Andy Butler’s experience in making post-match statements is limited, but I don’t think that many objective followers of DRFC would agree that the loss at Crewe was a case of “Fine margins ..." and “cancelling each other out". If it had been, in all the circumstances, I think I would be relatively content.
To be hypercritical, a team of promotion quality playing a mid-table opponent, even without a regular front-man, ought to be able to muster an 11 that would be able avoid defeat. One question is “Why play a lone striker anyway?"
In common with most of the lower table clubs that we meet Northampton have had a bit of a revival recently. There have been good wins over Portsmouth and Plymouth since Keith Curle (who took them impressively through the play-offs) was dismissed.
Their away record is not too good however, but despite a lack of wins, they have avoided defeat at Ipswich, Accrington and Fleetwood recently.
Bogle seems likely to be absent as does Bostock, and Taylor is out for the rest of the season. This could make it more likely that Sims will start and Okenabirhie too, so we can only hope that things begin to cohere again and perhaps it is better that we are not playing a stronger team.
We are still in a good position to get around 75 points and the play-offs - 20 from 15 games does not constitute the metaphorical mountain, but we need to avoid losing and playing badly.
A win of some kind is needed, say 2-1 and Sims/Anderson.
DPL v Northampton Town
posted on 13/3/21
As neither of my "scorers" is starting, I'll go with Okenabirhie. So far I've not seen anything I like about Simoes - hopefully today he'll show me why DM brought him in.
posted on 13/3/21
Going usual 3.1 victory. James first goal
posted on 13/3/21
I'm pleased to see Amos on the bench rather than in the commentary box!
posted on 13/3/21
It is difficult to interpret what has been on view as encouraging. Northampton seem to have spent a lot of time in Rovers half and have tested our defence fairly frequently.
We still seem to choose the more difficult option for a pass and Northampton generally manage to limit any danger. Getting the ball to the by-line and then crossing it is rarely attempted.
Considerable improvement is needed to equal Northampton's performance; the Anderson header was the only significant threat on their goal.
posted on 13/3/21
In the early part of the season, we had more excitement in the average 2 or 3 minutes than in the whole of this tedious ordeal.
Northampton provided practically all of the dynamic football of the afternoon and Rovers furnished more misery than seemed possible, even when they were in positions which in football you would normally classify as potentially dangerous.
It looked like a contest between two struggling teams with the edge clearly with Northampton. In actual fact, it probably was.
Whether it was because the style is predictable or because players are slow in moving into good positions, every time we got the ball there was someone in close attendance ready to make it difficult for them to make the next pass.
I have really lost track of what they are trying to do now, but whatever it is, they are failing miserably
posted on 13/3/21
It is a long time since I've been so bored and frustrated watching the Rovers. If somehow we manage to squeeze into the Championship, playing like this we would get slaughtered, earning fewer points than the Blades are getting in the Premier League.
There does not seem to be any ideas how to beat a defence and create good chances. Sometimes they went wide on the left and tried to cross balls, but on the right Lokilo tended to cut inside and go nowhere. Simoes showed a few sparks I had not seen before, but why no Sims? Was this just because of the limit on loan players in the match day squad?
Why take Smith off as he seemed about the best player most of the time.
To me, a game neither side deserved to win.
posted on 13/3/21
How can such a promising team/squad fall apart so badly?
Was Whiteman such a talisman?
I just don’t understand.
Would it be any better if Moore was still in charge?
posted on 14/3/21
Whiteman, without a doubt, was a key player, and a good captain. I think we missed Bostock today, no Whiteman, but he has some of his qualities. I do not think DM would have made much difference as the last games under him were just as frustrating.
Earlier in the season we were scoring a lot of goals - why has that stopped?
I still do not understand why Smith was subbed - he is a good player, one of DM's best loan inputs.
It is bad news about Sims, and so I'm not looking forward to the game against Oxford - who are supported by one of my cousins.
posted on 14/3/21
Has anybody got Chris Wilders number?
posted on 14/3/21
The Sims news explains a lot, but it must be really worrying for him.