Oxford United didn't win many friends when they visited the Vetch just over a week ago but it's safe to say that they will probably win promotion come May. Watching them was not dis-similar to watching our championship side of 2000 - a solid defence giving little away with the hope that the odd goal will be snatched here and there the other end. They came here for a point and they got it with some ease in keeping us out but all I can say is I'm glad I don't have to watch them every week - it would bore me stupid. Boring but effective I think just about sums it up.
Of course we followed that with what was described as 'the worst performance for 12 months' in losing 2-0 at Bury putting more emphasis on the need for a win today in one of what I guess is our local derbies this year. Few that were there I suspect will forget the first meeting with Cheltenham this season and I bet there isn't a Swans fan in this ground today that doesn't want to see a Lee Trundle hat trick again (unless of course Mr Coral has taken your money on him not scoring a hat-trick!)
Last time I wrote in this programme we were awaiting the fourth round draw of the FA Cup. Well we all know it was Reading or Preston and by the time you read this we will know which one. Yet again the draw gods have deemed that we cannot have a Premiership side but at least it's a home draw and should ensure another bumper Vetch crowd next weekend for the game. We are capable of progressing further in the competition which of course will bring it's own rewards financially. The third round though did see Lee Trundle crowned as player of the round with something like 22,000 of the 40,000 votes cast in a poll on the FA web-site. Quite an impressive total for a player from a club with a 7,000 average gate don't you think - wonder how that happened!!!!
I'm sure all Swans fans as well will join me in sending best wishes to John Charles who was on the critical list after collapsing in Italy. Although he never donned a Swans shirt (if only eh?) he is, without a doubt, the greatest Welsh player to ever play and naturally, on that basis, the greatest footballer that this city has ever produced. I hope that he pulls through this period and maybe, although there are no links with the football club, the council should see their way to have some form of tribute to him at White Rock?
Back to matters on the pitch. Today we entertain Cheltenham for the third time at the Vetch and both sides are looking for their first league win in the fixture. Indeed Lee Trundle's hat trick at Whaddon Road back in August ensured for the first time that a league meeting between the two clubs ended in anything other than a draw. Interestingly, Cheltenham's first season in the league ended with two 0-0 draws between the clubs. Their second saw two 2-2 draws so what's the odds on the Swans winning 4-3 this afternoon? Omens say it has to happen!!!!!! (Disclaimer: JackArmy.net hold no responsibility for losing bets!)
Just a couple of things to end up on this week from me. Congratulations to one of the JackArmy.net message board regulars, Chris (Jackforever) on the recent birth of his son, Rhys James on the day of the Oxford game - no doubt Chris has him well trained in the way of the Jacks already! Also, it was great to see the board of directors award a testimonial to Swans legend Alan Curtis - if ever there was someone deserving of this then it has to be Curt and some of my happiest childhood memories involved watching Curt in a Swans shirt. I hope that Swans fans everywhere turn out for this legend as he deserves when the game takes place.
That really is it from me - lets get behind the boys we need those three points today.
C'MON THE JACKS!
Phil Sumbler (phil@sumbler.freeserve.co.uk)
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