[Archived] A Journey Into Mordor

[AllRoverAsia]

Three welcome points after an electric start. A lot of the half time chat was around how important the next goal would have been. I would have liked to have gone for this but don't get me wrong I am delighted with the win. I was frustrated at the length of time it took to make the change when Hanley was injured. I just couldn't understand why a decision wasn't made quicker as we risked conceding with Akpan at centre half. It just seemed unprofessional.

Bowyer thought Hanley was coming back on after the stitches. It was only after they were done that Hanley started to feel poorly and dizzy, hence the sub delay.

Changed my mind about Marshall at FB. His passing from deep was good, especially in the first half. Duffy can defend well but a pass is beyond him. Lawrence is a class act. Steele is an accident waiting to happen. Akpan was immense and seemed to get stronger as the game went on. I wish Conway would shoot sooner. Leeds are a mess but we don't care. Evans OUT!

[Waggy76]

That is the best kick off I have seen from Rovers in 36 years of watching them.

I can go back 46 years and i cant remember one like it !

[Parsonblue]

Superb 'team' performance. After a cracking start - I can't remember anything like that kick off during the fifty odd years I've watched Rovers - we managed the game extremely well. Duffy and Hanley were excellent, Evans and Akpan completely dominated in midfield and Lawrence caused them huge problems in the first half. Well done to Bowyer and the players on a brilliant night for the fans.

[Hasta]

Changed my mind about Marshall at FB. His passing from deep was good, especially in the first half.

Marshall is excellent on the ball,especially as at full back he is often up against a winger or midfielder rather than an actual defender.

The problem is, when a man runs at him, he struggles. He got ripped to shreds at MK Dons, Arfield ran at him once and skinned him and I can only remember one guy running at him in the second half last night and he got past him also.

Henley kept sterling quiet for two games last season. Marshall v sterling would have been a disaster. Henleys problem though is he struggles positionally and physically. You shouldn't be changing the defence depending on whether the opposition have pace or not. Ultimately, I think what I am saying is we need a new right back !!!

[AllRoverAsia]

I will be amazed if Henley does not push for a move away. You are spot on Hasta, Marshall is very good as an offensive RB but limited when defending against speed running at him. I watch the MK Dons game on RP when he got mullered and then lost interest.

If Rovers are on top in a game it's logical imo that Marshall's attributes are better used further up the field.

If Henley is going to be history (and if I was him I would want gone to save a possible Wales career) then a new and proper RB is essential.

[Mattyblue]

It's the inconsistency that drives you mad.

Looking at the game in isolation, you'd think we've a chance of being up there- dangerous going forward, tenacious in the middle, with quality out wide and solid at the back.

Yet, performances like yesterday and Ipswich are normally aberrations before we go on another winless streak.

We all know Bowyer won't be going, so we can only pray that we can kick on, nothing over the last year says we can, but we've no alternative.

[Tango]

Glad I wasn't the only one to think the ref was bobbins - every aerial challenge was given in Leeds favour, it was really quite ridiculous.

Obviously a good, and welcome three points, but we were pretty mediocre after the first 10 minutes. Defending of set pieces remains a real concern. Why on earth did Bowyer not immediately replace Hanley with Kilgallon - at 2-0 up with 20 mins on the clock and a very dependable replacement on the bench, why run the risk? And why always wait till the 88th minute to start making substitutions? Use them to break up the opposition's flow, man!!

Roll on Birmingham I suppose!

[Gav]

With you on that one Gav. Played well tonight off the ball, last thing we need is him on it. Like the bloke but he is not a friend of the ball

Yes I agree fully, not sure he's the answer myself, but I hope I'm wrong because like Neal I think said, we need a player that can support the back 4, but he needs to be able to pass a ball, last night wasn't much of a test.

Encouraging though.

[Gav]

It's the inconsistency that drives you mad.

Looking at the game in isolation, you'd think we've a chance of being up there- dangerous going forward, tenacious in the middle, with quality out wide and solid at the back.

Yet, performances like yesterday and Ipswich are normally aberrations before we go on another winless streak.

We all know Bowyer won't be going, so we can only pray that we can kick on, nothing over the last year says we can, but we've no alternative.

Sadly Matty that's where we are as a club, the squads full of players that are inconsistent, that's usually what you get when you're shopping in the market we are. The odd flash of brilliance then 5 games of obscurity, if they performed week in week out a couple would be premiership players, but they don't and we must get used to it.

[Speedie Dived]

I will be amazed if Henley does not push for a move away. You are spot on Hasta, Marshall is very good as an offensive RB but limited when defending against speed running at him. I watch the MK Dons game on RP when he got mullered and then lost interest.

If Rovers are on top in a game it's logical imo that Marshall's attributes are better used further up the field.

If Henley is going to be history (and if I was him I would want gone to save a possible Wales career) then a new and proper RB is essential.

Marshall/ Taylor combo are better than Henley/Marshall at the moment by some distance. Marshall is starting attacks for us now where Henley would just be getting it forward. Definite improvement in our play since Marshall gone to RB.

[jw_]

I believe that GB's pre game statement that "a win at Leeds will kick start the season" was based on the fact that Leeds are going through a horror run of form so Rovers were a good bet to win. Now however comes the crunch, because now that the kick start was successful it has to be continued. Time will tell.

[philipl]

Easy to lose games like that by having a casual attitude. We didn't. We were ruthless. I'm happy, you be as miserable as you like..

I am ecstatic that we finally have a points total that exptrapolated to the end of the season would probably keep us up.

Woodydoo, the Premier League Championship winners are going to stay in the second division with clueless owners, a total nob ender Chairman and a liability of a manager with fans draining away in disillusionment.

[Mattyblue]

Sadly Matty that's where we are as a club, the squads full of players that are inconsistent, that's usually what you get when you're shopping in the market we are. The odd flash of brilliance then 5 games of obscurity, if they performed week in week out a couple would be premiership players, but they don't and we must get used to it.

Most players in the Championship arent Premier League players, yet many still deliver a consistent tune- that to me is down to the management.

[arbitro]

I believe that GB's pre game statement that "a win at Leeds will kick start the season" was based on the fact that Leeds are going through a horror run of form so Rovers were a good bet to win. Now however comes the crunch, because now that the kick start was successful it has to be continued. Time will tell.

Bowyer has raised the bar now with his comments. People will look for the team to kick on now but if they don't Bowyers comments could come back and bite him on the arris.

[AllRoverAsia]

Marshall shows his ball saving skills...................

http://www.joe.ie/sport/video-leeds-ball-boy-takes-his-frustration-out-on-an-innocent-blackburn-player/517497

[Gav]

Most players in the Championship arent Premier League players, yet many still deliver a consistent tune- that to me is down to the management.

The difference between the 2 leagues is consistency, they're championship players because no manager has been able to get these players performing week in week out, so you're right about blaming management in a way, but I think you're being a bit harsh on the likes of Pearson, Bruce, Martin O'Neill etc who all failed to get consistency out of some of these players.

[scotty_beam_me_up]

I've advocated GB's removal but performances if not results have picked up over the last 5 games. One thing about the embargo is it forces him to stick with a settled side something we all wanted last season.

40/1 for promotion.......

[AllRoverAsia]

I've advocated GB's removal but performances if not results have picked up over the last 5 games. One thing about the embargo is it forces him to stick with a settled side something we all wanted last season.

40/1 for promotion.......

The injuries have been a major factor too

[RoverNev]

Marshall is excellent on the ball,especially as at full back he is often up against a winger or midfielder rather than an actual defender.

The problem is, when a man runs at him, he struggles. He got ripped to shreds at MK Dons, Arfield ran at him once and skinned him and I can only remember one guy running at him in the second half last night and he got past him also.

Henley kept sterling quiet for two games last season. Marshall v sterling would have been a disaster. Henleys problem though is he struggles positionally and physically. You shouldn't be changing the defence depending on whether the opposition have pace or not. Ultimately, I think what I am saying is we need a new right back !!!

I don't disagree with us needing a new right back, but I think Marshall really offers so much more in there than Henley. For me, Henley has had a couple of good games for us, like you said, the two against Liverpool, but I don't think he offers a considerable amount more, defensively, than Marshall.

In other words, I don't think either of them are the strongest defensively, so Marshall would get the nod for me, simply because he is so comfortable on the ball. There is a noticeable difference when playing a full back whose technique and control is very very good.

[AllRoverAsia]

What an odd game football has become when most agree that the defensive part of their game is the weak point of our main RB choices. In the day defending was what FBs did. Never mind I suppose it's an age thing. Mind you when fit Lowe at RB and Marshall further up..............

[RoverNev]

What an odd game football has become when most agree that the defensive part of their game is the weak point of our main RB choices. In the day defending was what FBs did. Never mind I suppose it's an age thing. Mind you when fit Lowe at RB and Marshall further up..............

I'd prefer a defensive full back more than anything else, but I don't think we have one in the squad. Jason Lowe should be no where near this side I'm afraid

[Colt Seavers]

Something has finally clicked in the last few weeks. We have a solid back five that very rarely concedes. This has been years in the making and it gives us a massive opportunity to win games.

The removal of Rudy is allowing Rhodes to flourish. I never felt he enjoyed playing with Rudy. Like many strikers, he thrives off the love of fans and teammates who regard him as top of the heap.

We have a combative, ball winning midfield for the first time in years and we are fitter too. I am genuinely excited by our team and hopeful for the rest of the season.

I can't see us losing too many.

[Hasta]

Something has finally clicked in the last few weeks. We have a solid back five that very rarely concedes. This has been years in the making and it gives us a massive opportunity to win games.

The removal of Rudy is allowing Rhodes to flourish. I never felt he enjoyed playing with Rudy. Like many strikers, he thrives off the love of fans and teammates who regard him as top of the heap.

We have a combative, ball winning midfield for the first time in years and we are fitter too. I am genuinely excited by our team and hopeful for the rest of the season.

I can't see us losing too many.

If we only win 1 in 4 when we 'click' , god help us.

[joey_big_nose]

The difference between the 2 leagues is consistency, they're championship players because no manager has been able to get these players performing week in week out, so you're right about blaming management in a way, but I think you're being a bit harsh on the likes of Pearson, Bruce, Martin O'Neill etc who all failed to get consistency out of some of these players.

I'd say the biggest factor in consistency are finding a good system that suits the players and sticking to it. That's what characterises all successful clubs (with a few exceptions).

As the players get more and more used to the system they become more consistent as they know what they need to do to be a success in their role.

I'd say for the first time since Allardyce left we've achieved this. We have a system that seems to suit everybody in the XI and that is a good thing. I expect the players to get more consistent game by game.

Indeed I would say already, if you ignore MK gane where Henley was sent off so early, most players across the team have been more consistent. Particularly Rhodes, Lawrence, Evans, Akpan, Hanley, Duffy and Olsson.

Partnerships and understandings do seem to be forming.

[rog of the rovers]

In my opinion, the perfect away performance.

Struck early (twice) and worked ever so hard.

Had as many if not more chances to make it 0-3 rather than Leeds making it 1-2

Steele - 6 - Kicking still suspect, also possibly got away with a handball. Not a lot to do other than that.

Marshall - 8 - Is he better suited at right back? So good to have a player who is comfortable to run the ball out of defence and build the play rather than the big hoof.

Duffy - 8 - Everything Duffy loves, balls pumped up and a physical battle with the strikers.

Hanley - 8 - Like Duffy, Leeds style suited him to the ground

Olsson - 6 - Not a bad performance, but not his usual standards when it came to crossing. Steady away

Taylor - 6 - Like Olsson, was steady. Asked to graft and help Marshall on the right side, performed admirably. Great to see him back in the side.

Evans - 7 - Another composed performance from Evans, striking up a nice relationship with Akpan

Akpan 7 - How are some fans not convinced by him? He's everything I thought Etuhu would be. Absolute beast in the middle, becoming a key cog.

Conway - 9 - My man of the match, took his goal well, some excellent driving runs, battler, strong in the challenge, up and down the touchline all night.

Lawrence - 8 - Great response after Saturday, Leeds couldn't handle him, cracking run for the second. Hope we have him til the end of the season at least.

Rhodes - 7 - A classic Rhodes game and goal. What did he do apart from score? Does it matter?

Subs

Kilgallon - Steady away. Not a bad player to have coming off the bench.

Delfouneso - Put in the leg work.

O'Sullivan -Got stuck in nicely.