Without looking up the record, I have the feeling that our results at Gillingham are not all that good. They have recovered from a poor start this season and are now mid-table. They have lost their last three, the latest being at Southend and 0-4, but their home form shows only 1 defeat (the last home game) in 10.
Their ground is in need of replacement with some of the most inhospitable away fan accommodation I have ever encountered and (rather like St James’s Park I believe) about as remote from the pitch as is possible thus minimising the encouraging impact of the away supporters on their team. The pitch is not the best either, so altogether rather uncomfortable all round. They are used to it all of course which must help their performances there.
I was going to say that I am always cautious about our prospects, but I was a bit more optimistic last week and I will look at the positives. These are that although we lost to Rotherham I remain of the opinion that Marosi was unfairly punished for the penalty and adjusting for that we have only lost one other time in the last 10 (at Walsall). Our defensive record is very good too, so given the Gills very recent form we ought to be a good bet for a draw.
On top of that we are practically back to full strength. So, I shall be bold and say 2-0 with Beestin for number 1 or Rowe if he doesn’t start. 5000.
DPL - Gillingham
posted on 8/4/18
Totally agree
posted on 9/4/18
Thanks for the report Donaldo - always good to read I'm not imagining things watching on my computer. Earlier someone had said Gillingham are not very friendly to visiting fans - why do they park away fans up in that top corner when the rest of that end is empty?
I'd like to add a few comments on my thoughts on certain players. It was the first time I was somewhat disappointed with Beestin's performance, and as Donaldo says, Copps could not keep on his feet - must have been wearing slippers. I agree that I also thought Williams was the obvious substitute and not May - if DF does not want Williams to show his talent to other teams, why have him on the bench at all? I'd almost forgotten Kongolo was still with the Rovers - it was another strange substitution.
I quite like Luke McCullough, and although at times I want him to play more forward, he is good in front of the centre-backs and at times shows his old international class - and he is still relatively young. If, and I mean IF. he can stay fit, he will be an important part of the Rovers.
Hound thinks Mandeville will be gone, and it may be so. Obviously he has not set the world alight on loan, but it is amazing what happens to young players on a roll that get injured - look at Alfie May. I thought Mandeville was real talent (at that time only watching highlights). However, I really like that the Rovers are trying to promote some of the younger talent. We have two young good GKs, but DF likes the one from the youth team (Jones?) - is he worried about losing Lawlor or Marosi?
I think the summer is doing to be very interesting - assuming we are still in League One!
posted on 9/4/18
Good to hear everyone's views.
I haven’t given up on May. The trouble with coming on as sub is that you are anxious to impress and have little time to do so and May becomes too impulsive often pushing big defenders in his eagerness to get to the ball. The fact that it was Gillingham meant that he was even keener to make an impact after choosing Rovers instead of this, the nearest Football League team. Given all the circumstances, if DF saw May as Beestin’s replacement, he should have been given 45 minutes; he might even have given him a start. Indeed, on this occasion it was Beestin who rather uncharacteristically became somewhat reckless in his frustration at failing to find his touch.
Coming back to May, he and those who coach him need to study how Sergio Aguero and David Silva play the game. Due to the limitations of the Rovers OS I cannot discover exactly how tall he is, but even if he only 5’4” he is no smaller in relation to League 1 defenders than these two who are both 5’6” and a foot shorter than some of the giant defenders in the PL which they come up against. (Messi is only 5’7”.)
posted on 9/4/18
https://popularstand.wordpress.com/2018/04/08/gillingham-0-0-doncaster-rovers-250-word-match-report/
posted on 9/4/18
I bumped into Alfie in Asda other day. Got to say he is built like a 13yr old. Couldn't believe how small n thin he is. He said he hopes to get his speed back over the summer. I asked him why when he came here did he just shoot on sight, either went in top corner or out ground, but now needs 2 or 3 touches before having a shot. He just shrugged his shoulders n said I've got to learn better ball control. Looking at the lowlights from Saturday, I'd say the old Alfie would of smashed that first time but, the new Alfie needed 3 touches n still didn't get a shot off. He's just not the same bloke. You can see he's over thinking, even the simple things.
posted on 9/4/18
Gillingham 0 Rovers 0. 4870
………………..….Crowd Scorer Score Result Bonus Total Pts B/F Cumltve
Donaldo ………… 4 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 4 ……. 150 ……. 154
PDXMickey ……. 1 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 1 ……. 165 ……. 166
Yorks Lad …….. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 121 ……. 124
BVZ. ……..…….. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 132 ……… 132
Crazy …….……… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 104 ……… 104
Uthred …….…… 4 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 4 …….. 158 ….…… 162
Mooligan …..…. 2 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 2 ……. 143 ….…. 145
King Chmprr …. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 61 ……. 61
Small Azza ……. 0 …… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ….…. 0 ……. 93 …..…… 93
Aussie Lad. ……. 0 …… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 …….. 5 …..…. 5
Azza ……..…..… 0 …… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 …… 0 ……... 125 ……..… 125
Cheltenham …. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ….... 0
Nookie ……….… 2 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 2 ……. 82 ……..… 84
Selby …….……… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 119 …...…… 119
Lanza …….….. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 0 …... 3 ……. 47 …….… 50
………………… 13 …….. 0 ……. 0 ….. 6 ……. 0 …... 19 … 1505 ….. 1524
posted on 10/4/18
Alfie should try Waitrose. The prices may be higher but the shelves are lower.
posted on 10/4/18
Happy Birthday to the scorer of our best goal ever.
Sorry Sir Francis not you
posted on 10/4/18
It was great to witness that goal hit the back of the net Lanza.
Still gives me goose bumps to remember that moment.
posted on 10/4/18
Watched in bed with my pot on hound with baby lanza goose bumps and watery eyes.