The ACN Match Review – Blackburn (a)

The atmosphere 

A good contingent of City fans made the long trip to Lancashire. While it was perhaps not the number the club were hoping to attract with a generous ticket subsidy, our recent dip in form, the Easter break, and distance to travel offers some clear mitigation in this regard. 

It’s hardly a secret that atmospheres, both home and away, have been quite hit and miss this season. 

However, I am delighted to report that today was an absolute hit. In terms of my own first-hand experiences, it easily matches the ferocity of Coventry away, and I would even say that it gave Millwall (which I gather was also excellent) a run for its money. 

City Elite have brilliantly fostered a highly vocal level of support all season, and should be applauded for their efforts in pushing the team and fanbase onwards during lulls in the match. 

The line-up 

A move away from the three out and out strikers fielded against Sheffield United. Instead, Josh Sargent found himself supported out wide by the creative outlets of Marquinhos (deployed in a more forward position), and Hernández. This combination enabled a far more successful link-up with the midfield than was seen against the Blades. 

Also, Lungi started. I imagine this was nice for Maddie. 

Hurrah moment 

A comfortable and entertaining away win is not to be sniffed at, especially against a good side that has already beaten us twice this season. 

Rovers were perhaps not at their best, but could easily have spoiled City’s afternoon with the chances they had. 

With results elsewhere also going our way, we appear to have placed the playoffs just about back in our grasp. 

Boooo moment 

Just when it’s actually looking as if we might be in a position to push into the playoffs, a nasty injury to your club captain is somewhat of a spanner in the works. 

Hanley has been a defensive stalwart this season, and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. Fortunately I have every confidence that Omobamidele will see us through the run in. 

Hero of the match 

Angus Gunn deserves a mention for some fantastic last-ditch saves that ensured we kept a clean sheet. 

However, the standout has to be Gabriel Sara. He was inconspicuous against Sheffield United, never really seeming to get enough time on the ball to have an impact. Today was a different story. His goal perfectly demonstrates the creative flair we know he possesses, and so desperately need moving forward. 

Our post-match takeaway 

We might actually finish in the playoffs. On paper this is great, but I can’t be the only one to have mixed emotions about the possibility of promotion at the end of the season. 

Still, with two key matches on the horizon, let’s see where we are this time next week.