The motivation to win in the circumstances in which we find ourselves may not be as strong as one might hope. A few more points behind us would give us a chance for the play-offs, but as we stand, even with the games in hand, that is an unrealistic aim. Having played fewer games than any other team in the league we may be seen as usefully insulated from the danger of going down, yet it could make us dangerously complacent.
DF is very much aware of this, but emphasises the competition we are likely to encounter from those we play, most of whom do have something to play for. MK Dons are a prime example fighting to avoid a relegation, only 2 years after a coming down from the Championship.
Without looking at the record, I cannot recall us winning many points from these matches away and DF has made it clear that no one in his 11 for tomorrow should risk not committtng 100%. MKD have lost to top teams recently, but until shipping 5 versus Wigan they have not been conceding many.
I’ll say it will be yet another draw 1-1 with Copps the scorer. 8200
DPL MK Dons
posted on 14/4/18
I'll drink to that. JM - player of the year. Fingers crossed he stays fit.
If we win all our remaining games (?) we could get 71 pts. The only team below us with anywhere near this potential is Southend who could get 65.
It would be nice to finish 12th or higher. Cautiously optimistic!
posted on 14/4/18
Marosi was class today without doubt we could have conceded 6 or 7 and that is no way an exaggeration!
Another tactical masterstroke from Fergie. Took McCullough off when we didn't need 2 holding midfielders and brought Whiteman on and all of a sudden we started pressing and attacking with intent and forcefulness.
Marquis was fantastic yet again and it's been great to see he's finally getting his goals his hard work deserves. A top 10 finish is well within out sights and out capabilities. Another season of league 1 football on the cards well done to Fergie and the lads
posted on 15/4/18
I thought the first half was worse than last week for lack of effort except for Marco who kept us in the game. We have two good GKs - can we keep both? At times I think Marco could catch rather than punch the ball, but he certainly can punch better than Lawlor. Also top marks for Joe Wright for his on-line clearance. How many times has he done it this season? I'd vote for him as the "most improved player", and he would be close to my player-of-the-year. OK, finally JM has come through and I'd like him to reach 20 goals for two years in a row. His spontaneity on the first goal, and calm perfection on the second was like John of last season. What did he say to the ref to get the yellow? I thought Beestin was better after a poor performance last week, but he missed three good chances - when he hit the post he should have scored. However, he certainly added liveliness to the team. I like Whiteman, but wish he would work to take more shots on goal - earlier in the season he did that.
In the second half our momentum was interrupted by Wright's injury - maybe he should have stayed off rather than interrupt again. Butts is a great replacement, but Baudry/Wright have been great.
It will be interesting what DF does on Tuesday as Bury is already relegated - hopefully not assuming they will pay dead! I want a great win to build up our goal difference.
posted on 15/4/18
We have only got "highlights" so far and the extended ones probably give a more balanced vision of the action, but I did listen to the commentary. The reality, which was not entirely conveyed by that, was that we were really poor in the first half.
Marosi who has always been a better goalkeeper than Lawlor in my eyes was again the major difference between one goal and a rout, although I was thinking just as Micky was, that we have never had a defender so outstandingly good at goal line clearances as Joe Wright - yesterday's was comparable with the greatest goals you see. He is a fine prospect.
I am pleased that Kiwomya is making a contribution and is probably best where he has room in which to work. In tight spaces most of our players, Copps apart, who "trained" under SOD when we were brilliant at it, seem to struggle.
Ferguson showed his value in identifying how tactics needed changing to exploit the potential weaknesses in MKD's set-up. It is interested to observe his willingness to talk about "shape" and strategy in contrast to his predecessor. We might still be in the Championship if Ferguson had taken over the 2013 promoted team.
posted on 15/4/18
A tail of two halfs. First half we could of gone in 5 down we were that bad. Marosi was outstanding the whole game, 6 one on ones, saved them all. Joe proved how good a player he will become because he learns from his mistakes, same thing happened yesterday to him as it did at rotherscuum, only this time it went straight into row z. Marquis has struggled this season, basically down to him trying to do it all on his own. When he has someone up front with him he can be unplayable, let's just hope the bigger fish don't come a knocking.
When we play a proper back four we look solid. Four across the middle we can compete with most teams, play two up with Marquis + one other n we could be looking at 7th or 8th place finish.
4,5 new players next season to strengthen and I believe a top 3 finish is well achievable.
posted on 15/4/18
BVZ: Which positions do you see as in need of the 4 or 5 reinforcements? Who will have to leave to make room?
Mandeville did not get on the field for Col U - again.
PDXMickyB and Mooli scored the elusive maximum points for Score, Scorer and Result and the consequent 10 point bonus. 2-1 and Marquis seems too easy, but more than the rest of us could predict.
So Micky strides into an 18 point lead and Mooli jumps into third.
Mk Dons 1 : Rovers 2 (Marquis 2) 8954
………………..….Crowd Scorer Score Result Bonus Total Pts B/F Cumltve
Donaldo ………… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 154 ……. 154
PDXMickey ……. 1 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 10 ……. 20 ……. 166 ……. 186
Yorks Lad …….. 1 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 4 ……. 124 ……… 128
BVZ. ……..…….. 2 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 8 ……. 132 ……… 140
Crazy …….……… 3 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 9 …….. 104 ….…… 113
Uthred …….…… 0 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 6 ……. 162 ….…. 168
Mooligan …..…. 0 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 3 ……. 10 ……. 19 ……. 145 ……. 164
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 ……..…..… 5 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 0 ……. 8 ……. 125 ….... 133
Cheltenham …. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……..… 0
Nookie ……….… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 84 …...…… 84
Selby …….……… 0 ……. 0 ……. 0 ……. 3 ……. 0 …... 3 ……. 119 …….… 122
Lanza …….….. 0 …….. 0 ……. 0 …… 0 ……. 0 .... 0 ……. 50 ….…… 50
……………..……. 12 …….. 12 ……. 12 ….. 21 ……. 20 …... 77 … 1524 ….. 1601
posted on 15/4/18
Thanks, Donaldo, I was not sure what the rules were for the bonus points. I'm lucky this season as I live abroad and I can watch nearly all games without spending much money. Although the camera view does not show you what the whole team is doing, about running into position, etc., at least I see where the immediate action is.
Tuesday's game is difficult to predict as Bury have nothing to play for except pride, and we may have many changes. Look at the last game last season, "easy" games can be difficult (OK, last year Hartlepools still had a chance unless Newport won).
What websites show the differences between home and away in the League table as neither the Rovers or the Beeb do so this year?
posted on 16/4/18
Hi Don.
I belive we need to find two full backs, Mason and Andrews would be the starters if he's finally realised that playing a back 4 is a hell of a lot better than a 3. But we all know what's happened this season with no left back.
CBs, sign the Rob Jones type of player Anderson, with Baudry Butler and Wright him fighting for the 2 starting spots.
Midfield, we desperately need some a hard man type, who won't get bullied of the ball, who can put his foot in when required.
Up front. Marquis, the season has proved he can't play as a loan striker. He was trying to hard to do everyone's job but ended up letting himself down with the finishing. Thankfully Fergie has realised this and he's bagged 7 in last 10 I believe. ( Just hope the bigger boys don't come sniffing, Millwall for instance )
I like the two little swines in midfield that destroyed us V Walsall and Peterborough? Got stuck in, very hard to knock of the ball, can turn defence into attack with one pass, can score a few too. Their names are doing my head in at mo lol.
Keepers, no problem, got two of the best fighting it out to be No.1. Plus Fergie says the young lad in development team has a very big future.
Looking forward to who he brings in to be honest Don. Looking very forward to Andrews n Rowe playing on the left side again.
posted on 16/4/18
Perfect bvz.
Someone to hold the ball up front so when ball is cleared it doesnt come straight back.
Adios alfie.
Shame bout Mandy.
AK lots of work to do in the summer to build himself up n c what he can do.
Beestin should become wiser next season as time matures him
posted on 16/4/18
I'd love to know what's gone off with Mandy, when he had that run last season of scoring 10 in 10 or something similar, the big boys were there every week. I can remember sitting in the east stand talking to the cheif scout from Everton about him. Plus the little man from Bristol city too. Both said there was around 7/8 clubs watching him and he'd be gone soon as he ticks all the boxes. Then he got injured. Then something went off with Fergie that has gone too far now.
Shame really as he could of been something special.