I wonder if I could be right in thinking that League 2 sides are less predictable than those in the leagues above. Rovers seem less predictable than last season. Harrogate is one of the few well-to-do places that have a football team. Cheltenham and Chelsea are two others and I suppose Brighton, Oxford and Cambridge would count too.
They survived their first and second seasons in the League after promotion from the Conference and this is obviously the first time we’ve played them in a competitive game since beating them 2-0 in the FA Trophy in 2002.
They have conceded 3 more goals than Rovers (30), but scored as many (24). In the last 4 they have scored 11 whilst conceding 9.
Quite what to expect I have little notion, although they do not seem like a side that will come and defend. They did beat Mansfield at home quite convincingly not long ago, yet lost to Orient at home the game before and again in their next match at Hartlepool albeit reduced to 10 mean for half the game. Their last match was 4-1 away win at Rochdale when they seized their chances and Rochdale wasted theirs.
So they will come to Doncaster with some confidence, enough to buoy them up for a good start, and you would expect an open game with both sides feeling they could win.
So mainly in faith I will say 2-1 (Miller/Biggins)
DPL v Harrogate Town
posted on 16/12/22
Feeling over-confident, I'll say 3-1 to the Rovers. Yes, it is time Miller scored again. May change the scorer after seeing the starting eleven.
They had better play well as I'll be watching rather than seeing (hopefully) Morocco beating Croatia.
posted on 17/12/22
I'll say frozen pitch no game.
posted on 17/12/22
A very poor year for Rovers. I'm not confident the board have the desire or ability to manage a return to the Championship, let alone League 1. Can't say as I'm excited by the prospects of the DS era too. But we'll see what the January window brings us. All the best to you all for Christmas and the New Year.
posted on 17/12/22
3-0 to Rovers. Miller with the first.
posted on 17/12/22
Frost, and Nookie won! I got up to watch the game and it was -5C here! So I got to watch the World Cup Third Place Game where, unfortunately, Croatia won. Based on this game, they deserved to, but what a dreadful referee. There has been some poor refereeing in the Cup, and when VAR intercedes seems somewhat variable.
posted on 18/12/22
Baldwin gave an interview when the rebuilding process was in its early days setting out objectives which were never achieved as the plan fell apart. He and those who defend him walked away from that as its objectives crumbled and he seemed unwilling to even share some responsibility for the plan he designed when it failed.
He now seems to observe the football activities from a distance leaving the executive role to the Chairman who never shares his thoughts or comments in detail on anything.
How the CEO of the umbrella company Club Doncaster can take no active role/responsibility for the football I do not know, but the very fact that he doesn’t, makes me wonder whether my understanding of the meaning of “Chief” and “Executive” actually accord with that of Mr B.
Any outfit whose aims are unclear is destined for an uncertain future like some one lost who cannot find their way home.
The club is at best in the doldrums and I am not convinced that any of its main leaders know precisely what they are aiming for. The Chief Coach needs more focus on priorities and the fact that they are lacking now implicates the HoFO whose role presumably effectively embraces the managerial function.
Anyway, a Happy Christmas may be enjoyed if thoughts of DRFC are temporarily suppressed. I hope it’s a good one for everyone.