But yet again, we were unable to hold on to a narrow lead, and it all went horribly wrong right at the end. Four times we’ve been ahead at home, and we have the grand total of three points to show for it.
It’s all getting rather gloomy, isn’t it? I always do my best to stay positive, but on current form it’s a tough task for Town fans to keep smiling through the pain.
In truth, Bournemouth were no great shakes, especially considering their quite lofty position in the Premier League. But they had just enough top-flight know-how and quality in the final analysis.
The real game changer was their strength from the bench. Two of their subs scored the late, heartbreaking goals, and they looked so much stronger when they made their changes.
Conor Chaplin and Jack Clarke in discussions after the game.Conor Chaplin and Jack Clarke in discussions after the game. (Image: Steve Waller) We, on the other hand, have a real problem in that respect. It sums up the wafer-thin quality of our squad. Bournemouth had made four of their five substitutions before we made any changes - and it was us who were looking cream crackered in the second half.
When we finally made changes, it was to take off an exhausted Liam Delap and Sammie Szmodics for Ali Al-Hamadi and Jack Clarke. No disrespect to those two lads, but the drop in quality probably explains why Kieran McKenna seems reluctant to make substitutions until so late.
It means that we are always going to be hanging on late in games, and extremely vulnerable to falling apart late on, as we did against Bournemouth.
What we needed more than anything was a second goal, and we came close a few times in the second half. But, as so often, we lacked the cool, clinical finish which is required. Then we paid the price.
I’m not sure why more fuss isn’t being made about Cameron Burgess’ disallowed goal from a corner. I’ve watched replays from all kinds of angles, and it really is soft. Yes, Delap puts his hand momentarily on the keeper’s shoulder, but is that really worthy of a foul? Oh yes, I forgot - goalkeepers are a protected species.
Terry says Cameron Burgess had a 'warrior-like' gameTerry says Cameron Burgess had a 'warrior-like' game (Image: Steve Waller) It would have been fitting for Burgess to be on the scoresheet, because he had an immense, warrior-like game, and providing a sublime, cushioned assist for Conor Chaplin’s goal. Great to see Chappers on the scoresheet in the Premier League.
Then, inevitably, there is the keeper debate. We know what we have with Aro Muric. He’s an outstanding shot stopper who unfortunately is prone to rushes of blood. Such a moment cost us big time yesterday. If he’d stayed on his line, we almost certainly wouldn’t have conceded the first goal.
I see people calling for Christian Walton to replace him. I can’t see that happening anytime soon. And as for those fans eulogising about the departed Vaclav Hladky - yes, it’s a shame he left, but that ship has sailed.
As we approach Christmas, and the halfway point of the season, a whole lot has to change if we are going to have any chance of staying up. One win in our first 15 games tells its own grim story.
Yes, we can point to some bad luck, some questionable refereeing decisions, some unfortunate injuries, and some crazy individual errors. All have played a part in our current, rather sad plight.
Conor Chaplin celebrates giving Town the lead - but it didn't lastConor Chaplin celebrates giving Town the lead - but it didn't last (Image: Ross Halls) But, let’s be brutally honest here, anyone visiting from Mars and looking at the league table after the first 15 games would instantly come to the conclusion that we’re not good enough to survive in the Premier League.
It’s up to Kieran McKenna and his players to prove otherwise. It will be incredibly tough, but not totally out of the question.
The mission starts away at fellow strugglers Wolves. That will be a tense affair. Let’s hope we come out on the right side of a six-pointer.