Given Rovers rather erratic form any League 1 team, even at home, presents a challenge and Shrewsbury, low scoring, yet good defensively are in excellent away form. Their Cup draw at Bristol City was the latest in a series of 7 away games in which they have lost once (at Wycombe) and conceded only 2 goals. Add to that the fact that they tend to do well at the Keepmoat and we really have a job on our hands.
It looks unlikely that Norwich are going to make an early decision on Idah, but we seem to be in the running to sign a forward from Bristol City and, if DM is to be believed, are in hot pursuit of several others. Somehow permanent signings seem less likely than loanees, but we shall see...
So, what we really need against a mean defence seems likely to be missing; I cannot see either Bingham or Thomas ever engineering openings on their own; at best they may finish. Unfortunately they do not have Sadlier's shooting ability, Taylor's speed and skill or Coppinger's imagination. And they cannot match Ennis's or John's positional sense or the heading ability of Anderson or Butler or the industry of Blair or May, let alone Marquis. So I am back to my old theme of development. I am afraid that I am against providing places in the team for their development in preference to our own ex Academy products.
In my heart I am hopeful of a win, but I'll opt for a 1-1 draw, Sadlier/Taylor with the goal.
DPL vs Shrewsbury T
posted on 7/1/20
Form predicts a low scoring game, and I'm not going for a loss and hope I'm wrong. I'll also go for a sneaky 1-0 win for the Rovers, and hope for a 4-0! I think it is time Copps scored again.
posted on 7/1/20
0-0
posted on 7/1/20
Rovers 2-1 Shrews
Sadlier to score.
Small Azza
Rovers 2-0 Shrews
Copps
posted on 7/1/20
The BBC reporter suggested that Rovers were “much the stronger throughout”, but from what I saw, Shrewsbury out-passed and outplayed us for most of the first half. Copps hardly ever found a team mate and in his frustration actually deliberately fouled an opponent. I was surprised he was not rested at half-time, but he was a little better in the second half. I remarked on the pace of the previous game which probably does not entirely suit his style, but I would still not want to see him left out.
The pace of the game was brisk and encouragingly there was not much sideways or back-passing. Ennis was very impressive and has magical touches, frequently dispossessing opponents without any visible tackle; he is able to play the ball effectively with any part of his boots. Sadlier looked classy tonight and worked harder than I have noticed before.
So, Rovers swept into the second half, not obviously changing what looks like a more conservative style than they used earlier in the season, yet they were very much more in control than in the first part of the game. They obviously have speedy energetic players, but they still need to play within themselves to ensure control and that is exactly what they managed to do tonight.
To put this win (which was reasonably comfortable in the end) into context, I listed their opponents’ achievements in my Article and they are have a formidable recent record, away from home particularly. Their players were skilful on the ball and perhaps their weakness is in scoring goals, but Rovers dealt with their defence whose record at this level away from home, showed only 9 goals against until today. (Wycombe have let in only 7 and we, from fewer games had shipped 9 too.) Incidentally I noticed when I sought this stat that we have played more games at home than any other in our league (14), so that’s quite a qualifying factor in relishing potential points from “games in hand”!
So, there is a good degree of satisfaction to be had, especially if we can strengthen the attack.
posted on 8/1/20
Thanks Donaldo. What struck me most was that we seem to be getting back to defending from front to back. Shrewsbury did indeed play some nice football, but over 95 minutes they had three shots with none on target. They might well be a bit lightweight up front but I prefer to think that all eleven Rovers players worked their socks off to keep them out. Encouraging.
posted on 8/1/20
I know we have played more games at home, but when you look at goal differences, there are only two teams in the division better than the Rovers, and one the same. I think this says as much about defending as it does for the lack of goals. I think Art says it best about defending - one now sees players like Taylor and Sadlier really coming back to defend. We may have liked the all attack mode that DM had at the start, but we are now playing smarter. The last two games are classic examples - for all Oxford's and Shrewsbury dominating play, just look how few shots they had on target. OK, Oxford created many chances, but most were long range or in poor positions.
I must admit watching many minutes with only a one goal advantage is not comfortable, but let's hope a combination of a little more composure in attack with this more defensive mode will do us well.
posted on 8/1/20
Don thanks for the in depth report.
Why do say " rested" at half time.
If a player is playing that poorly in the first half wouldn't you say" taken off"
posted on 8/1/20
Lanza: I have great respect for Copps so I was being diplomatic.
posted on 8/1/20
I have respect for every player inc 26.
However if we had an adequate replacement i am sure he would have been RESTED...his performances lately haven't been to good.
Thank you the report again tho.
Baby lanza sold her soul and went to see Utd v City for free
posted on 9/1/20
The big thing for me that came out of this game, was, Copps is running on empty, Whiteman needs a rest. Unfortunately once you take out our first11, we're struggling. I do like the look of Watters though, lets just hope we "sign" some players this month.