Just got back and still buzzing !
That was a fantastic performance. The first half display surely has to be our best of the season. To go away from home against one of the top sides and start the game with the confidence and intensity we did, gaining complete control of the game, was hugely impressive. We obviously knew that Exeter would pass out from the back and pressed high up the pitch to prevent them getting any kind of tempo. When we were in possession ourselves, our passing and movement was excellent and we were very unlucky not to have the game wrapped up by half time. We had several good chances and got into good areas on numerous occasions, whereas Exeter did not have a shot on goal. After the break the expected onslaught came, but we restricted the hosts to relatively few opportunities until their midfield heavyweights - Law and Boateng - were introduced in the last half an hour. In the closing stages there were numerous vital blocks and interceptions from Rovers defenders, and two superb saves from Scottie, the latter right at the death which David de Gea would have been proud of.
There were superb performances throughout the team, with Norwood's workrate incredible and the two centre halves outstanding again, while Johnny Smith was also full of energy. However, I thought several of the unsung players were fantastic for us today. Luke McCullough had a great game in midfield, not only with his tackling but also his passing, which is hugely underrated I think. Jake Caprice had his best game so far, both offensively and defensively. He was up against a very good player in Matt Jay but went stride for stride with him and really nullified his threat down our right hand side. Jake's defending has improved massively as the season has progressed. Scott Davies was also fantastic when called upon, and is another player who is hugely underappreciated by our supporters in my opinion. It was good to see him join in the singing with the SWA after the final whistle as well.
The only slight negatives were a below par performance from Perkins, who was a bit off the pace, and a slightly dodgy display by Zoum in the second half until Jennings was switched to the left hand side to give him more assistance. However, it would be harsh to criticise any of the players after their efforts today.
If we can stay clear of major injuries in the coming weeks, we surely have a great chance of a play off place with this group of players. Contrary to the claims of the experts who were trying to undermine him a few weeks ago, Micky Mellon continues to do an incredible job for this club.
SWA !