Boz
Member
- Joined
- 30 Sep 2005
- Messages
- 8,917
- Player
- Iain Hume
Last season's first visit to The New Lawn, saw an unexpectedly comfortable win against Forest Green with James Norwood scoring against his former club. A lot has happened in the last year, as this battle 1st v 3rd approaches. It's not quite reached the 'mustn't lose' category, but a defeat would make the automatic slot seem a lot further away.
The hosts, like Rovers, have changed manager in the intervening period. Mark Cooper's managerial career has been mixed, but he's more experienced than his predecessor. The way he sets up his sides means it's unlikely that we'll see a repeat of last season's thuggery at PP and this is likely to be a game with goals in it. FGR top scorers are Christian Doidge and Rhys Murphy, both with FL experience, but there's a number of names on the score-sheet and goals seem to come from all areas for them.
Assuming Vaughan and Harris are suspended, the o/s remains silent, we'll have to change the side. It sounds like Dawson was not match ready at the weekend, so given the options now available, it would be a surprise if he starts. The defence picks itself, but I hope Micky does not use Ihiekwe as right-back. Although Norwood will be itching to get a game against his old club, Cook and Mangan seemed to be developing an understanding up front and Tollit is more effective out wide, so wouldn't expect him to start. My suggested starting xi
Davies
Sutton McNulty Ihiekwe Ridehalgh
Kirby Maynard Hughes Tollit
Mangan Cook
On the bench Turner Norwood Dawson Mekki. It's a shame Duggan isn't available, but think we need a defensive option. If Gumbs is still with us would pick him otherwise Clarke. Bit harsh on Stephenson, but in a game like this, young/experienced in position would do better than a midfielder/forward filling in.
Prediction: Fairly confident it won't be 0-0, but otherwise no idea, all options possible.
The hosts, like Rovers, have changed manager in the intervening period. Mark Cooper's managerial career has been mixed, but he's more experienced than his predecessor. The way he sets up his sides means it's unlikely that we'll see a repeat of last season's thuggery at PP and this is likely to be a game with goals in it. FGR top scorers are Christian Doidge and Rhys Murphy, both with FL experience, but there's a number of names on the score-sheet and goals seem to come from all areas for them.
Assuming Vaughan and Harris are suspended, the o/s remains silent, we'll have to change the side. It sounds like Dawson was not match ready at the weekend, so given the options now available, it would be a surprise if he starts. The defence picks itself, but I hope Micky does not use Ihiekwe as right-back. Although Norwood will be itching to get a game against his old club, Cook and Mangan seemed to be developing an understanding up front and Tollit is more effective out wide, so wouldn't expect him to start. My suggested starting xi
Davies
Sutton McNulty Ihiekwe Ridehalgh
Kirby Maynard Hughes Tollit
Mangan Cook
On the bench Turner Norwood Dawson Mekki. It's a shame Duggan isn't available, but think we need a defensive option. If Gumbs is still with us would pick him otherwise Clarke. Bit harsh on Stephenson, but in a game like this, young/experienced in position would do better than a midfielder/forward filling in.
Prediction: Fairly confident it won't be 0-0, but otherwise no idea, all options possible.
