Boz
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- Iain Hume
Rovers first home game of 2017 sees the visit of Reigate side South Park from the Ryman League South, nickname The Sparks. They're currently in mid-table, but a slightly false position, having a number of games in hand over their rivals. Also a bit of a reputation as a cup side.Last game saw a 5-1 home win with Kieran Lavery netting a hat-trick. It's hard to know what to expect, the team are staying over the night before, their manager has had us watched and sounded out recent opponents, so it's safe to conclude that they'll be well-prepared and no pushovers. Their manager Malcolm Porter thinks the first 20 minutes will be pivotal and his side need to be strong from the off.
So how do Rovers approach this game? MM suggests this will be no different than any league game. True to an extent, but it does give him the chance to experiment a little so that he's a better idea of what options to go for when regulars are missing through injury or suspension. However nobody in the Bootle midweek game seems to have shone out calling for a first team opportunity.
While it's quite possible Micky will send out exactly the same starting xi as Macclesfield, I think a couple of areas may see changes. There haven't been any updates on James Wallace, so don't know how much longer he'll be with us for. This is as good a game as any to restore one of Maynard/Harris/Jennings S to the centre of midfield. There may also be a start for Connor Jennings. While there is good news that Andy Cook is available for selection, it would be a surprise to see any more of him than a cameo from the bench.
Predictions: The weather forecast doesn't look great, but hopefully no danger of a postponement. The visitors expected to bring around 200 from Surrey, while the availability of tickets without a price-hike on the day and curiosity about our opponents could see reasonable numbers of home fans. My starting guess would be in the region of 3k.
This game could go one of two ways. If Rovers get on top early on, then we could win comfortably. More likely, given recent difficulties in finding the net,is a tight game, with only the odd goal deciding it. Despite our patchy last few games, it would be a big surprise if Rovers don't get through to the next round.
So how do Rovers approach this game? MM suggests this will be no different than any league game. True to an extent, but it does give him the chance to experiment a little so that he's a better idea of what options to go for when regulars are missing through injury or suspension. However nobody in the Bootle midweek game seems to have shone out calling for a first team opportunity.
While it's quite possible Micky will send out exactly the same starting xi as Macclesfield, I think a couple of areas may see changes. There haven't been any updates on James Wallace, so don't know how much longer he'll be with us for. This is as good a game as any to restore one of Maynard/Harris/Jennings S to the centre of midfield. There may also be a start for Connor Jennings. While there is good news that Andy Cook is available for selection, it would be a surprise to see any more of him than a cameo from the bench.
Predictions: The weather forecast doesn't look great, but hopefully no danger of a postponement. The visitors expected to bring around 200 from Surrey, while the availability of tickets without a price-hike on the day and curiosity about our opponents could see reasonable numbers of home fans. My starting guess would be in the region of 3k.
This game could go one of two ways. If Rovers get on top early on, then we could win comfortably. More likely, given recent difficulties in finding the net,is a tight game, with only the odd goal deciding it. Despite our patchy last few games, it would be a big surprise if Rovers don't get through to the next round.