Woodgateway into the Champions' League

While Chelsea were in Slovakia parading their multi-million-pound array of new players in front of the TV cameras, we were in Belgrade facing a far sterner test of our Champions' League credentials. In terms of intimidating atmospheres, it comes second only to the sort of welcome afforded to English teams in Turkey.

Although we rode our luck at times, Partizan having several good opportunities, it was a competent and professional performance that we turned in. Solano got the goal (proving a point to Sir Bobby in Bowyer's absence?), Bellamy was vibrant up front, Given pulled out some top-drawer saves, but the star of a resilient display was Jonathan Woodgate - a colossus at the heart of the defence with his tackling, heading and passing. It seems that some of his composure rubbed off on Andy O'Brien - let's hope the same happens with Titus Bramble as the season unfolds.

So, back to St James's in a week's time, with a clean sheet and away goal under our collective belt. The first part of the job was well done. Now for Leeds...