Rovers v Woking

[Boz]

It's really hard knowing what to expect at this level. Our opponents, nicknamed the Cards, came close to making the play-offs last season and have one of the National League's better strikers on their books in Scott Rendell, as well as former Rovers trialist Brian Saah. Anyone expecting a stroll is likely to get a shock.

There are a few selection issues for Gary Brabin in his first competitive game in charge. At the back, he's content with playing a makeshift right-back, Hogan infinitely preferable to Ihiekwe in my view. Hill/Ridehalgh at left-back is a harder choice, though a fully fit Hill would probably get the nod. Then does he opt for 442 or 433? My preference would be the latter with Maynard able to play an attaking central role, rather than forced out wide. Stockton may start up front ahead of Norwood, who hasn't had that much action pre-season due to fitness problems from a pre-existing injury. It's good we've a few options at that end of the park.

The visitors aren't likely to bring much travelling support by League standards, though the 100 or so fans expected to come up from the SE are quite a big following in comparison with some of our future opponents. I'd guess at an opening day crowd around 5k. As for the result, I've a gut feeling of 2-2.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Firstly, although non-league football is unknown territory for all of us, I feel more enthusiaistic at the start of this season than I have for many years. I think Brabin has recruited well, and we have character in the side as well as ability.

Woking will be difficult opponents. They finished seventh last season and had the league's third top scorer in Rendell, although I am not sure how well their summer recruitment has gone.

I would probably prefer us to start with a 4-3-3 for the reasons Boz gives above: Maynard is arguably or best player and should be played centrally, and we have looked vulnerable defensively in pre-season when we have played two out-and-out wingers. Up front, I think Mangan and Margetts will start, unsure about the third attacker if there is one.

While this is a tough start, it is certainly a game we should aim to win and I would be disappointed with anything less. Even to make the play offs this season we may need in excess of 80 points, and strong home form will be vital.

 

[Ian]

5-0 comfortable home win.

 

[Higgy]

Like RLC I am optimistic for the new season, like the manager and believe recruitment has been excellent, although would have preferred a specialist right back - hopefully not a major issue given the quality of the squad. Also agree that Maynard should play in his best position and on the evidence so far, so should Harris. 433 is one way of facilitating this - the other is to drop Jenno for now if 442.

In terms of the third striker, should we go 433, I believe Norwood probably needs to be eased in while fitness levels are improved and I am not convinced Cole is a first eleven player. For me I would go with Mangan and Margetts and consider playing Mekki right up there and make it a mobile front three.

If we go 442 I think Ridehalgh would be ok for width on the left and perhaps keep the midfield a tad more solid than playing wingers on both flanks - Mekki would be on other flank.

Comfortable win 3 - 1

 

[Sparky]

I've not got high expectations. Basically a new team, a new manager. Time to gel required plus we're up against a decent Woking side at this level with a dangerous front man in Rendell.

I'd go 4-4-2. Mekki and ridehalgh on the wings. Harris and Maynard in the middle. Mangan and Margetts up top.

Give me a 1-0 win any day. Will be Interesting what the atmosphere will be like and as ever first game of the season, the sun will be out.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

I've been looking forward to the start of this season since about February! It's nice to see so much optimism about PP and on this forum after two really shocking seasons. Our recent form is truly dreadful. Just remember, we've lost our last six games, we haven't won for 10 and we've been waiting 8 games for a home win. So, even a draw would be a great improvement!

The difference is that we're in a new league, with a new manager and virtually a new team. I expect no more than two of last season's squad to start tomorrow. While most of the team will not have the losing mentality of last year's squad, I think it will take time for them to gel as a team. This means they will struggle for a while against the better teams in the division - and I include Woking in that category. They have a settled team and have made steady progress under the same manager. A win would be a fantastic result. I agree with Boz and think an exciting 2-2 is on the cards.

 

[Mal]

I don't understand the comment about "settled team" . as far as I am aware, most of last season's Woking team have retired or moved to other teams. Therefore, they are at best in the same situation as Tranmere. I could have misread reports. Guess I will know tomorrow when I can compare their team with lastseason's.

 

[Boz]

I don't understand the comment about "settled team" . as far as I am aware, most of last season's Woking team have retired or moved to other teams. Therefore, they are at best in the same situation as Tranmere. I could have misread reports. Guess I will know tomorrow when I can compare their team with lastseason's.

I agree with BBTCs remarks.

The information I've read from the BBC and fans forums suggests Woking have lost 2 key players; McNerney and Payne, had 6 sign new contracts and are likely to have 7/8 from last season's side lining up against us, including the established forward pairing of Rendell and Sole. Sounds fairly settled to me.

By contrast, Rovers will have at most five who've played in a competitive game for us. Pre-season hasn't established with any certainty how we'll line up.

 

[Mal]

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/woking-fc-boss-gary-hill-9806165

 

[bigmart]

To be honest im not sure what too expect or what the team will be, still think we could do with a right back, central midfielder and another wideman. Im going for a 2 1 home win but no idea why

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/woking-fc-boss-gary-hill-9806165

I understand your comment above but Woking have lost six players from last season and kept eight including a loanee, so they have most of last season's team to call on. Unless we play our youngsters, I doubt we'll start with more than two.

However, over the course of the season, I can't see them finishing above us unless GB proves to be as inept as MA.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Pre-season hasn't established with any certainty how we'll line up.

Could we realistically expect the manager to know his best starting line-up from a handful of pre-season matches ? He has not seen us in a competitive game yet, so it will inevitably take a little time for the side to become settled and gel. However, regardless of the overhaul of players we have looked fluent in the friendly games, certainly in midfield and the attacking third.

I am not sure what you expect given the massive (and unavoidable) restructuring in the summer.

Woking will be more settled, but theoretically at least we have better players. Either way, our fortunes this season won't be determined this afternoon.

The sun is shining and I personally can't wait for kick off. We have apparently sold all the gold and silver lounge tickets, so we look set for a healthy gate.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

A very good win against tough opposition. We perhaps just deserved the victory in the end, but Woking certainly had a large part of the game and will be disappointed. The most pleasing aspect of the performance was the character and resilience we showed, particularly in the first half when we were under the cosh at times. Woking had a lot of pressure but we defended well and the clean sheet is a real positive.

In the first half Woking were the better side, certainly in terms of shape and organisation. My first impression of NL football was that it was incredibly physical, with the ref letting many challenges go which would certainly be punished in the League. We looked edgy and our play was disjointed at times and we were grateful for a goalline clearance from Matt Hill early on, although midway through the half we settled and began to play some decent football. The midfield and defence were solid, but the lack of punch up front was the problem. Cole struggled in the lone striker role and was way too isolated at times and I was certainly surprised that both Margetts and Mangen - our most natural goalscorers - were left on the bench. I appreciate that Brabin knows the opposition far better than we do, and we got the job done in the end, but I would hope we will be more adventurous against some of the lesser sides at home.

The second half was a big improvement as we looked more fluent, certainly down the left hand side. I though Liam Ridehalgh was excellent and the midfield duo of Harris and Jennings were terrific, particularly the former. Scott Davies was solid in his handling and distribution. In general, throughout the ninety minutes I was pleased with the battling qualities the team showed: it seems many games at this level will simply be a war of attrition.

A positive start, and it was great to have such a good atmosphere at PP, the best on the opening day for many years.

 

[Sparky]

I said I'd take a 1-0 win so was pleased with the win. The first half was disappointing but not a total surprise given the number of debutants. 2nd half was better and I think we deserved it.

Jay Harris was mom for me with a great goal and a very neat and tidy performance. I didn't like the formation however and don't see why when starting at home, we don't play 2 up top. Ridehalgh did ok but isn't a winger and his deliveries were too often over hit. Maynard didn't do much but early days for him. Thought Ihikwe did ok at RB. Norwood didn't look fit but assume GB doesn't think mangan or margetts could play there.

So some concerns for me over GBs formation given he says he wants to entertain. And still work to do. Another wide man needed for sure. But a good crowd and three points. A tough game on Tuesday awaits.

 

[Boz]

Could we realistically expect the manager to know his best starting line-up from a handful of pre-season matches ? He has not seen us in a competitive game yet, so it will inevitably take a little time for the side to become settled and gel. However, regardless of the overhaul of players we have looked fluent in the friendly games, certainly in midfield and the attacking third.

I am not sure what you expect given the massive (and unavoidable) restructuring in the summer.

Woking will be more settled, but theoretically at least we have better players. Either way, our fortunes this season won't be determined this afternoon.

The sun is shining and I personally can't wait for kick off. We have apparently sold all the gold and silver lounge tickets, so we look set for a healthy gate.

My remark was made in the context of disputing Mal's assertion that Woking were as unsettled as Rovers in terms of squad changes. It was to a large extent backed up by how we lined up today. Not many would have predicted Stockton as lone stiker supported by Ridehalgh and Norwood from the flanks, which I don't think was tried pre-season.

Today's performance, I'd file under encouraging. It was a torrid first half hour, with the visitors well on top. Matt Hill cleared off the line, they hit the bar with another effort where the flag had been raised for offside and the bulk of the action in Rovers half, with us struggling to attack. However after that Woking's main man, striker Scott Rendell was stretchered off with a what looked a serious injury and it appeared to have understandably impacted on the visitors a bit. We clawed our way back into the game, but aside from a header straight at their keeper from Stockton, didn't threaten. Possible shout for a penalty when Maynard appeared to be pushed in the box turned down too.

Second half was better. Great long ball out of defence from Hogan to Ridehalgh on the left flank, who put in a decent cross which was cleared to Stockton, who shot wide. Then the lead from a free-kick routine, finished by Harris. Woking came back at us, but lacked teeth. The ineffectual Norwood was replaced by Mekki, who put in one peach of a cross that needed to be attacked in the box. Rovers held onto the lead fairly comfortably, without much looking like extending it.

Some of the players who looked iffy in pre-season, played really well today; thinking of Davies and Jennings. Defensively we were ok, though Sutton needs to practice cushioned headers back to the keeper, as a couple of times we surrendered possession through allowing the ball to drop. Midfield trio Harris and Jennings were sound, Maynard didn't have his best day. Up front, Norwood clearly unfit, so why start him? Stockton doesn't function as a lone striker, a pairing with Margetts/Mangan would have made more sense.

MoM Jennings and Hill both contenders, but Jay Harris for a battling all round performance, capped by the goal.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Stockton doesn't function as a lone striker, a pairing with Margetts/Mangan would have made more sense.

Yes, I agree. Cole does not have any of the attributes of anticipation and aggression you need to play that role. Their centre halves were decent, but he was beaten to the ball by them far too easily today, rarely getting his body in front of them before the ball arrived.

It was a good display today, but I agree with Sparky that the formation was strange. With so many new faces I can understand Brabin packing the midfield to be solid rather than spectacular, but Mangen and / or Margetts could have been used as part of a front three. At home to sides like Borehamwood and Kidderminster I don't think we can be so cautious.

 

[Mal]

To be fair, Boz, I said I wasn't sure. The report looked like around 6 or 7 of workings team had gone which is significant. As for today, I was surprised norwood started and it did seem a negative setup. However, Woking didn't pose too much of a threat apart from a couple of poor Tranmere defence issues which were compensated for. Not sure why Hill kept falling over though. Thought the support was fantastic and ( bigmart will know what I mean) drownedout the Goosed type supporters.

Looking forward to Braintree.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Thanks to everyone for the reports. It sounded like a hard-fought victory. I must say that when we took the lead, I feared we might blow it. We won only one match 1-0 last season while losing 7 games by that score, which explains a lot about why we went down. This year, we already know we have a bunch of players who can hold a lead.

From what we saw pre-season and the various comments above, I think this forum will feature a lot of discussion about GB's formations and team selections, but if he keeps winning I don't think anyone should complain. BTW, can anyone remember the last time we fielded a team without a single loanee? It must be several years ago.

Apologies to Mal, as surprisingly we fielded five players from last season, although Woking's starting line-up featured eight familiar faces.

 

[bigmart]

Delighted with the win fairly disappointed with the performance and formation, Cole was far too isolated and the service to him was average at best but at least we have something to build on

 

[Ian]

Pretty much sums it up bigmart. I don't think GB knows his players too well if he thinks Stockton can play as the lone target man. Too many long balls in the first half but it did settle down a little in the second. Defence was fairly solid apart from a couple of hairy moments in the first half.

Woking weren't a bad team. I thought they worked hard, but their threat was gone after their no.9 went off injured. I hope I'm right in saying they are probably one of the better teams we'll face this season. I don't think we'll be under the cosh in many games, but it is up to us to attack the opposition and score. We were far too defensive yesterday.

As a spectacle, it wasn't great, although the attendance and result were excellent.