Barrow have consistently exceeded expectations since they got back into the EFL. They have done well in the last two seasons and my memories are that they have usually started well, just like they have this time. Up until last Saturday when they lost 2-0 to fellow League 2 leaders Gillingham they had conceded only 3 goals and scored 10. Looking at the stats and the highlights that match was fairly even apart from the goals.
It seems that their financial resources are likely to be less than Rovers’ yet they have been more successful in recent years. Their new (ex- Gillingham) manager has started well and their form has been rather more consistent than ours which is running at 0.33 points per game over the last 3.
We started the season well, but we did not meet an in-form team until the narrow win over Gillingham and since then we seem to have demonstrated that we can lose in variety of different ways. One thing that we are not too good at is creating scoring chances and it illustrates how dependent we have been on talented in-form individuals. With Molyneux off colour our attacking machinery has been looking in need of a good deal of re-tuning.
Recently too, there has been very little service from the wings or the midfield to enable Ironside to function. Sharp, when he’s been there, has also found it difficult to seize what few opportunities come his way.
McCann continues to shuffle his squad around and it’s difficult to know exactly what he is aiming for.
If we lose tomorrow it will not be entirely McCann’s fault, but it is time he decided on the shape and the pieces which slot into it best. If we are the force that some believe we are the players ought to be able of making it work, irrespective of the strategic plan.
I don’t want them to lose, but they can’t win just because that’s what I want and I’m afraid that I fear another loss, but perhaps they will squeeze a draw.
1-1 (Ironside/Sharp)
DPL v Barrow
posted 1 week ago
Who knows? I think realistically a draw is the best we can hope so, so I'll predict 2-2. Sharp.
posted 1 week ago
This is even more a case of "Who knows" than normal, and if I was actually gambling money on the game, I go for a Barrow win. However, always the optimist, a miracle will happen, and I'll say we will win 2-1.
I'm not sure what we do with wide men who are playing well, and then have a large drop-off in form. Donaldo points out Molyneux's slump, and what happened to Hurst's original developing talent?
If I was the manager I would really shake-up the front line and go with what the DFP suggest: Ephraim Yeboah and Kyle Hurst out wide with Joe Ironside up top. How about Bailey, Kelly and maybe Broadbent in mid-field?
It will be interesting to see what Grant does.
First goal by Hurst if he starts, or whoever starts of Ironside and Sharp if Hurst does not.
posted 1 week ago
Ditto. Not confident at all. I'd be happy with a draw but think it's going to be another defeat. Something's not quite right in the camp. Though if the wheels come off barrow they'll get nowhere. I'll guess 2-2. Hurst, Sharp, Ironside.
posted 1 week ago
Mickey, looks like he hasn't taken your advice fully on board. Well hardly at all.Looks s very fragile team to me.
posted 1 week ago
Rovers 2-1 Barrow
Sharp to score ⚽
posted 1 week ago
Expectations exceeded. Barrow were not nearly as impressive as their league position suggested.
posted 6 days, 19 hours ago
One real positive was we did not have a ref that believed in the "no contact" game. He let play go on after challenges that some refs would have given a foul, and some challenges others would have given a yellow, he just gave a foul. His only real error was when a Barrow player slipped on the wet turf and he gave a foul against a Rovers player even though there had been no contact. I suppose from the ref's view point he could not see the distance between the players.
As far as the Rovers, we at least saw more enthusiasm and effort than on Saturday but not enough real chances created. Billy's effort that hit the bar was not easy for an average player, but one expected Sharp to hit the target. At times he showed a burst of speed that was amazing for one of his age - I hate to say that as I hit 80 in a few months!
Sbarra's miss was a far easier chance from a great cross from Billy, but he was the smallest player on the pitch!
Our defense was good except for early in the second half when a stupid back-pass from Olowu, and a couple of playing out-from-the-back by TS-L. Of course the wet and windy conditions meant players had to think more.
For Saturday, we have had good results in Grimsby - can we repeat that the year?
posted 6 days, 9 hours ago
I thought Clifton's goal was Sharpesque. What a hardworking player he is!
posted 6 days, 7 hours ago
I would have taken the result at 7.45 pm.
Let's hope that the sticky patch is over.⚽
posted 5 days, 7 hours ago
According to their manager Grimsby are playing like AC Milan!