Newport have been up and down of late, most recently down. They completed a good run of 4 successive wins with a 3-0 away win at Crewe followed by 1-0 v Carlisle, but lost 3-0 at Cheltenham most recently after a creditable point at Bradford in a 0-0 draw. Cheltenham had the chances to beat Walsall in their next game, so we can’t mark them down too severely for that which means that they will provide quite a tough test in a home environment which has not been altogether comfortable of late.
Whilst clutching at straws is not quite the appropriate metaphor for the quest for home form, we do seem to be on something of an uphill slope on which we are somewhat unsure of our footing. Captain Bailey will be absent tomorrow as punishment for his considerable collection of yellow cards and we have not had to do without him much, if at all, this season. With Kelly suspended too, it looks like Crew will start and it should be an opportunity for him to show his value. Clifton always seems to make meaningful contributions, but I don’t know what McCann is thinking about the forwards, other than Street.
I have little faith in my ability to judge outcomes, but I’ll say 2-0 to Rovers -Street/Molyneux.
DPL v Newport County
posted on 28/2/25
I'm little worried about our midfield and defence now with all the suspensions. Can we keep a clean sheet?
Forever optimistic as I was last week, and say 3-1 to the Rovers.
Billy Sharp if he starts, otherwise Molyneux.
posted on 1/3/25
Yes I'm in the who knows camp again. Newport have been a bit of a bogey team for us of late. I'll be optimistic and say 1-0. Street , Sharp.
posted on 1/3/25
Rovers 2-1 Newport
Street to score ⚽
posted on 1/3/25
1-0 to Rovers. Street. Clifton if Street doesn't start. Molyneaux if neither starts.
posted on 1/3/25
That was a pleasant surprise and I must stop imagining that Newport can’t be very good - my own conclusion in the preview was that they could present quite a threat. Our shot conversion rate could do with some improvement, but it is heartening to have found a striker who can take the opportunities we create. Apart from Notts County’s injury time goal to salvage a draw and Bradford’s early KO win, results went well for us and the trip to in-form Bromley looks less formidable than it did before today’s match.
It’s early days to be talking of our fate being in our own hands, but we do play Notts County at home on the last day of the season which potentially eliminates their advantage.
posted on 1/3/25
I've just a feeling that match might be another " Brentford"
posted on 1/3/25
After a busy and physically tiring day on Friday, I got up later than normal and only saw the second half. Of course, I always enjoy it when the Rovers win, but it was really good to actually enjoy watching their football skills. The only negative was that it should have been many more than three goals in the game.
Several players missed very good chances (Street could easily have had a hat trick), but Gibson really frustrates me. How can a player whose play at times is brilliant, miss two sitters? At least he partially redeemed himself with that cross-field pass for Mol’s #3.
I thought both full backs were excellent - hope Maxwell did not play too long with that broken toe. In the interview after the game, he said he was OK for Tuesday. Sterry’s total performance was just about the best I’ve seen from him - very good going forward, but getting back and defending well with some great tackles.
Bromley seem to be on a good run at the moment, even winning at Wimbledon and recently not conceding many goals, so Tuesday will not be easy.
If we play like the second half today, we should have the chances to win, but will we take them? Today was only 8 on target out of 26 attempts.
posted on 2/3/25
Did you see that Marquis set a record as the fastest straight red in a game?
I hope it is over turned. I have not seen the video, but the descriptions seem to say "Yellow".
Today, I think some refs are out of control when there is no VAR. Not that I'm the greatest fan of VAR (such as the screw up with auto offside in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup)
Maybe back in the 1950s it was a simpler game, and certainly money was less involved. OK, the game is much faster and more skilled. I love watching Premiership games on TV, but it is just not the same for an old f'''' like me who really enjoyed the old Second Division with Peer Doherty as Player-Manager.
However, I was encouraged by the Rovers today.
I look forward to Tuesday.
posted on 2/3/25
Rovers have suffered early yellow cards recently and at one time there seemed to be a convention whereby refs would not hand out any cards “too early” in the match; as though players needed to be reminded of the rules about unacceptable misconduct. One might guess now that referees have had a directive eliminating that convention and of course some have taken it to extremes. Certainly Rovers have sustained very early yellow cards in recent matches based on relatively innocuous challenges as though to set a standard.
posted on 3/3/25
It's a wonder we have any refs these days the abuse they get. It's a thankless task. It's becoming a big problem at grass roots level with matches having to be cancelled due to lack of referees. The biggest problems are at junior level! With parents causing most of the problems.