Rovers 1-1 Shrews

[SonkORLY?]

Will leave the match report to Boz, though I believe we conceded from a corner in first half (entirely new back 5, new manager...some things never change) before Mahon saved us, scoring a free kick.

I found the post-match interview interesting though...

"I think we expect a bit too much from Ash Taylor because he did so well in his first couple of games. While he did ok, he was a bit sloppy at times. If we can get the defensive situation sorted I think we'll be ok."


I think it's pretty ridiculous that Barnes felt it appropriate to publically criticise Ash for being "sloppy" and for not meeting the high standards he apparently met in his first few friendlies, particulaly considering this run of pre-season games is his closest experience of senior-football of any description. He also sort of criticised him a bit more subtley after one of the other recent pre-season games. Great way to boost the confidence of the youth players he's previously stated we're going to be "reliant on" this season... :roll:



"Players we expected to come in won't be coming in now, so we have to go back to the drawing board. It's frustrating but it's something I anticipated. We were told we were able to get players but now we can't get them."


I read this as Barnes saying the loanees he'd earmarked have not been given permission to leave. I should hope we don't "have to go back to the drawing board", and that the bloke has plan b (since it's something he apparently anticipated), 'cause last-minute panic signings aren't going to cut it with me.



I don't even think Ronnie could bring himself to say "we're not a million miles away" at this point. It's not been our finest Summer.

 

[Boz]

First half, after a nervy start Rovers had efforts from Curran, Taylor &Logan. However the Shrews took the lead from a corner with a header. A couple of minutes later they hit the bar and finished the half on top. Shrews also started brighter 2nd half, but Rovers got themselves back into it with a Mahon free-kick which somehow slithered in. However it didn't fire Rovers up and the Shrews had the best chance from a suicidal back-pass I think from Taylor. Baffling substitution from Barnes, taking off Curran, who shaded Mahon as Rovers MoM for me. Gornell did well holding up the ball, but I'd sooner Thomas-Moore or Curran being put on the right to replace the hapless Shuker. Chris wasn't our worst player though, that 'honour' going to the truelly dreadful Welsh. A long hard season ahead...

 

[Boz]

Should add that I find Barnes' comments about Ash Taylor absolutely disgraceful and I echo SonkORLY? on the likely effect on his morale. Personally felt Daniels could have done more to organise the defence and command his box today. However for me it was the much-heralded midfield who let us down today. Collectively, there was far too much passing back, putting extra pressure on the defence. Mahon faded after a good first half, McLaren a mix of good balls and hospital balls, but the prime culprit in back-passing. Welsh made about 1 telling tackle and that was it. I cannot believe Mark Allott is worse. Shuker kept making wrong decisions no decent crossing, rarely taking anyone on.

 

[roverstillidie]

Well my brief optimism has now gone down like a lead balloon! I think when Barnes is saying the players he was expecting to sign arnt signing he could be referring to Shotton or Martin Kelly or heaven forbid both! As I thought we were close to getting one of them on loan, Shotton in particular. A bet on 6 something to Yeovil might be worth a flurry given the state of our defence!

I'm guessing this line up for Yeovil:

Daniels

Logan Welsh Taylor Creswell

Shuker McLaren Barnett Mahon

Thomas-Moore Curran

Although I could see Moore moving to the left wing with Mahon taking a central role leaving Curran and Gornell up top.

 

[SonkORLY?]

Welshys only 5"7' mate, don't reckon he'll be playing center half anytime soon :lol:

One way or another we'll bring in at least one center half I guess, who will likely partner Taylor. Otherwise, going by pre-season line-ups, it looks likely that Edds might be asked to do a job in that role.

Also wouldn't expect Barnett to feature in central midfield as Coach Barnes has said he wants to play with two holding players. Plus he's been on the wing throughout pre-season.

Certain facets of our team look really good but others are absolutely awful and there's a huge imbalance atm with not much time left to rectify things. I wonder if a more experienced manager would have let us get in this position?........

Still, I'm trying to reserve judgement for opening day.




Boz, maybe having seen Welsh you'll begin to appreciate how much of a loss Jenno is...

 

[Boz]

Boz, maybe having seen Welsh you'll begin to appreciate how much of a loss Jenno is...

Yes and no. Having seen Welsh play, he's not a like for like replacement for Jennings. His style of play is more like that of Edds when he's been in midfield, but without Gareth's redeeming feature, a willingness to have a pop at goal. What we do miss is Jenno's stamina and box to box movement. Welsh was almost static and McLaren doesn't contribute much in that area either. Can't help feeling that Barnes may come to regret letting Allott go as I understand his style of play was closer to that of Jennings.

 

[DWaltz]

I have to disagree with you again Boz.

Welsh and McLaren look good in centre to me, Welsh wins the ball and McLaren never gives it away. One defensive and one creative midfielder. Kay and Jenno last year were both defensive (lets be honest Kays 12 goals were a fluke he is not a natural attacking midfielder at all). Allott looked awful at Lairds, Welsh looked good against Liverpool.

 

[Boz]

I have to disagree with you again Boz.

Now there's a surprise:lol:

 

[DWaltz]

Did you go to Lairds? Allott was awful mate and in my opinion Welsh can win the ball as much as Jenno. Jenno hardly scored many either. Welsh is a decent replacement.

 

[roverstillidie]

(lets be honest Kays 12 goals were a fluke he is not a natural attacking midfielder at all).

I'm not quite sure how you manage to score 12 goals by accident but there you go!

I think this years midfield is better then last years, the problem is we have the grand total of 2 specialist defenders (Goodison and Creswell) plus two sort of defenders, (Ash Taylor who speant last season playing centre midfield and Gareth Edds who is a midfielder) We're going to have Digger and Trigger at centre back if we get any major injuries or suspensions at this rate!