Oh, What A Night

Oh what a night!! And no, I can't get that song out of my head this morning. I will never be able to say I way there (just as I was in Hong Kong for the second leg against Ipswich and in Lyon for the one against Doncaster). But like before I’ll be at Wembley, flights booked. Just watching the scenes at The Valley on the CATV stream was enough to make the spine tingle, especially with a large glass of celebratory cognac in hand.

Let’s tip a hat to Wycombe. They never wilted, their supporters made noise, but for two outstanding blocks by Ramsay might well have won the game; and in defeat their manager was gracious. They played their part in making the context a two-part classic as one of the worst exhibitions of football you might want to watch – and that is meant as a complement, not an insult. They took the lesson from the 0-4 and adapted, ensured there would be no repeat of that. That we kept them out over the two legs was down to superb, disciplined defending (aside from the early shot at their place I can’t remember Mannion having to make an actual save) as a team, while they protected ther goal very well too, managing in particular to snuff out the threat from Campbell.

The game last night consequently came down to very fine margins in a few key moments. Aside from a low cross from Godden which Campbell couldn’t reach our one real chance of the first half saw Jones miscue a header from close range when he seemed set to score (and probably should have done). In the second Small’s effort having cut in from the right went inches wide – and Godden came about as close to getting a decisive contact on the effort to divert it into the net. At the other end, as the game opened up Ramsay’s blocks will live long in our memories (and will haunt them for years), but you also have to add an exceptionally well-timed shove by Gillesphey on Kone as he was about to pull the trigger. If instead of shooting into the side-netting Kone had gone down under the challenge I don’t think the ref would have had any alternative but to give a penalty (and perhaps a red card).

Then we come to the goal. Jones did superbly to get his leg to the ball and keep the threat alive. But watching in real time I thought there’s no way he can get to the second ball before their keeper. That he did was down to fatal hesitation on the keeper’s part. If he’d reacted immediately and dashed out to claim the ball he surely would have got there first. Instead Jones nicked it and Godden did what he does so well – be in the right place at just the right time.

The game wasn’t about who deserved to win, the balance of play etc. It was all about whether one side or the other could get the ball into the net, by whatever means. We did. Cue glorious celebrations.

Jones deserves all the plaudits that will come his way, especially if we overcome Leyton Orient at Wembley. He hasn’t fashioned a pretty team but a very effective one - and if I’ll allow myself a pat on the back its for arguing late last year that Jones had to find a way to accommodate Small (clearly he did) and had to start with Godden (incredible as it seems now he was for much of the first half of the season not first choice). Most important, for me, is that he’s instilled in the players just what is needed to win at this level – and they’ve bought into it, with success breeding success. Whatever happens at Wembley, we have good reason to look forward to next season.

As for Wembley, the bookies have already made us (slightly) odds-on favourites. That’s fair enough to any neutral, given the results this season and the final standings. We know how difficult it’s going to be, we haven’t forgotten we were 1-0 down at their place until two headers right at the death, even though I’d guess most Addicks are like me in being pleased that we will face Orient and not Stockport. Orient are there on merit, just as we are. It’s going to be a great day. Bring it on.