What was so frustrating was that Bristol Rovers were so very poor - but we were poorer on the night. In hindsight, the game was winnable but it was never going to happen with Micky starting with his oh-so-predicable 4-4-1-1, leaving a hard-working and enterprising Ferrier isolated.... yet again!
No meaningful chances created by Rovers in the first half, appalling crossing, a clear lack of organisation at the back (Manny and Wilson in particular), a failure to hold onto the ball, a lack of any creativity and a lack of spirit. This Rovers team is so guileless and spineless. If it wasn't for the opposing team's poor finishing, we would have gone in 3-0 down at half-time.
The two red cards were entirely justifiable despite the ref's otherwise incredulous performance. Banks' second yellow was entirely avoidable. Banks? Irresponsible, inconsistent in passing (that's being charitable), late in tackles (when he makes them), slow (he got absolutely skinned on the flank in the 27th minute to give away a dangerous free kick and go into the book). It's only a pity that he picked up two yellows rather than a straight red - he'll only miss one game rather than three. And will then return as one of Micky's 'favourites'. CBT's sending off was a case of deja vu (Hepburn-Murphy). Ironically, we should have levelled the score in the 71st minute when our gentle giant, Monthe, should have scored with his head when left unmarked on the back post. We did have our best spell when we were down to 9 men. Typical Rovers - too little too late!
It's now time to make wholesale changes in on-field personnel and tactics, giving a chance to the likes of Nelson, Gilmour, Potter and Mullin.
We must live in the present. We are in this division because we achieved two successive promotions on merit. Talk such as "we got promoted a year too early" is utter nonsense. There is no room for nostalgia. Micky needs to fix it... and quickly.