket shot from Stoch full in the face. It produced a collective Oooh from the crowd that Typhoo would be proud of. Bouma was largely unfussed, as he was with pretty much everything Chelsea threw at him. Villa always looked like scoring, and so we did. Bannan opened Chelsea up with a lovely ball for Delfouneso, who controlled it very well and placed a firm shot passed the keeper into the net, well taken and the goal of a striker full of confidence. Two goals up with not too long left, what could possibly go wrong? Erm..well, Essien could hit a speculative long range shot which could take a deflection off Clarke to wrong foot Taylor. Four – three, and Villa under pressure. In truth, we saw out the remainder with some confidence, and could have scored another, Sam Williams strike coming out to Albrighton who forced a great block from Van Aanholt. In games like this, the whistle always comes too soon and when it did, we were good value for our win. It extends our lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership Reserve League South and sets us up nicely for the rest of the season, but more than that, it was a great advert for the game, and a great credit to Aston Villa Football Club; long may it continue. Some ratings; Taylor (6) He looked a little unsure at times, and didn’t take control of the back four as much as he would usually do. Not to blame for any of their goals though. Lichaj (6) Found Stoch a real handful at the start of the game but plugged away and came back into it. By the end he was playing well and frustrating the life out of the burly Nouble. Bouma (7) He was calm, unflustered and relaxed. He passed the ball well, competed and defended solidly. He didn’t do anything dramatic but he was rock solid throughout. Sound familiar? Clark (7) He enjoyed his goal and played well. He was generally calm, distributed decently and did well in the air. With a little more brawn he could be a class act. Lowry (8.) Brawny. Today he was smart too; he looked very comfortable at centre back and dealt with everything that came his way well. Despite the fact that we conceded three goals, I thought he was excellent. Hogg (8.) Hoggy tired towards the end, and it’s not surprising. He’s been away a long time and never stopped moving in the first half. Up against Essien and loving it, he got forward well, broke up play and played some good passes. It’s great to see him back and scoring. Albrighton (7) Beat the fullback on endless occasions and was full of running; he was unlucky not to score towards the end of the game and showed why he’s made it to the edge of the first team. The one criticism tonight was that he too often tried to beat one man too many and held onto the ball too long. Weimann (7) A very good game from Andreas; he was a threat down either flank and worked hard when we didn’t have possession, another who could have come away with a goal to show for his nights work. Harewood (8.) This was the return of the Harewood of last season. The beast was back and loving it. He bullied, he harassed, he chased and he worked his socks off. This was a good nights work. Delfouneso (8.) The Fonz was classy tonight, he dropped deep to start things off, he worked the flanks, made himself available for things and showed a real intelligence in touch and positioning. Mostly though, he showed he knows how to get on the end of things, and how to finish them when he gets there. This was a performance of maturity. Subs; Williams (6) Grafted and worked but couldn’t find a break. Collins (6) couldn’t get into things after replacing Delfouneso. Finally, a word for the referee Mr Lewis, who I thought was refreshingly good, and the crowd who were in good spirits throughout, even evil Craig was smiling at the end. The reserves are back at Villa Park next Tuesday, 10th March at 19:00 against Portsmouth.

Red wine from Lanzarote. It's bad, but getting better.

Bit of a test for young Barry Bannan on Monday night, it looks like he'll be marked by a young lad from Chelsea by the name of M. Essien. Should be a good selection of players on display, with Albrighton hopefully joining those two and the long awaited return of the one and only Freddy Bouma. I'm looking forward to it.

That worked! 3-0 to Fulham.

Stoke haven't really embraced the Premiership tradition of playing your kids in the reserves have they?

With the addition of: Wigan 41,766 Doncaster 24,203 CSKA Moscow 38,038 Chelsea 42,585 We're now at 746,966, just 79,198 short of last years total with at least six home games to go. We're 253,034 away from a million though which means we'd need to average 42,173 to reach it. Difficult, but still possible even without a win in Moscow.

General, Can you please pass on our birthday wishes to Randy , he's the best present we've ever had! Also, that got me to thinking. If it's not too rude to ask, what does a former Commandant of the Marine Corps buy a billionaire philanthropist for his birthday?

Win games equals right decision. Lose games equals wrong decision. but Right / Wrong decision does not equal win / lose games.

The attendance was 674. Is this the statistic that will interest least people on the whole internet?

James Milner now out-earns Ashley Young as he maintains a flourishing window round on the side.

Given the way that both collapsed to the floor at the end of this one, I'd be surprised if they've got enough left in the tank for Wednesday to be honest. Both put in a tremendous amount of work.

Oops.:oops: Shame on me. (8.) I thought he was excellent, he looked like he'd never been away and battled like a terrier. I can't believe I missed him out, it's great to have him back.

No score again in Hinckley as Villa’s second string took on their nearest rivals in the title race and looked much the better side against Arsenal’s young guns. Lots to be pleased about though in a night of selection surprises. First up, no Bouma in tonights Villa line up despite Sky’s “exclusive” that he’d be playing. Given that our line up included the two most senior of our reserve centre halves, Ciaran Clark and Shane Lowry, I wonder if that might mean that Freddie will make his return on an altogether bigger stage? I expect we’ll see him sat behind MO’N in the next few days. The Villa team that did line up tonight wasn’t short of surprises either, with Calum Flanagan making what I think was his reserve debut, and the very welcome return of the jug-eared general himself; great to see Jonathon “Boss” Hogg back in action after a year on the sidelines with injury. Also warming up was new signing Arsenio Halfhuid who if nothing else is certainly big enough. All these fancy names proved too much for some with the team sheet littered with spelling mistakes, letters crossed out and extra letters written in. The stadium announcer too seemed to be struggling and finished his reading of the teams by claiming (amongst others) that we were fielding Barry Batman and had Arsenal Hal-fud-fud-hud on the bench. He went on to explain that there were far too many foreign names on the team sheet, it wasn’t what he was used to and he hoped it wouldn’t upset anyone, but he was a bit tired and he was sure we got the idea. Kick off was slightly delayed due to the large crowd. (Honestly.) Once we did get going though, it very quickly became clear that we weren’t going to be short of excitement. Villa should have scored in the opening minute, a Bannan free kick, headed down by Clark found Weimann on his own eight yards out, but unable to beat the keeper. The game opened at a pace so quick that the referee required treatment after just three minutes. Shane Lowry obviously felt the need to get him more involved in things and was lucky to only be shown a yellow card for a leaping high lunge on Frimpong that was quite frankly bordering on disgraceful. Lovely. Arsenal were playing their part in an end to end opening and had a shot just wide on nine minutes. James Collins then absolutely thundered a shot onto the bar after good work on the right by Lichaj and Albrighton, and the damned thing had barely stopped shaking when Bannan slammed a volley onto it from just outside the area. Lowry was turned on the edge of the box by Merida who shot wide, before Sunu found himself one on one with young Elliott Parish; rounding him skilfully he elected to play a stylish rolling finish into the empty net…Clark mopped it up gratefully around three yards away from the goal line before clearing. Weimann was next to have a go, shooting just over from a tight angle as Villa continued to threaten through the excellent Albrighton. It was Albrighton who found himself free on the right to cross for Hogg a few minutes later but sadly; with the keeper well beaten his header was straight into the lone defender on the line and out for a corner. Half time came far too quickly in what had been an excellent game with chances for both sides and some really good ones for the Villa. It was fiercely contested, with no little skill and guile and played at a hundred miles an hour. After the break, Villa stepped up the pace. For sheer intensity, the performance of the Villa midfield in the opening twenty-five minutes of the second half was extraordinary to watch. I doubt Arsenal got out of their own half for more than 30 seconds of that period. They were penned in, chased down and harried out of the play through some superb work from our midfield quartet. The second half in itself was difficult to describe, in that it consisted almost entirely of Villa bombarding the arsenal box through the excellent crossing of Albrighton and Bannan and the deadly long throws of Eric Lichaj. We seemed to win every ball that came into the box too, but just couldn’t force a clear opportunity. Arsenal defended very well, and their defence deserves an immense amount of credit for their efforts in closing people down, blocking shots and keeping us at bay. Late in the game they rallied and appeared more of a threat, but the second half belonged to Villa in its entirety. If we should have been ahead at half time, we’ll be scratching our heads as to how we drew a blank over ninety minutes and while Arsenal remained a threat on the break, it would have been a travesty had they snatched it. This was an excellent Villa performance. So, a nil-nil draw in the first game at the newly renamed Greene King stadium to match the nil-nil draw in the last game at the Marston’s stadium. Hinckley it would seem is not the place for goals. “Aston Villa FC One Arsenal FC One” said the stadium announcer chuckling to himself as we made our way out of the ground. It’s a strange place Leicestershire, but well worth a visit. Some ratings: Parish (7) – Looked confident and solid, and is physically bigger every time I see him. Didn’t have too much to do in fairness, but didn’t look particularly troubled. Lichaj (8.) – A very good performance, both defensively and in supporting the attack; this was possibly the best game I’ve seen him have, and while he sometimes looks like he’s been caught out positionally, he always seems to have enough in the tank to make up the ground. Flanagan (7) – We came to see a solid no-nonsense full back, strong in the tackle, tough and stubborn, and that’s exactly what we got. A baby Bouma. I like him. Lowry (7) – Lucky to stay on, but made the most of it with a good display. He seemed to spend most of his time winning balls in the opposition box and was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have scored. Clark (8.) – Ciaran is one of those very sensible centre backs that it’s difficult to imagine making a daft mistake. He was in the right place at the right time every time he was called upon tonight and gave the midfield the freedom to get forward. Albrighton (9) - Kicked from pillar to post by an Arsenal midfield intent on controlling him, it seemed to only fire him up. Pacy and direct, he was a nightmare for the Arsenal defence and could have gotten himself on the score sheet on a couple of occasions too. Arsenal left back Tom Cruise (not that one) will be having nightmares for weeks. Osbourne (7) – Controlled the middle of the park and battled to win the ball back. He has the unique ability to loo cultured and clumsy at the same time, but I get the feeling he’s an absolute nightmare to play against. Passed the ball well tonight too. Bannan (7) – Passed it well, but couldn’t quite force an opening. He popped up all over the place, worked himself into the ground and pestered the Arsenal midfield all night, but alas no magic. Hogg (8.) Excellent, he looked like he'd never been away and battled like a terrier. Great to have him back. Weimann (7) – Probably had our best chances and will be kicking himself, but showed a real turn of pace that I hadn’t realised he’d got, and played well. Collins (7) – Had a number of efforts on goal, the clearest being late on when he scuffed a dropping ball wide from just inside the box. He left the Arsenal defence exhausted but didn’t bring his shooting boots tonight. Sub Stieber (6) – Showed decent pace and good passing ability, but he’s light as a feather and needs a few dinners in him before he’ll be able to prove his worth at this level. Just one more to come at the Greene King Stadium; Chelsea will be next up on 2nd March. If you live locally, then pop along. If not, then see how you feel.