v Burnley (h) - 4/1/2025

[K-Hod]

Just now, RevidgeBlue said:

Yeah - Gallagher, Lowe, Evans, Bennett - all world beaters.

Tronstad doesn't fit into that bracket - I just think he's extremely ordinary.

And others you wouldn’t give any credit to.

Anyway, you’ve clearly got your favourites and those you wouldn’t give credit to, even if they saved you from a burning building, so probably best to leave it there.

[Adam C]

A frustrating match. Felt like we deserved a draw and neither team did enough to win it. It actually hurt to see the Burnley bastards celebrating that goal. 

I thought Brittain was excellent. Ran up and down the right all match and called out for the ball on a number of occasions when he had acres of space. Gueye makes trouble but he can’t pass, had a poor shot and is very slow. Why we don’t aim at him from corners is beyond me though. 

We were beaten today by a far better squad but as others have said we ran them very very close. The players worked so hard and I can’t criticise them even if the skill element is missing. We signed these guys for free or buttons; comoaring Gueye to Gallagher is mental - fee and wages are tiny in comparison. We will get worse than this creditable performance if money isn’t invested - we’re awful at creating and finishing chances already, and when Dolan leaves and Beck returns to Liverpool we’ll have two massive holes to fill.

I loved seeing Ewood full and the atmosphere was unreal. I’ll be back again soon, probably in summer months rather than January as I’m still trying to thaw out 6 hours later in the airport. 
 

 
 

 

[RevidgeBlue]

3 minutes ago, K-Hod said:

And others you wouldn’t give any credit to.

Anyway, you’ve clearly got your favourites and those you wouldn’t give credit to, even if they saved you from a burning building, so probably best to leave it there.

Callum Brittain is cleared to pull me out of the flames then.

[Blackpool_Rover]

We are all disappointed but let’s not overreact. Rovers fans on social media and in LET comments saying 2 points from 15 is relegation form. Yes. 18 from the previous 18 was promotion form. What’s their point?

We played 3 good teams in Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley. Our players showed some mettle to come back in two of them.

Today…both teams were rubbish going forward. We switched off and it fell nicely for them. Could have been us. That’s life.

Cantwell, Beck and Baker the main disappointments for me. I thought Brittain played well and I know there’s a lot of hate for Gueye but he had no service. There wasn’t much he could do.

If we sign a couple of players and keep hold of Eustace we have a good shout of the play offs. Big If I know.

[RTM08]

First game live in a long time due to my location, and a bit of a sickener really - beyond the midfield we just have nothing to offer. The Dingles were arguably worse, but because they could spunk money they had that one moment that made the difference. 

The back 4 were mostly solid, and Beck and Brittain offered the most going forwards. We're really missing Travis, as neither Sonny or Baker offer anything other than shielding the back 4 which leaves Cantwell, Dolan and ACD isolated, especially considering the waste of space in front of them. Anyone saying Gueye is better than a fit Gallagher needs to give their heads a wobble. He's the clumsiest player I've ever seen, just every so often that clumsiness works in our favour rather than the other 20 times where it has given away a foul or lost the ball. 

At the end of the day, they were by far the favourites, so to watch a squad worth that much more than ours resort to constant timewasting, diving and the lack of class after the game against a depleted Rovers is a step in the right direction. We do however, need quality signings this month because too many players are passengers at the moment, especially those on the bench.

[RevidgeBlue]

9 minutes ago, Adam C said:

A frustrating match. Felt like we deserved a draw and neither team did enough to win it. It actually hurt to see the Burnley bastards celebrating that goal. 

I thought Brittain was excellent. Ran up and down the right all match and called out for the ball on a number of occasions when he had acres of space. Gueye makes trouble but he can’t pass, had a poor shot and is very slow. Why we don’t aim at him from corners is beyond me though. 

We were beaten today by a far better squad but as others have said we ran them very very close. The players worked so hard and I can’t criticise them even if the skill element is missing. We signed these guys for free or buttons; comoaring Gueye to Gallagher is mental - fee and wages are tiny in comparison. We will get worse than this creditable performance if money isn’t invested - we’re awful at creating and finishing chances already, and when Dolan leaves and Beck returns to Liverpool we’ll have two massive holes to fill.

I loved seeing Ewood full and the atmosphere was unreal. I’ll be back again soon, probably in summer months rather than January as I’m still trying to thaw out 6 hours later in the airport. 
 

 
 

 

Great post and valid point about the relative cost of the 2 G's which never seems to get taken into consideration.

[smiller14]

My pessimistic worry is that whilst we are showing positive signs, any hope will be extinguished soon, whether it's a bungled window or our manager leaving. It makes the defeats more galling - if today isn't our day, when will it be? 

[Penwortham Blue]

25 minutes ago, Blackpool_Rover said:

We are all disappointed but let’s not overreact. Rovers fans on social media and in LET comments saying 2 points from 15 is relegation form. Yes. 18 from the previous 18 was promotion form. What’s their point?

We played 3 good teams in Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley. Our players showed some mettle to come back in two of them.

Today…both teams were rubbish going forward. We switched off and it fell nicely for them. Could have been us. That’s life.

Cantwell, Beck and Baker the main disappointments for me. I thought Brittain played well and I know there’s a lot of hate for Gueye but he had no service. There wasn’t much he could do.

If we sign a couple of players and keep hold of Eustace we have a good shout of the play offs. Big If I know.

Good post, pragmatic and valid.

[jim mk2]

Some more thoughts

On the plus side Tronstad, Baath, Brittain and Beck had excellent games, the latter will be sorely missed when he goes back. 

However Cantwell is a lightweight show pony who flatters to deceive

Today was depressing in so many ways. The squad is overall very poor and not good enough to challenge for promotion

Watching Burnley players celebrate with their fans really hurt. Who was the player who grabbed the corner flag and ran around with it covered in  Burnley shirt? As for Ashley Barnes he needs sorting out … away from the football pitch 

 

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Kirk Marsden was also given a good send off by both sets of supporters.

LT reporting just six arrests on the day in a crowd that size.

Edited January 4 by SIMON GARNERS 194

[JHRover]

A horrible day for several reasons. Unlike some I dread these occasions due to the pressure and hassle involved.

A familiar story, doing most things right for most of the game but not having enough quality or depth in the last 30 minutes. We've seen it unfold 4-5 times already this season in similar circumstances. 

They didn't deserve to win but the second they went 1-0 up I couldn't see any way back and think it was too easy for them to get through the rest of the game with minimal trouble.

I'm not going to blame the players or manager. I think they did the best they could and fine margins etc.

Our collapse over the last 15 years to a position now where a win over them seems as distant as ever I feel is the perfect manifestation of the Venky regime. Our last win against them coming just before they darkened our door and ever since they've had the better of us. 

Their poisonous presence has made this a losing club. It is a pretty woeful tale in all derby games - Preston, Wigan, Bolton too but especially bad in this one. 

We also never seem to be able to get home with the win in home or away games with a big Rovers support on.

25,900 'sellout' though. Has anyone heard anything as daft as that in their lives?

Red carpet treatment for that lot. Hospitality, flags laid out across the Darwen End, thanks for coming. Stark contrast to the vile treatment our fans get there. Too much nicey nicey down at Ewood.

Also a final mention for the officiating in the two derby games this season. With an element of competence and honesty from the officials we might have had more than 1 point from 6. A legitimate goal disallowed at their place, a red card following a refereeing failure forcing us to play for 40 minutes with 10 men, and then today allowing a joke of 4 minutes injury time.

It is absolutely irrelevant whether people think we would have scored if the time was longer. Another few minutes, the least we should have had, allows for another 5-6 launches into their box. 

We go to Millwall, Leeds, Sheff Wed and they add on 8-9 minutes when we want the game over with. We play dingles and Hull at home and need a goal we get the minimum 4 minutes. Maybe Sky wanted to get their adverts on quick. A total disgrace. As we witnessed at Preston a year or two ago all it takes is one of those balls into the box to bounce off someone and its an equaliser. 

Anyhow, that's enough worrying about external factors - other teams, referees etc. In any organisation / body you have to get things right internally before you worry about external threats. Until we've removed the poison within and recovered from its effects we are wasting our time worrying about outside issues.

[47er]

3 minutes ago, JHRover said:

Anyhow, that's enough worrying about external factors - other teams, referees etc. In any organisation / body you have to get things right internally before you worry about external threats. Until we've removed the poison within and recovered from its effects we are wasting our time worrying about outside issues.

This

[roversfan99]

2 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

ACD, came short far too often, didn't look to get in behind their right back Roberts. 

Always blaming Gueye for not meeting ACD's crosses or was it ACD not picking out his man like Wilcox and Ripley used to do for Sir Alan Shearer during their time here. 

Dolan just did more, played higher, look to do things, him and Brittain have a good understanding between them. 

You are great at picking stats out that suit your points aren't you? Ohashi has 5 goals in 24 goals so that's is almost 10 goals a season average which is good is this level. We missed him today. 

We know you don't rated him at all

couldn't agree more as well as Trafford and Brownhill. 

Did Dolan have any shots, create any chances etc?

Or just "look to do things."

ACD very much did look to do things, even if it wasnt that much. His cross was really good but Gueye made himself impossible to pick out as he was nowhere near the danger area, the ball was really inviting.

[M_B]

23 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Did Dolan have any shots, create any chances etc?

Or just "look to do things."

ACD very much did look to do things, even if it wasnt that much. His cross was really good but Gueye made himself impossible to pick out as he was nowhere near the danger area, the ball was really inviting.

It's that goal involvement thing we're looking for.

[onlyonejackwalker]

Disappointing day, as much for the three points as any rivalry.

Was a tad suprised at the starting line up. Easy now with hindsight, but Dolan, ACD and Cantwell are very lightweight and gentle players. It felt like a gamble, but i guess Eustace was desperate for that first goal and thought that was his best option. Unfortunately, none of the four with Gueye score any goals.

I had wondered if both JRC and Hedges would start outwide, simply to try and impose ourselves physically. And leave options off the bench. Regardless, it wasn't to be.

For me, when all are clearly trying their bollocks off, the biggest disappointment is when fans start highlighting individuals in the blame game. 

It was Pears, Pickering, Hyam, Hedges and Dolan early in the season. Then Gueye, Ohashi, Hedges, Dolan, mid-season. Now its Gueye, Tronstad, Cantwell, Leonard, Baker, Buckley. And again a little bit of Dolan of course.

But we are not in the bottom four. We are in the top eight with a game in hand and have just played three of the top four.

This group of players haven't collapsed. All this death spiral nonsense applies to the past not the current group. This lot are mentally strong with big balls and I'm at last proud of the team and really enjoying a football season again. Because all are giving 100% at all times and I cannot ask for any more.

They just can't score any fucking goals.

 

[roversfan99]

16 minutes ago, M_B said:

It's that goal involvement thing we're looking for.

The wingers cant hold a candle to our prolific one goal a season striker featuring missed tap ins and headers 30 yards out.

[Nic81]

Are there any other teams that when they win a derby they act like Burnley? Absolutely hate it. Classless. 

[onlyonejackwalker]

2 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

The wingers cant hold a candle to our prolific one goal a season striker featuring missed tap ins and headers 30 yards out.

Is anyone else allowed to score?

[Uddersfelt Blue]

Regardless of the result and performance, myself and many have commented about not letting that lot have the whole Darwen End. Games are won on the pitch not in the stands. We can’t afford to turn down potential income when it’s available. 

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

2 minutes ago, Uddersfelt Blue said:

Regardless of the result and performance, myself and many have commented about not letting that lot have the whole Darwen End. Games are won on the pitch not in the stands. We can’t afford to turn down potential income when it’s available. 

If I thought for one minute that the extra income would be spent on strengthening the team I would agree with you. But it won’t be.

[JHRover]

10 minutes ago, Uddersfelt Blue said:

Regardless of the result and performance, myself and many have commented about not letting that lot have the whole Darwen End. Games are won on the pitch not in the stands. We can’t afford to turn down potential income when it’s available. 

Before we give them extra tickets why not give Rovers fans extra tickets?

[chaddyrovers]

1 hour ago, roversfan99 said:

Did Dolan have any shots, create any chances etc?

Or just "look to do things."

ACD very much did look to do things, even if it wasnt that much. His cross was really good but Gueye made himself impossible to pick out as he was nowhere near the danger area, the ball was really inviting.

you mean in the 11 minute of the game and the cross that almost picked out Dolan? the cross is too far and deep ahead for Gueye to reach it. Its about 10 yards away from Gueye but Dolan almost got the end off. 

I said ACD was far too deep, I don't think he is good as you do. different opinions. 

[onlyonejackwalker]

8 minutes ago, Uddersfelt Blue said:

Regardless of the result and performance, myself and many have commented about not letting that lot have the whole Darwen End. Games are won on the pitch not in the stands. We can’t afford to turn down potential income when it’s available. 

Yup. Common sense to me, but many will argue it disadvantages our team with big away followings.

But it didn't help Leeds with 7000, or guarantee a win for Sunderland. But Stoke and Hull left with three points.

Rovers fans get twitchy with big away followings for some reason I can't work out. I'd drag as many fans in as possible.

[Parsonblue]

3 hours ago, RevidgeBlue said:

Tronstad doesn't fit into that bracket - I just think he's extremely ordinary.

For me, Tronstad has been our player of the season thus far.  As a defensive midfield player I don't think I've seen many better in this League this season.  He and Travis had a wonderful partnership and, in fairness, I don't think Baker has done too badly since he came in although doesn't have the same drive as Trav.  For me Tronstad is one player who deserves an extension to his contract.  Never get less than an 8 out of 10 every game from that guy.  His job is guard that back four and he does it wonderfully well.  Of course, he'll make the odd mistake, all players, even the greatest, do, but for me he is the first name on the team sheet every game.

[Parsonblue]

After watching the policing operation today I couldn't help reflect on my first experiences of this derby.  Rovers and Burnley fans mingling peacefully together on the Longside at the Turf.  Fans from both sides enjoying a laugh and a joke without a hint of violence between fans and just the odd policeman here and there.  But above all, everyone enjoying a game of football and the players - the likes of Dougie, Clayton McIlroy, Adamson, etc competitive and the field and friends off it.

Today it's a military operation and the game and atmosphere not an enjoyable experience.  Looking at the numbers of police deployed all over town today it was hard to believe that this was all due to 90 minutes of football.  I feel that somewhere along the line we've lost all sense of proportion when it comes to this fixture. 

I thought today's game was awful - two side terrified of losing - with little creative football being played by either side.