An unchanged side from Saturday's trip to Blackburn set out to go one better, this was a side who really wanted to win and perhaps more importantly, fully believed they would.
A fast tempo suited our pacy players and we were off and running as soon as the whistle blew.
The fans were up for the game too.
The Riverside rang with the sound of fans cheering, "There's only one Ross Turnbull" and "Ali-adiere Adiere Ali-adi-ere!"
Aliadiere had the game by the scruff of the neck, pushing everybody forward, stroking lovely balls to Alves and skipping past City players with ease. But he was not our best player. That honour goes to Tuncay.
Since the Turkish international returned last weekend against Blackburn the whole team looks more confident. He has come back into the team not only match fit but in excellent form. Tonight he brought energy, pace and creativity by the bucket load.
Unfortunately he seems to have a sign across his head saying 'offside' which is only visible to referees and their assistants...
I am confident however that Tuncay will score in the near future and I have a sneaking suspicion it will be something special.
Alves scored a dubious penalty having muscled Tuncay and Downing away from the spot and if he gets a goal a game I will stop complaining about the fact that he seems to be unable to stay on his feet.
At the other end, Ross Turnbull fully deserved his clean sheet having made some excellent saves. Riggot and Wheater returned to form and Pogatetz bossed the back four as only he can.
And Gary O'Neil scored. Gary O'Neil! I have been a very harsh critic of O'Neil this season but I am delighted he scored. With Digard helping him out in midfield O'Neil is playing much, much better. The Frenchman takes some of the pressure off, with well-timed tackles and holds the ball up, allowing O'Neil to produce those superb crosses we are beginning to see from him on a regular basis.
Yes we were lucky to get a penalty but we were due some luck. We finally managed a 90 minute performance (94 actually!) with incredible energy and, crucially, confidence. Bring on West Ham.
First published on www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/fanzone - Oct 08
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