EFL Trophy Rovers v Leeds U21

[Ian]

Rovers are in action again on Tues night in the EFL Trophy where they take on Leeds U21.
Love it or hate it I'm sure Micky will be making some changes for this game with a few fringe players making the starting XI.

Im starting to feel these games are a real hindrance to the league but at least it gives the fringe players some game time albeit against a bunch of kids.

 

[bigmart]

It's a good opportunity to give some of the squad valuable game time, Jameson Hughes Bryne Nolan Hewelt and Burton hopefully will start.

 

[Boz]

Given the financial incentives for winning/progressing in this competition, I suspect that we are conflicted between B teams creeping into competition with FL clubs and the money that we can earn.

In terms of line-up, I think this will be fairly strong. With Robinson injured again, we don't have the option of resting Bristow and JDC unless opting for 3 at the back and wing-backs. That seems unlikely. Giving the indication from Micky that Byrne and Jamieson will play, with Hewelt replacing Doohan, the defensive selection is fairly straightforward. Up front, Hemmings seems to be lacking confidence at present and arguably needs the match time more than Nevitt. I'd pair him with Burton, but MM may be more inclined to have another go with Lewis up top. In midfield, plenty to chose from, it would be good to see Lomax getting match time after his encouraging cameo v notlob.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

As the injury situation has improved, I think fewer of the regulars will play compared to the game against Bolton a couple of weeks ago. I think Turnbull, Simeu, O'Connor, Morris and Hemmings will all be wrapped in cotton wool.

I think Jameson is capable of playing left back so Bristow might also be rested, albeit players of his age and fitness tend to have boundless energy. I would imagine Nevitt and Lewis will start as a front pairing again. I agree that it would be good to see Lomax again, if possible.

I hate missing home games, however unattractive the match. However, due to the presence of an under 21 team I will be watching on Ifollow.

 

[Ian]

I thought it was interesting that MP asking the inevitable question regarding this competition in the Q&A due to the general negativity surrounding it. Would you go to Wembley if we got there?

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

I thought it was interesting that MP asking the inevitable question regarding this competition in the Q&A due to the general negativity surrounding it. Would you go to Wembley if we got there?

Yes, provided we were not playing an under 21 team. I go to the matches against proper teams, just not the youth games.

I pay an Ifollow fee, so the club still receives money from people who don't attend.

 

[bigmart]

Nevitt and O'Connor only players from sat who start tonight, Hughes and Merrie full backs

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

It will be interesting to see how Nevitt and Burton get on up front. It might be Merrie and O'Connor as full backs.

 

[Ian]

Good to mix it up a bit for these games. Hope they perform well.

 

[Ian]

Lewis with what looked like a cross curls over the keeper and into the net. 1-0.

 

[Ian]

2-0. Hughes. Great move from midfield, little side step on edge of box and curls it past the keeper. Great goal.

 

[Ian]

2-1. Perkins pounces on the save from the keeper and slots it away. Bit of poor defending really.

 

[Sparky]

In the blink of an eye it’s 2-2

 

[bigmart]

2 2 exciting so far

 

[Ian]

Gelhardt not challenged on the edge of the box, pops a shot, its in. 2-2.

 

[Ian]

2-3. Wow

Gelhardt with a brace. Looks like a good player. Side steps the keeper after a great through ball from Perkins.

 

[Sparky]

Gelhardt has had some sub appearances in the premier league so we can’t be shocked if he’s decent at this level

 

[Ian]

3-3

Bit of a scramble in the box, Byrne pokes it in on the line.

 

[Sparky]

Byrne equalises. What a half

 

[bigmart]

Crazy half