Top Form Hit in November

November started well for us, without us even kicking a ball, as Newcastle lost their game in hand, meaning we are second by only a single point having played the same number of games.

Our first game was away to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The match started badly with poor concentration from a free kick allowed Wednesday to take a lead after just 3 minutes. From that point on we dominated the match giving them few chances although it took till just before half time before we finally got the ball in the back the net. In the second half piled on even more pressure, and with just 2 minutes left I thought we'd end up with just a draw, but their keeper made a poor clearance, under pressure, straight to my right back Laure, who took a first time shot from just inside their half straight into the net. It's nice to see this happen, as in previous versions if the same clearance happened, the player never ever tried to score. Well done to the developers, and happy I wasn't on the receiving end of this. We really should have scored more, but our finishing and first touch seems to lack the killer instinct.

During the break for the international matches good news as all but one of my injury victims are back in training. Sadly Grenier still has about 3 months left before he recovers.

The two week break seems to have had a good effect on the team. Within a minute of kick-off against Doncaster at the Keepmoat, we're one up, and 3 minutes later it's two up. Within 25 minutes the score stands at 4-1. Both teams are actually playing good football, but we've been creating the best chances. The rest of the match is entertaining too with another goal each. A sensational performance, which seems to suggest the team is really starting to gel.

Coventry arrived at Loftus Road with a defensive formation, but this didn't help them at all, as they were demolished. I was pleased that we managed not to concede, despite Coventry pressing forward after they went behind. This probably contributed to the ease with which we managed to slice their defence open several more times.

This proved to be a great month, with only one minor issue, that being that Matthew Connolly has now picked up five yellow cards so will receive a one match ban. Fortunately with our injury situation being excellent, this shouldn't be a problem.

Angelo Balanta has come into a rich vein of form, and secured the Young Player of the Month award for November with 4 goals in these three matches. Jay Simpson continued his fine form by also scoring 4 goals this month too. Newcastle also won their other 3 matches this month, so have retained the lead, but we have both pulled further away from the chasing pack.

At the bottom of the table, Blackpool finally got their long awaited win, though only recorded one point at home. However they have given themselves a vague hope of escaping relegation.