Late to the table here due to a hectic last four days. I was at Pittodrie last Thursday to see Aberdeen bow out of the new Europa Conference competition and it's been all go since then. It may be UEFA's third-tier European competition but the Dons opponents, Qarabag, from Azerbaijan looked like Champions League material the other night. Aberdeen lost 3-1 but were outclassed from the off.
Anyhow, in the midst of everything else, I also managed to catch the Charlton performance against Crewe and joined in the collective sigh of relief that we finally picked up a win. Adkins changed to a 4-4-2 and we looked a different side. In a match where we created more chances than in the other games put together, it was gratifying to see Jaiyesimi score with a fine header (who knew?) and Stockley show some touches with his feet to round the keeper and slot home.
It was also a redemption game for Chris Gunter whose left-foot cross for Jaiyesimi's goal was a beauty and who had his best game for some time. Craig Macgillivray also had a very good game and showed once more why we bought him. Our fans need a bit more patience with individuals - both of these players have come in for a bit too much stick recently. I thought Albie Morgan had a better game in a four man midfield alongside Ben Watson and Sean Clare made a better contribution from the bench when he came on for Jaiyesimi. New signing Elliott Lee also made his debut from the bench and settled quickly.
Not much to say defensively. Crewe had a couple of very good chances but Macgillivray was equal to them and Elerewe slotted in seamlessly after the hour when Inniss was taken off. Adkins looks to be managing Inniss' game time and we are fortunate that Elerewe has emerged from nowhere this season and looks so comfortable in the first team.
Certainly a performance to build on although with the Gillingham game postponed due to our international call-ups), we will have to play with game in hand.
Today is also the last of the transfer window and the only likely target could be former youngster Harry Arter who has made a very good career for himself after leaving the Valley 12 years ago as a 19 year old. He would certainly add more competition in midfield but we still need left back cover and another striker. It's looking like we may have to make the best of it until January. If that's the case, I reckon Thomas Sandgaard has left us short of expectations and it may cost us another season in the wilderness. That might test Thomas' resolve because revenues next season will almost inevitably drop. He benefitted from the saviour-factor this season when fans renewed early in decent numbers. If we bump along again this year after failing to match "blow the league apart" expectations, I suspect fans will be slower to renew next season until they see his ambition. Cynical marketing won't save the day either.
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