League Two Rovers (3) v Salford (4)

[bigmart]

It's not the reason we lost as they deserved to beat us but the ref yesterday was truly awful. Once they got ahead he fell for their falling over antics and his decisions were baffling, we had possession at one stage he stopped play as one their players was down then he restarted the game and gave them.the ball

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Leake was consistently beaten yesterday very easily and several times especially in the first half was quite narrow giving Hendry a lot of room but he rarely had any cover at all and 4 3 3 is leaving the defence very vulnerable

The second half yesterday reminded me of the John Barnes era. It was like a game of basketball.

 

[O4anotherplayoff]

We earned six points and kept two clean sheets against these promotion contenders last season.

So it was encouraging to hear Dawes, amidst the euphoria of beating struggling Harrogate, acknowledging that his team also needs to be able grind out results in this league.

And then he dishes up this circus.

He’s clearly on a very steep learning curve and he needs to start climbing it quickly otherwise he’ll last no longer than Jacko or, indeed, Barnes.

 

[Sparky]

Yes if we lose to freescoring notts county next week then that will be four defeats from five. Dawes needs to learn the lessons quick. We have a large number of coaching staff so someone should be able to.

 

[Keith Hill (Bolton)]

I will say again, and I'm not blaming Leake, it was our formation and our inability to stop the ball to the number 24, who was given the freedom of PP! And the absence of protection in midfield. Because we had limited posession, 4-3-3 will never work!
Even with the multitude of subs, we never learned from the obvious tactics that Salford played!
To concede four goals plus the two off the woodwork plus the numerous chances and half chances, a lot of work needs doing!

For me that was not entertainment, that was watching with horror how not to set up against a team that was obviously going to punish you if we continued our shortcomings!

 

[Boz]

Haven’t seen the game and unlikely to catch highlights until I’m back in the UK. Sounds pretty grim. Was Adkins there, any sign of input from our Technical Director?

 

[bigmart]

I will say again, and I'm not blaming Leake, it was our formation and our inability to stop the ball to the number 24, who was given the freedom of PP! And the absence of protection in midfield. Because we had limited posession, 4-3-3 will never work!
Even with the multitude of subs, we never learned from the obvious tactics that Salford played!
To concede four goals plus the two off the woodwork plus the numerous chances and half chances, a lot of work needs doing!

For me that was not entertainment, that was watching with horror how not to set up against a team that was obviously going to punish you if we continued our shortcomings!

Their front 3 caused us no end of problems all game, the full backs needed protection but Leake was so easily beaten numerous times and gave Hendry so much space it was inevitable it would lead to goals down his side

 

[Ian]

I know it's early days but there is now some pressure on Dawes to pick up wins. It will be interesting to see what changes he makes if any over the next few games. This is where he needs to show he has the ability to manage a team and address the problems which were clearly evident on Saturday.

 

[Ian]

@Boz extended highlights now available to view in the matchday section.

 

[Sparky]

I know it's early days but there is now some pressure on Dawes to pick up wins. It will be interesting to see what changes he makes if any over the next few games. This is where he needs to show he has the ability to manage a team and address the problems which were clearly evident on Saturday.

Dawes is clearly a favourite of the 4-3-3 but as was possibly shown yesterday it can lead to a lack of protection for your back four of up against a good attacking opponent.
Notts County have goals in them so it’ll be interesting if he changes anything for either the formation, or any enforced changes if say LOC is out for a while.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

I would hope we go back to a 'safety first' approach at Notts County of being solid and difficult to beat, and taking the performance from there. However, my fear is that Dawes will play a very open game again.

Anyway, for anyone that needs cheering up, take a look at the Everton game. In deep trouble once again.

 

[Sparky]

I would hope we go back to a 'safety first' approach at Notts County of being solid and difficult to beat, and taking the performance from there. However, my fear is that Dawes will play a very open game again.

Anyway, for anyone that needs cheering up, take a look at the Everton game. In deep trouble once again.

Yes I agree - about us and Everton!

Just watched the goals back. Davies was partly at fault for two goals being beaten by Hendry. Hopefully a one off but as you say we need to go to Notts county and get back to basics defensively and go from there. Whether Dawes has that sort of pragmatic defensive approach in him remains to be seen…..

 

[Ian]

However, my fear is that Dawes will play a very open game again.

I don't think he knows any other way of playing, which does worry me.

 

[Keith Hill (Bolton)]

There is no difficulty in tweeking the formation and shape.
As someone once said!
Four-four- ----- two!

 

[Sparky]

Interesting stats:

Tranmere's total of seven scored in opening four games is their joint-most for an EFL season since 2012/13. However, the seven conceded is their joint-worst in an EFL season since 2013/14.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Interesting stats:

Tranmere's total of seven scored in opening four games is their joint-most for an EFL season since 2012/13. However, the seven conceded is their joint-worst in an EFL season since 2013/14.

OK, but please don't remind me what happened at the end of 2013/14.

 

[overthewater]

I remember saying to my lad that things could get very messy when they made it 2-2. The score flattered us hugely. We simply cannot continue to play that way

 

[Ian]

Interesting stats:

Tranmere's total of seven scored in opening four games is their joint-most for an EFL season since 2012/13. However, the seven conceded is their joint-worst in an EFL season since 2013/14.

That's an interesting one Sparky. I guess we did want to see goals this season! In all seriousness, I think we will see a real contrast in games this season with the current management team. We will probably win and also lose in glorious fashion. It's a little bit like Wrexham who have scored 13 but also conceded 13. They know how to score and the emphasis is on attack but are pretty hopeless at defending. Consistency goes right out the window.

You could say it's pretty naive to approach each game in the same way no matter the opposition but I think that is what we will be doing.

 

[Goody Two Shoes]

Interesting fact: Salford have won more away points in League Two than any other side since the start of last season. On yesterday’s showing, ignoring the negatives from our own performance, you can see why; lots of pace, creativity and clinical finishing

 

[roverstillidie]

I’m not able to get to games due to the distance and other commitments so following from afar!

I’m bemused as to why we signed Norris and Dennis who on paper look like a good pairing, with Taylor and Hemmings/Saunders for back up - and then spend a whole pre-season doing 4-3-3. Dennis is a classic poacher and Norris a target man, neither fit a 4-3-3. Pretty obvious to me they should be in a 2.

The central midfield to me looks really poor with the exception of Hendry. It’s very impressive to manage to have 7 midfielders, none of whom can put a tackle in!

Out wide we seem to have several similar players who all cut in and lack genuine pace.

I think we’ve had another muddled recruitment strategy that has left us with a hodgepodge squad with some good players but no obvious plan. Zero competition for the back 4 is a recipe for disaster in my view as well.

This season feels very similar to Rob Edwards/Jackson. I hope he proves me wrong but I think the writing is on the wall for Dawes.

His constant tinkering and dramatic subs are a sign of a manager who doesn’t know his best 11 or plan to me. He’s also fixing problems of his own making through poor selection choices e.g. at Mk Dons.

I’m not surprised by all this, as hiring a manager who has been sacked twice within 12 months of starting in Wales and Malta gives you a fairly good indication of what to expect is going to happen…! Hope I’m wrong.