I WAS thrilled to see young Jay Robinson score his first senior goal for the club against Ipswich last weekend. As a Saints fan, I love his willingness to run at defenders.
His confidence on the ball must come from the freedom young players often show when they step into senior football. It’s always a challenge for players to stay fearless.
From the moment Jay was called up to the senior squad at the tail end of last season, he has not looked fazed by the challenge in front of him, much like Tyler Dibling.
Having watched his headed goal back, it shows his knack to read what is about to unfold around him and time his run to get the best of the defender marking him.
There was that little passage of play on the right, where a few passes were exchanged before the ball went to Ryan Fraser, who delivered a brilliant cross.
Jay held his run, which showed a promising level of maturity, despite the fact he has played fewer than 10 first-team games.
From watching his interviews and listening to what Will Still has said, it’s clear Jay is shy off the pitch, but he looks the total opposite when he steps over the line.
As his name grows, speaking in front of the cameras will become more comfortable for him, as will playing in front of big crowds when the opposition doubles up on him.
The 18 year old has also been praised for his defensive work. Working hard off the ball is a non-negotiable in football, so it’s good that he understands that.
Forwards are not always going to have a good game, especially at a young age, when consistency has not been found, but you have to put in the hard yards.
Even though it might go unnoticed by most, that side of the game is often the difference between winning and losing.
To jump back to Ryan Fraser, he has been impressive at the start of this season and is willing to fill any role required of him on the day.
I don’t think many would have had him in their dream starting lineup before the start of the season, but he is in mine now. He must start this weekend.
Saints will need to be at their best this afternoon when they face Stoke, who started this week top of the Championship after two wins from two.
When the fixtures came out earlier this summer, this looked like a welcome home fixture. This game now serves as proof of how unpredictable the Championship can be.
Stoke have scored three goals in both of their league wins, against Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, and it will be a test for Still’s charges.
I’d like to see us claim a win and a clean sheet to make St Mary’s a formidable place for away sides to come this season. No team should look forward to coming to the South Coast.
It would also be nice to score first, having gone behind in our first two Championship games this season, although we do seem much better at responding to goals.
We have Damion Downs and Ross Stewart available again after their illness, which will give Still a different option up front compared to last weekend.
I, like most fans, am still unsure who our best striker is. Despite that, I think we will win 1-0 this weekend, with one of our forwards getting the goal.
Lastly, I’d like to welcome Mads Roerslev to the club, and I hope he adds to our fight for promotion his season. He will give Will options down that right side.
He comes with Championship and Premier League experience, and standing at six feet, he will hopefully add much-needed height in defence and going forward.
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