If you looked at form, you’d see Rovers are near the top of the “Away" table in contrast to Salford’s 21st place in the “Home" table. Somehow home form seems easier to regain than away form is to sustain although of course Salford’s mediocre support and non-league-looking “stadium" may well have a depressing effect on their performances.
Yet is there such a thing as a confident Rovers fan at the moment? Where might you base your confidence? McCann seems to be in a rut of predictability in his team selection with his faith rooted in his permanent staff rather than giving his more dynamic borrowed midfielders decent opportunities to start. At the back, we badly need Maxwell’s footballing brain engaged to our advantage rather than having to plod with Senior who will presumably be up against Adelukan. Although it was he who rejected Rovers, this match will be significant for him.
If we can win, it will put us where we need to stay - in the top 3 and that could well be a confidence boost in itself. Somehow though, I struggle to find something substantial to grasp and can only hope that the cohesion that we so desperately need will somehow materialise. We have fortuitously hung on to a good position largely due to the mediocrity around us, but relying even on a couple of teams continuing to falter might be risky. However there many more than two, in fact 3 above Rovers and 4, possibly even 5 below them that are competing for the Automatics and the Play-offs. With 2 of them to play the jeopardy intensifies.
So we can hope for a win and then wonder how it might be accomplished. And the wondering continues, but I can’t bring myself to forecast a win, so 1-1 (Molyneux/Bailey).
DPL v Salford City
posted on 14/4/25
I fear a set back. 2-1 to Salford. Ironside or Street
posted on 15/4/25
My brain says I agree with Nookie that we will lose, but my heart hopes it is like as Donaldo says, a draw.
However, having just had our first dinner in the sun on our deck, sharing a bottle of 2020 Bouza Tannat from Uruguay with Pauline, insanity has crept in.
I'll say Salford 1 Rovers 3.
First scorer , whoever is the #9, Ironside or Street.
But I'm a little worried about GM's comment about three very doubtful. If Maxwell and McGraf are out, I'm not so sure. Hence, after seeing the teams tomorrow, I may change my crazy forecast.
posted on 15/4/25
We've had Argentinian and Chilean, but Uruguayan ones never, but brief research suggests class - as I would expect. Thus something which has evaded our football team in recent years.
We're away in Suffolk today and overnight and fortified by some very acceptable Adelaide Hills South Australian Shiraz with our lunch and are hoping the hotel WiFi will support the streaming of tonight's match!
posted on 15/4/25
Salford 1-2 Rovers
Street to score ⚽
posted on 15/4/25
I'm not sure about Maxwell at centreback, I'd rather have him going forward on the left. Maybe Senior will be more in the centre, or someone dropping back more often. According to the BBC, Maxwell is captain.
Anyway, I'll stick will my insane prediction.
Donaldo, some Adelaide Hills Shiraz can, for my palate, be more elegant and balanced than some others. I'm all for them. Bolivia is also good for Tannat, just more difficult to find than Uruguay in Oregon.
posted on 15/4/25
Can't believe that I forgot to submit my forecast. Hoping for a good win!
posted on 16/4/25
At least this game was at a reasonable hour (lunchtime) to watch it on the Left Coast. However, was it worth it?
As you know, I've been a supporter since the times of Peter Doherty as player-manager, and so I have seen many ups and downs. But this season has been one of the most frustrating. There is some talent in the squad, but its appearance is too inconsistent for a promotion team. If we do mange to go up, it will be straight back down (like Carlisle) unless we bring more consistent talent. It is difficult to pick our man of the match today. Maybe Bailey for his consistency and great pass foe Street to score, but I do not think that is enough for MOM.
We need to win at Tranmere to make it a GOOD Friday, but I'm not confident.
Despite this criticism, RTID!
posted on 16/4/25
Given how inconsistent we've been this season it's surprising we're in this position now. I guess it's now a case of keeping our heads whilst all those around us are losing theirs. A really tough run in and I think both Tranmere and Colchester are very tough games. Just leaving Bradford and Notts County. The only saving grace is the depth of our squad this season we haven't had to scrape the barrel so far but it's getting close. It's a double edged sword in that too many of the squad don't get to have consistent runs starting a game. There never seems to be a settled squad or formation. I think we'll just about manage the auto places but it's going to be very tight.
posted on 17/4/25
I enjoyed the way we started and felt that our enthusiasm might bring an early goal, but Salford got more into their stride and things evened up.
In the end it developed into a exhibition of typical League 2 slogging and hopeful punts upfield. It makes me doubt that we have anything beyond what was on show on Tuesday and if the mediocrity of those around us allows us to get promoted our prospects for next season with this same squad look bleak. A few players give you a bit of confidence, but so many struggle to meet minimal L2 standards. All you could say is that we are probably paying through the nose for them.