Baby steps

Well that was tense wasn't it? We all as one wished for one thing today, spirit, and I think by and large we got it, especially in the second half.

The fans played there part turning up in numbers to back the team and for the most part the players responded. Tim Krul was in good form saving us on more than one occasion, Coloccini was getting stuck in much more than previously as did little Vernon which was good to see and Dummett had a good game too. Jonas was putting some smart runs together and most important of all, the heads didn't drop when we went one goal down. Thankfully Perez had his shooting boots on to level the game.

The big worry for me is our sheer inability to defend set pieces, we cleared off the line and conceded from a free kick again today. I suggest our next signings need to be a couple of strapping ball winning defenders before we even think about a forward. Our defence as been weak as a baby for far too long but they did well today considering they were up against some big lads.

I think we had them rattled second half and truth be told we could of taken the game with a full strength team, and maybe even with what we had out on the pitch.

Big downside today was the Sunderland result, their win takes them above us on goal difference and frankly they can consider themselves mighty lucky. Winning by two deflected goals, the second of which was offside and off Defoe's hand . Still them's the breaks and it's still in our hands, as they say.

Next up, QPR who may well be relegated by the time we play them. It should be an easy game but often relegated teams play without pressure and turn an easy game into hard work. We need to despatch them and then we can enjoy the last game of the season which is the very least our devoted fans deserve. HWTL

By kimtoon