We're Off!

Wow, Mings to Ings and then ... wham!

If nothing else, that goal surely eclipses any worries about the Villa - at least for the time being! With the addition of a full Villa Park attendance, it was almost like the best of the old times.

Last week was something of a sh... week - a shock and a shambles. A shock to see Targett all at sea after such a strong last season. A shambles as the team was obviously not playing like a team - until after half-time when some semblance of teamwork creaked into gear, very much aided by the substitutions.

Even with two of last week's more impressive subs out injured, today it was a lot better. Not perfect, but at least there was some fire in the belly and signs of cohesion, with Beundia, Ramsay and McGinn all playing a similar kind of game and all working their socks off. But Luiz still gives me the eejy-beejies when it comes to his defensive work.

However, we certainly have a striker who knows where the goal is and he and Watkins (when fit) are surely going to worry a lot of defences. They, aided by the new players Bailey and Beundia, and with the young players looking so promising, give me some confidence that it should be a good season.

There's one worry just now. That concerns Targett. Just what went wrong last week? Did he see Ashley Young as a threat and tried too hard to impress as a result? Who knows. But I am happy with Young doing what he's doing. He still has some ability and with his experience it should keep the team well-grounded. Except when they're heading the ball!

UTV!