The match itself was a non-event from early on when Braintree took the lead in their game. Although Rovers subsequently went ahead against Grimsby reserves, their goalkeeping coach, playing his first game for a couple of years kept the scoreline respectable. The second half felt more like a practice game or friendly, Rovers had chances to increase the lead, but the visitors also had opportunities. The subs were a little strange, Hogan replacing Vaughan, who wasn't injured and once again Liam not entirely convincing as a right-back, though good to see he was fit again. Kirby hardly touched the ball after replacing Maynard, who did ok in the attacking aspect of his midfield role, but strolled too often on the defensive side. Clearly Brabin has made his mind up to release Mackreth, who I'd like to have seen a bit more of.
The programme suggested the Palioi were going away to have a think about how to improve things, my thought is they should have a good idea what's gone wrong this season and how to rectify it already. I mentally groan reading RLCs excellent post above about Brabin's misconceptions on this seasons failings. For a start he should be thinking about how to gain the extra twenty or so points to make us automatic promotion contenders, not the three that might see us scrape into the play-offs. Also for the first time in many years, not a single home-grown player has been given a debut this season and the short-term approach to squad-building needs to cease; so many of the established pros who've joined, seem to be here just to collect their pay-check with entirely the wrong mental attitude.
