Great win for Rovers, although as I mentioned earlier, the possession and goal attempts stats were actually more in our favour at Doncaster. Lies, damned lies and... Quality goal to win it, hadn't appreciated the part that Hendry and Hawkes played in the build-up until viewing the highlights again, but Bristow's cross was superb and Morris had attacked the right space to be there and tuck it away. We lost our way a little in the second half after the triple substitution, but Micky with the right move, giving us a fresh infusion of energy with the subs. Perhaps he should have taken Hendry off with the first tranche, as he was looking absolutely bushed by that point. After we survived the double clearance off the line, for the remainder of the game Rovers were comfortable and more likely to increase the lead than Salford to level. A word about our opponent, for a form team they were surprisingly subdued. While undoubtedly talented, the tendency to make a meal of every challenge, especially as Touray on Lee O'Connor was probably the worst foul of the afternoon, was reminiscent of their ownership in their playing days.
Mention has already been made of the double goal-line clearance and Hewelt's perceived failings in dealing with that. More generally, there seemed to be an excess of caution from the defenders with the keeper today, can recall JDC kicking the ball into touch rather than back-pass and Turnbull heading out for a corner, when Hewelt looked well-positioned to claim. There's a need for better communication, but don't think Doohan was particularly vocal either and similar difficulties weren't often arising there. As we don't have any other keeping options, maybe more work needed on the training ground.
With specific reference to the incident, think it has to be recognised what a great defence-splitting ball it was for the attacker to run onto. Having been left exposed, could Hewelt have come off his line quicker? Perhaps, but he avoided conceding a penalty and by not going immediately to ground made it more difficult for the attacking player. Bristow did well to keep the first attempt out, but Tom Davies appearing from nowhere to clear the subsequent free header was out of this world!
I agree with the comments about the quality of sub options. That includes Mumbongo, who I'd have happily paid air fare back to Sweden on Tuesday night, but had a decent cameo when he came on today. I disagree with the suggestion that Saunders is a downgrade on Nevitt, his work-rate and pressing were excellent today and while he hasn't scored yet, none of the chances he had today were on a par with the one Hemmings hit straight at the keeper at Doncaster. Hemmings had a reasonable game today.
