Six In A Row?

Something very unusual is happening. I was in Paris on Wednesday evening to see Scotland beat the World Cup finalists in their own back yard. Following Saturday's 3-1 defeat of Lithuania and the three Charlton wins in succession, tomorrow's clash at Layer Road could make it six in a row. We then have the prospect of two winnable home games against Norwich and Leicester. Dare I dream?

Wednesday first. What a day and what a night! Eurostar is a great way to travel and the sun shone all day. There was a fantastic atmosphere in Paris and it was good to see the beer tents set-up for the Rugby World Cup, full of guzzling football supporters. I'll wager they didn't bank on their best day's takings being a football match!

I reckon over 10,000 Scotland fans walked together from the Eiffel Tower to the Parc des Princes. It really was some sight with Parisienne drivers tooting their horns and waving from windows and balconies all the way. Liberating Paris in 1945 can't have felt much different! The match itself was closely fought and for all their possession France didn't really trouble Scotland and struggled to get out of second gear. Nil-nil at half-time was what Scots fans had been hoping for but none were prepared for happened mid-way through the second half. James McFadden picked up a long ball fully 30 yards out. With an attendent defender and no support you could see what went through his mind as he took aim and had a go. Seconds later and pandemonium in the stadium. Landreau in goal could only get a flailing left hand to it and only enough purchase on it to deflect it into the top corner. The last 25 minutes seemed an age but France could only huff and puff. At the final whistle the remaining French fans fled in disgust making the thousands of celebrating Scotland fans highly visible around the ground. You can guess the rest!

So, no pressure you Reds. I'm not expecting miracles but let's get out there tomorrow and play Colchester off the park. We'll have a good following in their tiny ground and I'm hoping we'll make it sound like a home game.

C'mon you Reds!