Oh my bloody God..... a clean sheet! When was the last time that happened?!

OK, so I know this match report is bleedin' late, but you'll have to make do! Not getting home till near 2am last night and then knowing I had to go to Andover (shudder) for work this morning meant I decided best option was to go straight to bed.

As it happens, the match report probably won't be that different even now. A far from memorable game, but a victory in the opening fixture for the new regime and a clean sheet to boot. The latter - I hasten to add - due in no small part to some great Robbo saves.

We were far from convincing, as you've probably already read in the press today. However, it was comfortable enough. Not what was widely reported.

Could've all been very different if Blackpool had taken an early chance with Kaboul floundering and one of their lads running into the box from right for a one-on-one that he put into the side of the net. Tsk tsk. They really should've taken the lead.

Unfortunately Kaboul's performance didn't improve much. He seems to have been afflicted (like most in our back four) with a total crisis of confidence. Actually, that's not really fair on the full backs. Lee at least. Dawson has been horrible - and started off badly again last night - and Chimbonda hasn't recaptured anywhere near the form he displayed last season. Lee, as least, has been consistent.

My personal view is that Kaboul may - given his strong attacking runs - be better placed in front of the central defensive pairing. But its early to make that sort of assessment given the limited time I've had to see him. He could yet turn out to be a very adept centre half.

As the half wore on we gradually built on the increasing amount of possession we were having with the front pairing looking fairly sharp. Indeed, the long clearance from Robbo that led to the goal was very nicely flicked on by Berbatov (the kind of thing we saw time and again last season), for Keano to run on to and flick the ball past their keeper and into the net. A very good goal. Keane has been a rare shining light for us. His commitment to the cause can't be doubted and his goal scoring record of late has been first class.

However, before getting carried away I reminded myself yet again that we had taken the lead and that all too often this season have squandered it. To be fair, I didn't really think Blackpool would get back into it, and so it proved - although it did take some fine saves from Robbo and - I think - the woodwork to ensure that!

The second goal killed the tie off, and, shocker, came from a corner! A deep ball and Chimbonda had edged clear to head across and into the net.

There were a few other notable things from last night. Defoe looked sharp. As we've come to expect. He almost scored minutes within coming on and generally looked good. Bent on the other hand..... hmmmmm.

It was nice to have Robbo back in the side. Good as Cerny has been in the past at covering, he's struggled in the last two games. I think I noted how weak he was at kicking with both feet. That at least is something Robbo is a shade more capable of. And he did pull off a couple of very fine saves.

In the middle of the park there was significantly more endeavour from Zokora and Jenas. Jenas had a solid game. Not great. But a marked improvement on what we've seen in recent weeks. Mind you, I've often seen Jenas put in decent performances against the so-called lesser sides. He struggles to deliver too often against higher class opposition. It'll be interesting to see whether Ramos can get Jenas to up his workrate.

Berbatov seems to be regaining some of his form. The cynics - of course - will say its because there's a new management team in place. Maybe so, but I don't think any of us will complain if we can see the Berbatov that shredded defences back on the pitch again for us. Little needs to be said about Keane. Top class! Always room for improvement, of course, but he is far and away our best, and most in-form player to date.

One final point..... our corners were delivered far, far more effectively last night than I've seen for the last two years. Lennon swinging in corners to the danger zone..... who'd have thought?!

Saturday's challenge away to 'Boro will be far tougher, and the weeks ahead will show just where we're headed. For last night, I'll take 2-0.