Town's pre-season win over Rayo Vallecano has fans daring to dream

Rayo (Spanish for "thunderbolt" – I love it) are a professional football club based in the Puente de Vallecas district of Madrid, Spain. The club competes in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish football.

The game in brief

It was noticeable how players were pushing up more, and playing three across the back allowed them to do just that. No faffing about at the back makes it so much better a game to watch; they looked sharp and hungry. It was a joy to watch Leif outstripping opponents, galloping down the wing – he definitely enjoys playing in a more forward position. So pleased he scored two cracking goals.

We were all hoping for a third for him, and it very nearly happened. But instead, a fantastic cross from Diop met the head of Emersonn, who angled it into the back of the net. He had been lively all game, so this was a well-deserved reward.

The second half was similar, with Town in the ascendant; Rayo did not play well, never seeming to get into the right gear. Was it just because our team were so much better? Could it be? I was expecting a tougher task, as Rayo were runners-up in the European final in May this year.

Men of the match

Hard to call, as they played very much as a team rather than as individuals. Notably strong I would name Diop, who stopped everything in his path; Emersonn, who did not stop running; Egeli, who was a force in the centre of the pitch; O'Shea, who was solid as ever; Mehmeti, who chased everything; and Van Oevelen, whose distribution was incredible.

MotM: Why Leif Davis, of course. With his speed up the wing and a brace to his name, it's an easy choice.

Team news

Sad to see some of the familiar players going to other clubs, but a shake-up is necessary, or no lessons have been learned. Everyone was surprised and upset that Wes was leaving us for Leicester, one month after signing a new one-year contract, but although I felt the same, I'm happy for him – at nearly 32 years old, he now has a three-year contract and should certainly be guaranteed more minutes on the pitch, not on the bench. With a young family, he needs that stability – he reacted with his head, we reacted with our hearts. Very much a fans' favourite, he gave us so many memorable moments.

"You go with our best wishes, Wes" – and linking up with Conor Chaplain again has led many fans to say they will keep one eye on Leicester next season, with a cheer at the ready.

Two new players have come in since my last report.

Florentino Luis

Known as Florentino, he is a six-foot, 26-year-old, right-footed defender from Portugal who has played in a youth international capacity for his country. He comes to us from Burnley.

He is said to be "a tenacious defensive midfielder who excels at breaking up play, intercepting passes, and shielding the defence." He certainly showed some of that solidity on Saturday. Of Angolan descent, he was born in Portugal.

Random fact: I was interested to see the Angolan national team are called The Black Sable Antelopes. What charming imagery that conjures up.

Sasa Lukic

Saša (pronounced Sasha) is a 29-year-old, 6ft central defensive midfielder from Serbia who plays for the Serbian national team and who comes to us from Fulham. He arrived at Portman Road this weekend, so was not included in Saturday's game, but was able to watch and meet the team. He is looking forward to playing at the club he thinks "has the best atmosphere in the Premier League".

Transfers out for Ali Alhamadi and Harry Clarke have reportedly fallen through at the medical stage.

Post-match pondering

I really like that Gary O'Neil has included several of Town's youngsters in these pre-season games – good for their development and heartening to see how well they play. Cam Humphrey has been the standout, but Tudor Mendell and Finley Barbrook gave a good account of themselves too, especially the former.

Again, I like how involved Gary is during the game – he's like the conductor of an orchestra without the baton.

The senior squad are all playing with more confidence and playing well together – you can begin to feel the rapport and team spirit growing with each game. In many instances, they appeared to pass the ball instinctively, knowing their teammate would either be there waiting or running in.

An hour and a half flew by.

I know the Premier League will be tougher, but hopefully this time it will be more enjoyable, not so nail-biting. I'd forgotten what it was like to sit through a game not holding my breath until the whistle blew! It was good to watch, with the well-balanced style of football showing they were in control of the game.

And before you say it, I'm not getting ahead of myself or being unrealistic – I'm well aware of the tough task ahead, but I do think we are better equipped than we were two years ago, with experience from that time and the experience of the players and coaches who have joined us. We go into battle this time with eyes wide open and lungs at the ready. At this point, I'm ready to banish negativity and enjoy the ride.

This feeling was palpable in the 8,800 who attended this match (not forgetting Lee, who I met in my GP surgery this week).

I was very pleased yesterday to see a football blog which said:

"Ipswich aren't just signing players... they're quietly building a team that can surprise everyone."

I'm beginning to believe that's true… and what's more important, I think they can believe it too.

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