The Carlisle performance brought about an almost unbelievable transformation. It was a truly dramatic improvement after the team’s struggles in the games that led up to it. Even when we have managed to avoid defeat this season, the manner of the performances has not brought much joy. The Head Coach’s comments on the matches have not always seemed particularly convincing either in their factual accuracy or in encouraging the belief that he has identified where weaknesses need fixing or that he has a plan to rectify the wrongs.
But the last time they performed they played as though transformed and inspired from within, that they had broken free of the template restricting them to formations laid down technically and reverted to just playing attacking football exploiting their natural ability.
Until the Carlisle game even if there were no rail strikes I would not have wanted to witness this game, but now I would have liked to have gone, and only the getting there and getting home makes it near impossible.
So to the match; who would have thought Rovers would have collected 6 points from the last 3 compared with Orient’s 4? Of course our new-found enthusiasm is rather shallowly based. But, whereas a bad performance requires no effort to replicate and requires a sea change to improve upon, somehow a good one can seem to embed the confidence and the belief that it can be the base on which to build continuing success.
So I’m hoping for another 2-1 with Miller scoring the first goal.
DPL v Leyton Orient
posted on 6/1/23
Our very recent transformation into a competitive team is equally as puzzling as Wellen’s success at Leyton Orient. I really have no idea what to expect. A draw would be a good result but Im guessing they will be just that bit more savvy than us. Our defence is still vulnerable. So Ill go 2-1 to the Orient, Hurst or Miller for us.
posted on 6/1/23
It really is difficult what to think. Possibly we can surprise people again - or truly get rolled-over!
I'm still in my New Year optimistic mode and say Orient 1 Rovers 3 with Hurst getting the first if he starts, otherwise Miller.
When I see the team, I may change all that. Hopefully the manager will not change what appears to be working.
posted on 7/1/23
I've just listened to DS's pre-game talk. and it does not inspire me. He seems to think the performance against Rochdale are was good, but the second half was terrible! OK, we ground out a result against a poor team, but this would only be acceptable if we were in the relegation zone.
Let's hope the players keep the shackles off and ignore formulated, technical playing, and show what we know they can do.
posted on 7/1/23
It seems that we need to rein back on the enjoyment which the good football which cheered us all up last Saturday provided and recognise that the Head Coach puts results above such pleasures.
For the first time under his “management” we saw a good performance and If he wanted to dampen enthusiasm he could not have chosen a better time to tell us that he favours results over entertainment.
It kind of sums him up. He has a lot to learn about why those who watch football expect.
posted on 7/1/23
Orient 3-1 Rovers
Miller to score ⚽
posted on 7/1/23
Predicting a cheeky 2-1 win. Molyneux with the first.
posted on 8/1/23
If Miller had put that golden opportunity away in the first half, this game could have been much different - and Anderson rose well for that open header and should have put it on target. However, why the big drop-off in the second half? Why do "youngsters" such as Hurst, fade?
Mitchell kept the score to 1-0, but he could have done better with the goal. Reminded me of a similar goal against Rochdale. OK, I know how easy it is to blame GKs, but I did occasionally play in goal in my youth!
posted on 8/1/23
Of course Wellens credits Orient with a change of tactics in the second half, but yes there were missed chances to be ahead before their goal.
I do think that it was an extremely well-taken goal though judging from the highlights. Yes Mitchell was out of his goal, but he had been drawn forward by the main action in the box to narrow shooting angles, so the perfectly flighted ball over everyone was inspired - and lucky - which is what you get when you’re top of the league.
posted on 11/1/23
Spoke to some golf friends today. One Orient ST holder and one an Arsenal fan who saw some of the match online (“you wouldn’t want to know how” he said, me being seen as the ultimate paragon of the law-abiding citizen). Rovers were “all over them”, he said and the Orient ST reported very genuinely with more conviction than I could muster with the same sentiments, that he was sure we would make the play-offs. …and that is without these very shrewd anticipated January Transfer Window signings!
posted on 11/1/23
…Orient ST holder…