Bristol Rovers have encountered some problems at home in the league recently. They have managed only two wins in the last six and then only over Southend and MK Dons and have lost to Wimbledon. Their most recent game (on 1 Jan) was another defeat, 3-0 again at MK Dons who do seem to be improving. In contrast, back in mid December, before their manager left for a better paid job, they beat Ipswich away! Last Saturday they drew 2-2 to Coventry in the cup and midweek, fielding a weakened team, they lost 1-0 in the Leasing.com Trophy to Stevenage, both at home.
Looking at their recent overall record then, what emerges is an erratic, rather disappointing run of results. Looking at our Rovers, perhaps we have settled into a more confident way of playing and on paper at least the Rovers of Bristol may not present as strong a challenge as we have faced in our previous 4 matches. Therefore, you might say, we may be favourites, but of course our we are not a very predictable unit.
If we can take all the points from Peterborough and Oxford we must, or should at least, be capable of winning at Bristol, so the potential exists; can it be delivered?
The search for new talent, getting deals over the figurative line, continues and it always seems as though rivals may look more attractive. Sunderland who used to be called the “Bank of England" club have seemingly limitless resources, but despite that, those who join them do not seem to be able to combine to achieve sustained success. With large squads like that at Sunderland, there is more competition for first team opportunities and that is about the only factor working for us. Maybe we will do some good recruiting, but I don’t feel particularly confident. Very often the best business is done early and we are approaching the half-way point in the window. Disturbingly, there seems some risk of losing Sadlier now who "is attracting interest".
I’ll opt for a 1-1 and Taylor/Ennis to score.
DPL vs Bristol Rovers
posted on 11/1/20
2-1 to DRFC. Anderson / Sadlier.
posted on 11/1/20
Gas 1-2 Rovers
Sadlier
Small Azza
Brizzle 1-Rovers
Ennis
posted on 11/1/20
Mooligan/Small Azza: SA forecast is incomplete.
posted on 11/1/20
I would have not said 3 if I'd known how windy it would be. A very frustrating afternoon until the 86 minute. and then two great finishes. Lots of very good approach play let down by a poor final pass and mediocre finishing. It should not have taken so long for them to judge crosses in that wind.
I'd have taken Gomes off at half time. He is a very frustrating player - often wins the ball or shrugs off a hard challenge, and then gives the ball away. I groaned when they brought Bingham on, and then he scored with a great finish from an excellent ball from Copps!
Great to see Matty back on the pitch.
posted on 11/1/20
Did mean Donny to win But will leave it to you to decide
posted on 11/1/20
Yorkshire Lad: I got your prediction: it was Small Azza's that was incomplete.
posted on 12/1/20
Thanks Micky. From listening to the commentary and seeing the highlights, my impression of the performance was very similar to yours. In a way, it illustrated the weaknesses of the squad. More composure in front of goal is a quality in short supply. Pressure and anxiety to hurry the shot may not be easy to eliminate and very fortunately it was overcome just before time ran out. It might easily have been 0-0.
Perhaps it explains why Sadlier is the top scorer; he is composed in front of goal, possibly the most natural striker we have.
Assuming that the quality cannot be instilled into any more of the squad, it shows how much we need to go into the market.
posted on 12/1/20
On reading back what I have just posted I really should credit the fluency of some of the football and (in the extended highlights at least) the forward movement; Sheaf seemed to have a good game.
The quality of the passing is good now and it is the finishing that needs to be added.
(Another goal for Alfie yesterday!)
posted on 12/1/20
Small Azza was 1-1.
Sorry Donaldo
posted on 12/1/20
Or should have been