[Archived] Reserves

[hollowsr]

Reserves won 2-0 away at Barrow tonight, Blackman and Aley with second half goals apparently.

[Kelbo]

Reserves won 2-0 away at Barrow tonight, Blackman and Aley with second half goals apparently.

I have a gut feeling about Aley, he has that something about him, always an impact when he plays, quite quick when he played against us and extremely sharp around the box!

However, the prem is another thing.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Aley's has had a great pre-season. It would be good to see how close he comes to making the first team this season, especially in the Carling Cup.

[Parsonblue]

Another good performance by a young reserve side tonight at Barrow. Nick Blackman had an excellent game and opened the scoring within a minute of the second half starting. Although the Barrow announcer credited the second goal to Aley it came as a result of a deflection off Nick Blackman. I'm not convinced that Aley's shot would have beaten the 'keeper but for the deflection.

Once again the Rovers looked very solid in defence with Gavin Gunning and Matty Pearson doing well in the centre of defence in the first half. In the second half, Gavin moved to left-back and Zurab partnered Pearson in the middle. I really don't understand how Zurab has slipped so far down the pecking order. He is a class act and is a perfect role model for the younger players at the club.

Alan Judge had an excellent second half while Alex Marrow continues to prove a powerful figure in the centre of midfield. The Rovers passing improved in the second half and Jake Kean really didn't have a shot to save. Indeed, Frank Fielding had a fairly quiet time during the first period as the home side failed to find a way through a fairly uncomprising Rovers' defence.

There was no Branco tonight, while the two other trialists started the game before being replaced. It was good to see young Robbie Cotton getting another outing as a substitute.

[bazza]

Alan Judge had an excellent second half while Alex Marrow continues to prove a powerful figure in the centre of midfield.

Do you, and others who watch the reserves, think either or both of these two could be the answer to our creative midfielder problem; particularly Judge?

Could Judge replace Dunn?

[Doaksie]

Could Judge replace Dunn?

I rule No, in the first degree. Sentenced to 10 -12 years in the Football League.

[Parsonblue]

A disappointing start to the season for the Reserves this afternoon - being held 3-3 by West Bromwich after being 3-1 ahead with less than ten minutes left. In truth, it was a rather casual display from start to finish with Jason Roberts, Maceo Rigters and Junior Hoilett failing to make the most of good goalscoring opportunities. Indeed, all three seemed quiet for long periods and failed to make the impact one might have expected at this level despite the fact that Roberts and Rigters each scored a goal. David Dunn, who got through an hour on his way back to fitness, showed flashes of what he can do but was obviously careful not to do too much and risk injury.

Josh Morris scored a cracker and had a decent game at left-back while Amine Linganzi was the pick of the midfield with another assured performance. In defence, Matty Pearson was outstanding at centre-back and just edged ahead of Linganzi for my man of the match. Alan Judge showed some good touches at times and got through alot of work on the right wing.

Having levelled at 1-1, West Brom looked to take the game to the Rovers and early in the second half they seemed favourites to win. However, two goals from Morris and Roberts ought to have given us the points until a somewhat sloppy ending allowed the visitors to snatch two goals in the last six or seven minutes.

Although an attendance wasn't given it was a very sparse crowd at Leigh and it will be interesting to see how attendances hold up now that we have visitors from further afield - West Brom, Sunderland, Wolves, West Ham. Last season the Rovers topped the Reserve attendances due to the fact we often had more away fans - due to the position of Leigh - at games than home fans. Somehow, I can't see that happening this time and with limited numbers travelling from Blackburn to these games I suspect there will be some low attendances this season. However, the next home game, against Manchester United, should see our best attendance for the season!

[67splitscreen]

Josh Morris on the verge on first Pro contract

[Parsonblue]

A very disappointing performance from the Reserves tonight - going down 2-1 to Wigan Athletic at Robin Park. I suspect that the senior players - and it was a very strong side tonight - were using the game as a fitness exercise. However, as a result, the game lacked the urgency that the younger players tend to show in these matches. Linganzi was the pick of the Rovers' team, performing well in midfield and then going into the centre of defence following Gavin Gunning's dismisal. It was a night of mixed emotions for the young Irish defender. He was involved in the first Wigan goal when he and the Wigan forward both went for the ball and it seemed to go off Gunning via the Wigan player into the net. He then headed home the equaliser before being sent off for a second yellow card.

Dunny came off injured early in the second half while Benjani and Hoilett made little impression on the Wigan defence. Indeed, Wigan had the opportunites in the first half to have had the game won before they eventually snatched a late winner.

One point from three games is a disappointing return after the Reserves enjoyed such an impressive pre-season.

[Iceman]

A very disappointing performance from the Reserves tonight - going down 2-1 to Wigan Athletic at Robin Park. I suspect that the senior players - and it was a very strong side tonight - were using the game as a fitness exercise. However, as a result, the game lacked the urgency that the younger players tend to show in these matches. Linganzi was the pick of the Rovers' team, performing well in midfield and then going into the centre of defence following Gavin Gunning's dismisal. It was a night of mixed emotions for the young Irish defender. He was involved in the first Wigan goal when he and the Wigan forward both went for the ball and it seemed to go off Gunning via the Wigan player into the net. He then headed home the equaliser before being sent off for a second yellow card.

Dunny came off injured AGAIN early in the second half while Benjani and Hoilett made little impression on the Wigan defence. Indeed, Wigan had the opportunites in the first half to have had the game won before they eventually snatched a late winner.

One point from three games is a disappointing return after the Reserves enjoyed such an impressive pre-season.

Parsonblue, ive rectified your post.

[67splitscreen]

Morris Official two year + 1 option.

[gumboots]

Parsonblue, ive rectified your post.

Using the match as a fitness exercise didn't do Dunn much good , did it?

[rebelmswar]

Its more like a surviveability exercise.

I swear, God must hate David Dunn.

[den]

Good move and finish by Jason Roberts. rovers 1-1 Man utd.

[den]

Pen to rovers.

2-1

[den]

United equalise 93mins 40 secs.

FT whistle blows straight away.

[roversmum]

Sounds like Fergie was there then

[den]

Solskjaer was. Didn't realise he was still involved.

Only saw the second half, but rovers played some good stuff mum.

[cn174]

He pretty much allowed kick off then blew his whistle. Grr.

Missed first 20 minutes because of a massive queue trying to get into Sports Village. First half thought we were just containing them, did quite well until they got a pen.

Second half we were much better and had more possession and chances. Nice goal from Roberts, think it was Hoilett who played him through.

Didn't see the penalty very clearly but it looked like Hoilett just run into the keeper than was fouled. But nice to get rub of the green vs Man U.

We'd done well not to let them score at end, they got one chance and it went iin bottom corner. Just before Obertan had gone clean though with Frankie on edge of box but he recovered well to block.

Btw this stadium complex aint designed for a massive 3600 crowd, managed to write this whilst moving a whole 5m along the car park.

[den]

Def a pen Claire. Keeper flattened Hoilett after Hoilett had pushed the ball past him.

[roversmum]

Ah. Would have liked to go, but not feeling too good and have to take Miss Roversmum and her luggage to Loughborough University tomorrow so thought had better give it a miss.

Maybe it was for the best, then. Glad the lads had a good run out, thanks for info, Den and Clare.

[den]

have to take Miss Roversmum and her luggage to Loughborough University tomorrow

Sounds positive mum.

[Amo]

I thought Rovers sat on their lead too early. There were chances to attack them, but we just tried to run the clock down - not something you can afford to do against any incarnation of Man. Utd. Still, a good performance from the reserves.

[roversmum]

Yes, Den. Fingers crossed - still under intensive physiotherapy but getting there thank goodness.

Glad ManU didn't win anyhow

[Parsonblue]

I thought that Frankie Fielding was the star man for the Rovers tonight. He made a string of excellent saves in the first half to keep the Rovers in the game. United's penalty seemed harsh at the time but, in truth, they dominated the opening half and but for Fielding they would have been out of sight by the interval.

In the second half we got to grips with things and deservedly took the lead. Hoilett, who was again a mixture of good and indifferent, threaded a super ball through for Roberts to run onto and beat the 'keeper. Hoilett then converted a penalty after being brought down.

Apart from Fielding, I thought Linganzi had another good game as did Morris on the left side of attack.

It was a fairly entertaining game and once we had gone 2-1 up we played some wonderful football, keeping possession and knocking it around very confidently. The late goal was unfortuanate but this was the best performance we have given since the end of the pre-season games.