That is a great win, given the squad available. Like the Eastbourne game, it was quality finishing that made the difference. Fantastic home form - trick is now to get some results away to back it up, starting on Saturday with a winnable game. A point is bear minimum. 

Player Ratings (IMO For What It’s Worth)

1. FOULKES, 7/10 - Very little to do besides the two goals. What was asked of him seemed assured and confident enough. Choice and speed of distribution at certain stages of the game was slightly questionable in terms of knowing when to slow it down and set us on our way, but I think that is often heavily influenced by the demands of Marc. As a young, promising GK, I would like to see him take command and responsibility upon himself in terms of game management at times, but that’s me being particularly picky. But a solid evening all round for me!

2. CAMP, 8/10 In great form at the moment. Can’t recall him losing a 1v1 and provided good balance and threat going forward as always. Decision-making on when to play short and when to hit channels was spot on as always. Very under-appreciated in terms of sh*thousery, always seems to have a great knack for identifying which opposition players he’s most likely to get a bite from, which should result in plenty of bookings/reds. Great energy, arguably one of the first names on the team sheet at present. Provided great guidance and support to young HEBERT throughout the first half.

5. CRAIG, 7/10 - Solid night for TC. Second to none reading of the game as always, won all his headers and did well in pinning their ST and ensuring he rarely got in behind. Mix-up between himself and HF for the cross that led to one of their goals, but that’s football. In a side riddled with an injury crisis and young lads taking on more responsibility, I feel he’s a real asset whose wealth of experience and calmness will be crucial over the next set of fixtures with a depleted squad. Solid night’s work for TC.

46. ANNESLEY, 7/10 - Technically sound on the ball as always, clearly shows why he’s in favour in terms of starting up good phases of play down the left. Also, I don’t believe he lost a header this evening, good energy and tempo throughout. A good partnership developing between himself and DL. Hopefully, no serious injury and lengthy spell on the sidelines!

8. LEWIS, 8.5/10 - For all of the threat and quality he clearly brings from an attacking perspective, I thought it shouldn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated how good he was at tracking his runner all evening. He ran himself into the ground both ways and never let his man get past him, really set the tone & standard in terms of work rate throughout. In a day and age of wingers “recycling the ball/starting again”, it’s always so refreshing to see a winger constantly looking to get at his opposing full back and providing persistent quality into the box where possible. Quality.

20. GALLAGHER, 7/10 - Dan the man. Nothing pretty, but pivotal in the current system. Won all of his individual battles, kept play moving well and constantly adapted throughout the game in knowing when to slot into the switch of a back 3 to a back 4. Positionally sound, disciplined as always and provided good protection to the back line. Authoritative!

4. PYBUS, 8/10 - Showed some real strokes of quality throughout and often broke the lines of a congested middle of the park to set us on our way. He spread the play well, made the pitch big by spraying the ball nicely into dangerous areas for the wide-men to run onto. Match sharpness looks like it’s really starting to kick in, crucial he stays fit!

28. YOUNG, 9/10 - The difference between the two sides with the goals. Whilst the goals will inevitably (and rightly so) get the plaudits, his general engine, tenacity and willingness to chase, do the doggie’s & nicking the second balls was clear to see. He seemed to pop up everywhere, didn’t stop running and always looked to support numbers in attack. A real blend and balance developing between himself and the two Dan’s in the middle of the park, which is where the game was won for me. Deserved MOTM!

30. HEBERT, 7/10 - Brilliant first half from the kid, all you can ask is to keep seeing gradual improvements. Felt he showed a real maturity and positionally done everything that was asked of him. He had MW in his ear throughout and responded well to some sharp words when necessary and kept plugging away when you can often see some youngster’s respond the other way. Positively looked to get at the full back when it was on, and also physically stood up to the mark. Couldn’t fault him.

22. CASEY, 6/10 - Harsh rating on the face of it, but just don’t think it was a game to suit him playing the role of a lone ST, through no fault of his own. Again showed clear signs of quality with some tidy touches, but just wasn’t the type of game to suit his style. Still asked questions of their defence and looked to stretch them where possible. Work rate can’t be questioned, but that type of game was crying out for the physicality of a Jason Prior to draw fouls, make the ball stick and keep their back line occupied. Horses for courses, but still think he’ll prove a good bit of business! 

16. CARTER, 7/10 - Quality in abundance as always from Charlie, genuinely never seen a player so good taking the ball on the half turn in tight areas at this level. The quality of the goal speaks for itself, but the amount of duels he won in the air with flick-ons, plucking it down on his chest etc was top drawer. Always looked to get up and provide good support to an at times isolated Casey.

SUBS -

STOREY - 7, MCSHANE - 7, LAWRENCE - 7, VINCENT - 7, FRANCOMB - 7. Lost our way a bit with personnel and system changes and took a bit of time to adapt which arguably contributed to their two quick-fire goals, but they all had a job to do and played their part in grinding out a result and securing a crucial win taking us within 5pts off top spot!  

MANAGEMENT, 8/10 - Difficult to find fault when taking into account the injury crisis alongside the brutal Christmas fixture list pile up. Potentially a few too many changes in a small period of time which arguably led to their 2 goals making things a touch more uncomfortable than they needed to be. But the necessity in keeping the miles on the players legs at a minimum and maintain freshness where possible is completely understandable with what we’re currently up against. The output they continue to get out the boys however can’t be questioned, and above all else, another big W over the line in the pursuit for promotion!

UTW! 

Was a fun watch and very unique having the team talks to switch over to. My first time watching on DAZN and was actually a pretty decent product.

First half was excellent considering the injuries, with some superb perofmances from Pybus, Carter, Young, etc.

Slough will be tough as it's a ground we always struggle at and they were an extra time away from reaching the FA Cup 3rd round a couple of weeks ago.

Exceptional performance from the lads, Young was amazing to score those 2 goals. Big Credit as well to Lewis for that peach of a ball in. Camp, Gallagher, and Pybus were as usual decent. 

That ranks up there with one of best wins of the season, at a time when we are apparently hanging for player availability. Never believed it for a second. 

Was a great win, showing real character to dig deep and grind out a win after throwing away the 2 goal lead. Onto Slough Saturday👍