Watched the last two games (before today), where I thought Billy looked sharper and more determined, matching the motivation he showed last season. Although he didn't score against Port Vale, his general performance was a definite step in the right direction. Four goals in the last two shows he's capable of scoring when he's at his best.
Before this he had been in mediocre form, also showed by his goal rate from open play, i.e. penalties excepted. I don't think he was delighted with 3 from 13 starts either. I didn't agree with those who said Sharp's performances were irrelevant, that he was only in the team to finish off chances set up by others. Quite simply, he had to improve.
I think the defeat in the Trophy cup vs Walsall showed us that we weren't anything special unless our attitude is spot on. Despite our unbeaten run, a few of our performances were very average, as Wilder also admitted. But we seem to have used the 11-day break well and we've looked far stronger as a unit, pressing and counter attacking a lot better since. The style of football vs Port Vale and Shrewsbury was similar how it was described at Northampton under Wilder. I think Sharp has also used the break well, realising perhaps that he can't get away with 95% effort and determination.