The Dragons' fantastic 3-1 victory at Vale Park improved the team's survival chances no end.
In cyberspace - on the various WFC messageboards and email lists - the Potteries triumph was welcomed gleefully. My computer almost exploded as a result of the extraordinary surge in post-match euphoria and optimism.
These online messages are representative of the new mood among Reds supporters: -
"Well done to Denis Smith on his innovative use of tactics and substitutions ie. you USE your subs (it's a fourteen-man game these days!) and you change tactics not just between games but, where needs be, DURING games as well. All quite innovative, I know!"
"The game was fantastic! Why hasn't Edwards started more matches this season? Everyone seemed interested, even Fergie! General team performance: good on the whole, especially in the first half."
"The 3-1 score looks great! Thanks to the lads for bouncing back - and hopefully they can continue to prove their critics wrong for the next eight games!"
"Dan Bennett was VERY good, probably man of the match, although in all fairness you couldn't say anyone had a bad game. Lawrence was brilliant at the back, Kevin Sharp looked a completely different player to Saturday (although his crossing let him down at times) and Dave Walsh made one absolutely OUTSTANDING, world-class save in the second half.
Blackwood was 'rested' for Carlos, who finished brilliantly for his goal. Trundle worked hard for about 65 minutes without proving much of a threat; then suddenly there was no stopping him. He had one (dubious) appeal for a penalty waved on; then a couple of shots straight at the keeper; then THE penalty (must admit I'd have sacrificed Faulconbridge for Sam at that point, given our penalty record this season).
Trundle struck it well, but it looked like the keeper got a full hand on it, so to see it hit the net was an unbelievable relief. For the third goal a great cross - and Trundle rose majestically to glance a header past the keeper and, judging from his reaction, I think he enjoyed it almost as much as we did!"
"Super Lee is the man to fire us to second division safety now. Everyone get behind the team and let's give it our best from now on. At least we are putting up a hell of a fight."
"Just hope the support is as good against Brentford at the Racecourse. Maybe we were too quick to boo the team against Chesterfield? Who knows? I suppose we were all amazed at how poorly we had played against the Spireites after previous good results and performances. Anyway, water under the bridge now...I hope!"
"It was a bad night for results really; if we hadn't won, we would be in more trouble. What with Notts County, Northampton and Bury all winning, Peterborough have now been dragged into the ruck as well! However, with games against Northampton, Cambridge and Bournemouth still to come, we CAN get out of this mess if we want. Here's hoping for a win against the Bees."
