Wahey, a win away from home and a win in Europe. What a great comeback! We needed that after losing our first home game.
I missed some of the first half due to work but got to see their goal which I blame Spector for as much as Doyle for sending in such a difficult back pass. In the second half I thought we were the better team and looked far more dangerous. As often happens the arrival of Zigic made a difference although that was after Chris Burke’s very well taken equaliser. Elliot came more into the game and should have scored when he was clean through although he made up for it shortly after. His shot was very well struck although the goalie should have done better. One goalkeeping mistake each so that’s fair.
A loss tonight would have made things very difficult but this keeps the dream alive.
Well done Blues.
Aylesburyblue
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Here are my brief post match thoughts, (we were writing at the same time!)
I watched the game from around 30 minutes due to having to take my son to Gymnastics training, obviously it meant I was aware we were behind.
I heard on the radio that the goal was down to a bit of a howler by Doyle, I really wanted to defend him, but when I saw it at half time – I had to agree it WAS a howler. To be fair to Doyle though, the pass back was poor from Spector. You’re told as a kid, any pass back MUST be on the ground whenever possible. He definitely had time.
Right having dealt with that one, there wasn’t much else I could criticise. Maybe some of the passing was a bit sloppy in the first half, but that’s about it.
The second half we looked far more assured, we started finding yellow shirts and started creating decent breaks. We started to create chances and it was no surprise when we drew level. A break put us in a strong position, Burke was put through and slotted it passed the keeper shot to make it 1-1, and just what we deserved.
After the goal we continued to get stronger, and were definitely the better side. We had two very good chances with Elliot missing when it looked easier to score. However he made up for it with just 11 minutes to go. Another break found us with men forward and Elliot instead of putting Zigic through, shot and it was their keeper’s turn to make a mistake. The ball went into the bottom corner under the keeper’s hand – 2-1 Blues. From then, we never looked in danger.
My man of the match was Jean Beausejour, who never stopped running. Chris Hughton’s substitute of bringing Zigic on was inspired. They just didn’t know what to do with him. I am SO looking forward to the havoc he’s going to wreak in the Championship!
A final big up for the Bluenoses who travelled to tonight’s game. You were awesome – loud and clear.
As I said in my preview, this was a winnable game and I do really hope this kick starts our season. Oh and as for my prediction, I was right for much of the second half!
If you went to Mirabor and would like to write an article for us on your experience, let me know via the contact page.
Kev
My first gin and tonic was enjoyed in the sunshine in my garden just before the game. My second was sipped during the first half when I thought that Maribor weren’t up to much and we could beat them. I finished it rapidly and got my third when Doyle played an air shot! I stopped swearing round about 55 minutes and the alcohol fortified by my fourth drinkwas actually giving me belief that we could actually get something from the game. I was disappointed with Maribor; I expected much better. Great finish from Burke following an excellent pass from King which made the chance. Elliott, whom I felt hadn’t had the greatest game, redeemed himself with the winner and it was good to see their keeper make a rickett as well as our numpty. I’m now drunk but very happy! Well done Blues! Bravo Brum! Brilliant support from the travelling noses; you were awesome tonight; out sang their lot. 😀
KRO SOTV
Birmigham winning away from home ? and the Europa league ? what a great season we’re having – i’m so enjoying the Blues again. I never thought we’d beat Arsenal at Wembley – can we qualify from the group ? I thought the team looked balanced – i know Spector screwed up but i thought he combined really well with Burke and made Burke look more dangerous. We now have plenty of options up front, midfield and at the back – Well done Chris H. we now have a plan B and plan C. which we haven’t for a few years. Entertaining. Bausejour has been awesome this season. Fans were great – saw Steve Poulter from Bromsgrove 4x in the crowd. Crowd Watch – outstanding – hope they’re livinging it up after all that traveling.
No doubt the Doyle hater’s will be out in force again tomorrow. I can’t understand how fans can criticize him when we haven’t seen him play consistently for 4 years. People have seem to forgot the brilliant prospect he looked when Bruce bought him into the team for the last 12-15 games of the promotion season. He saved valuable points for us that season and almost single handedly won us that Wolves game as well. A good servant to the club who doesn’t deserve the stick some fans place on him.
I agree Barney. The goal was a howler to be fair, but he made several good saves during the game. I think it would have been worse if we hadn’t won though.