Rockford's Love Child
Member
- Joined
- 15 Mar 2010
- Messages
- 13,911
- Player
- Jason Koumas / John Morrissey
- Manager
- John King
A gritty, and on balance probably deserved, victory for Rovers.
The lack of confidence in the side was evident tonight in our inability to keep possession, and Bury had control of the ball for long spells. However, other than a couple of near things late in the second half I thought we generally kept them at arm's length, and defended very well indeed. Equally, I thought we actually created the better chances throughout the game, with six or seven decent attempts in addition to the goals.
Defensively we were solid, with all the back four having impressive games, other than a few communication problems with Rachubka. I was particularly impressed again with Holmes, who was solid defensively and always sensible in his use of the ball.
In midfield, it was interesting to see Labadie playing the 'Welsh role' in the captain's absence. I thought he did well and was deservedly man of the match, and given that he is more imaginative in his use of the ball, it got me wondering whether we actually need John to play that role ? I thought Weir started brightly and then faded, but did produce a fantastic attempted 40 yard lob in the second half. Baxter came into the game after half time, and was unlucky with two good efforts when bursting from midfield, which were superbly saved by their keeper.
Our inability to hold on to the ball was a real problem at times, and will have to improve at Hillsborough if we are to get a respectable scoreline. However, hopefully our passing will improve as confidence returns. Most importantly, with the subtle changes in personnel, it was great to see us keep a clean sheet and rediscover our doggedness in defence.
The lack of confidence in the side was evident tonight in our inability to keep possession, and Bury had control of the ball for long spells. However, other than a couple of near things late in the second half I thought we generally kept them at arm's length, and defended very well indeed. Equally, I thought we actually created the better chances throughout the game, with six or seven decent attempts in addition to the goals.
Defensively we were solid, with all the back four having impressive games, other than a few communication problems with Rachubka. I was particularly impressed again with Holmes, who was solid defensively and always sensible in his use of the ball.
In midfield, it was interesting to see Labadie playing the 'Welsh role' in the captain's absence. I thought he did well and was deservedly man of the match, and given that he is more imaginative in his use of the ball, it got me wondering whether we actually need John to play that role ? I thought Weir started brightly and then faded, but did produce a fantastic attempted 40 yard lob in the second half. Baxter came into the game after half time, and was unlucky with two good efforts when bursting from midfield, which were superbly saved by their keeper.
Our inability to hold on to the ball was a real problem at times, and will have to improve at Hillsborough if we are to get a respectable scoreline. However, hopefully our passing will improve as confidence returns. Most importantly, with the subtle changes in personnel, it was great to see us keep a clean sheet and rediscover our doggedness in defence.