Competition is bringing the best out of Pugh

I have always liked Marc Pugh. He plays with a smile on his face and enjoys every minute of a game. I believe that he was one of the players that deserved to have a chance in the Championship more than most. He delights in his signature turn and I am pleased for him that it works just as well now as it did when he was in League One. While he has gone a few games without scoring, there is no doubt that competition for places is getting the best out of him.

I remember last season when Marc was playing week in and week out with little relief or cover for his position. Now he has to battle to get a spot in the team and I can see that he is one that is responding to that challenge.

I thought he had a good game against Birmingham with much more link up play with Grabban and Surman in the first half. He also had a powerful shot that Darren Randolph managed to keep out when it could easily of brought the goal that the team so needed. It appears that Eddie Howe has stuck with Pugh over Fraser for the starting position and that in itself is probably giving Pugh a bit of confidence.

As for those fans who wonder why Pugh is getting the nod they will do well to remember that he is on 4 goals this season along with Pitman with only Grabban having scored more goals.
But if Pugh is to get his quota of about 12 goals a season he will have to start upping the number of shots he is having per match.

While AFCB look to be trying to work the ball towards the penalty spot in their attempts to score I would be one who would like to see a few more efforts from outside the box as our players are capable of scoring some great goals like Marc did at Leicester City. Now I wonder if he can conjure up something special for Hillsborough?