bring back the cowshed!
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- 1 Oct 2005
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- Alan King, Barry Dyson
A strange game. MK Dons had about six chances including three gifts from Rovers which resulted in their goals. Contrary to the published stats, Rovers had three shots, the only one on target being the missed penalty, a feeble attempt by Jake Cassidy. Both sides looked mid-table League 1, with Dons winning only because they played sensibly in their own penalty area and converted their penalties.
I had an uneasy feeling when the teams were announced and then saw us line up 4-5-1. How would Cassidy fare up front on his own and where would the creativity come from a midfield trio of Wallace, Weir and Welsh? As it turned out, Rovers played as if Les Parry was still manager but without the composure in defence.
Of our players, OFW had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net three times. He was rarely tested. Holmes was sound and Buchanan was the pick of the defence - he put in 100% the whole game. Ash was OK, but lost his composure on occasions.
Goodison was an enigma. He swaggered around, read the game well and got away with some outrageous dummies, but was at fault for the second goal. Some referees might not like his style of tackling and marking, but he mainly got away with it today.
Akins had a good game (yes, amplesou!). His first touch was good and he linked up well, although he ran out of steam towards the end. Ditto Bakayogo, who was OK when attacking but gave away the ball in the penalty area resulting in the first goal.
Wallace looked class. He always had enough time on the ball and chose his passes well, but never got far enough forward to do any damage. Weir was poor. He played the most advanced of the midfield trio but lost the ball almost every time. By the time Robinson replaced him, it was too late. Welsh was fairly anonymous.
Cassidy tried hard but got little service. If he had scored the penalty, it might have been different. He needed support upfront, but when Enoch came on, Jake was withdrawn. Enoch had no more success than Jake.
Conclusion? Rovers play even worse with one striker under Ronnie than under Les. Let's stick to 4-4-2. And let's tighten up that defence.
My mate Howard has posted a short clip on YouTube showing their first penalty and Zoum's overhead kick. Believe me, these are the match highlights! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3p_6FBMHbQ&hd=1
My man of the match? Only one person performed with confidence, composure and authority - the referee! He got virtually every decision right and was in control without being card-happy. Full marks to Mr. Hooper.
I had an uneasy feeling when the teams were announced and then saw us line up 4-5-1. How would Cassidy fare up front on his own and where would the creativity come from a midfield trio of Wallace, Weir and Welsh? As it turned out, Rovers played as if Les Parry was still manager but without the composure in defence.
Of our players, OFW had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net three times. He was rarely tested. Holmes was sound and Buchanan was the pick of the defence - he put in 100% the whole game. Ash was OK, but lost his composure on occasions.
Goodison was an enigma. He swaggered around, read the game well and got away with some outrageous dummies, but was at fault for the second goal. Some referees might not like his style of tackling and marking, but he mainly got away with it today.
Akins had a good game (yes, amplesou!). His first touch was good and he linked up well, although he ran out of steam towards the end. Ditto Bakayogo, who was OK when attacking but gave away the ball in the penalty area resulting in the first goal.
Wallace looked class. He always had enough time on the ball and chose his passes well, but never got far enough forward to do any damage. Weir was poor. He played the most advanced of the midfield trio but lost the ball almost every time. By the time Robinson replaced him, it was too late. Welsh was fairly anonymous.
Cassidy tried hard but got little service. If he had scored the penalty, it might have been different. He needed support upfront, but when Enoch came on, Jake was withdrawn. Enoch had no more success than Jake.
Conclusion? Rovers play even worse with one striker under Ronnie than under Les. Let's stick to 4-4-2. And let's tighten up that defence.
My mate Howard has posted a short clip on YouTube showing their first penalty and Zoum's overhead kick. Believe me, these are the match highlights! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3p_6FBMHbQ&hd=1
My man of the match? Only one person performed with confidence, composure and authority - the referee! He got virtually every decision right and was in control without being card-happy. Full marks to Mr. Hooper.