Woops, we nearly did it again!

Two words, Craig Pead. Despite Macclesfield versus Walsall being on the television, I managed to miss the match, which was probably a good thing after it ended in a stalemate. Therefore, I have not seen the red card, but Dickie Dosh has decided that he is to appeal against the decision, made by referee Phil Joslin, which is OK, but is this player one that should be given chances if all he is going to do is let his team down with average performances. Pead has had his fair share of good performances this season, but the last few games have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly side of the former sky-blue. Should another full back come into the club in January? My opinion is yes, as we don`t have adequate cover in the right-back positions. However, the left-backs are all queuing up and they actually have those annoying tickets with numbers on that you get at the meat counter in supermarkets, only Kris Taylor got to the counter before Danny Fox. We need a right-back, something that most Walsall fans have been screaming about for what seems like the start of time. But, with any luck, Dickie will realise this and will rectify the situation by drafting in a loan-player or an experienced professional with three scars on his forehead (not Kevin Muscat though).

Next up for the Saddlers, Hereford United. Another tough one where the home side will look to make life very difficult. The big question is who will be at right-back? Will Tony Bedeau come into the team and start upfront? All these questions will no doubt be answered come 3pm Saturday afternoon, but Dickie surely won`t go with the same 11 that started on Monday, would he? Even though I missed the game, I read the reports and heard the reaction and it just wasn`t good enough. OK, another clean sheet is good, but going down to ten men was stupid and things will have to improve if three points are to come our way this weekend. Are we top for a reason? Yes we are, because we are a good side who are able to play football, now, and when we are disciplined. If we can do those things, then another away win is on the cards.

I cannot miss out the fantastic England, the supposedly unofficial best team in the world. Sounds pathetic, mainly because it is. Micah Richards is in at right-back for Macca, who is looking for a morale boosting win against a very strong Holland side; who have Clare Seedorf back from international exile (situation was similar to Beckham, if you read The Times yesterday). Andy Johnson will start upfront with Rooney, while Gerrard remains on the right, with Carrick and Lampard in midfield. Joe Cole will also return on the left-wing. I predict a draw. Simple. I will be happy with a draw, or even a good performance, even if the score was 2-0 to Holland. Just like Walsall, we are a good side, not the best in the world, but still a good side. We need to be disciplined and play slick football, as I say, it should be simple. But, as they say, you can never teach an old dog new tricks, but I taught my dog some new tricks, so who knows what can happen. Unpredictable really.