False dawn?

Wanderers' performance at Grimsby - as an attacking force at least - was anything but impressive, even less entertaining.

But it was enough, thanks to Steve Livingstone's embarrassing 53rd minute miss and Michael Ricketts' stunning 70th minute hit, to give Sam Allardyce's team a place in the record books.

It was also enough to send a message to the rest of Division One that, despite their manpower crisis, Wanderers could be a force to be reckoned with.

The manager is right to point out that it would be premature to judge their credentials - promotion or otherwise - until they have tested their mettle against the stronger teams. But the more they win, the more confidence is growing and the more the so-called 'stronger' teams are starting to sit up and take notice of a team that wasn't given a prayer before the season kicked off.

Are they in a false position then?

In all honesty, you can't see the team that dug in for a win at Grimsby the other night being a match for the likes of Fulham, Watford or even Blackburn.

But add the talents of Mark Fish, Robbie Elliott, Paul Warhurst and eventually Ricardo Gardner and Dean Holden plus the experienced back-up of Simon Charlton and Jimmy Phillips and they'll at least be competing on a level playing field.

Strengthen the squad further and Wanderers could really be in the promotion business.

Hence the manager's determination to move again into the transfer market.

Unfortunately the financial problems, which have dogged him since his arrival 11 months ago, continue to scupper his efforts to deal at the top end of the transfer scale. But, all being well, he will add more international talent to his squad next week when the deal that will offer him the services Nigeria's captain, Mutiu Adepoju - at least for the remainder of this season - is expected to be finalised.

And, if their injury luck can take a turn for the better, that might be all that is needed to put Wanderers back on course for the Premiership.

If not, don't expect miracles!