Inching closer!

Another rollercoaster afternoon down at the Hawthorns saw the lads pull another away win out of the bag and move closer to the magic 40 points mark. With the likes of Blackburn, Pompey, Stoke, Bolton and Boro all failing to pick up points it turned out to be quite the positive weekend.

Looking at the bench yesterday it was clear to see we are starting to get a few more bodies back on board. Previously our bench was packed with the likes of Ranger, Donaldson and Doniger, all yet to see any senior level pitch time. At West Brom we had Forster, Cacapa, Smith, Geremi, Edgar, Viduka and Xisco, all players who have seen ample pitch time either with ourselves or, in Forster`s case, at Stockport.

That summed up the current improvement in squad quality. Against Everton in two weeks, injuries in internationals permitting, we should have Gutierrez, Guthrie and Martins back to supplement that further. Remaining out are Owen and Nacho (March) with Barton and Beye further crocked (April). However with Nolan, Taylor and Lovenkrands all having turned in reasonable performances in new colours, there is a lot to be positive about.

In that time the Toffees have a potentially tricky FA Cup against Villa on the Sunday before, which in an ideal world would see Arteta, Cahill and Fellaini all get knocks to keep them out of our match! That aside, the fact our own players get two weeks to recharge is definitely a positive aspect, with Everton having been in heavy FA cup action against Liverpool as well as more games than us since the turn of the year.

So, a lot to look forward to as the lighter nights start coming in.

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