v Sunderland (a) - 21/4/2025

[chaddyrovers]

14 minutes ago, philipl said:

Sunderland were on holiday today including a strange starting selection by their coach.

Le Bris has been rotation his squad for few games now and given his fringe players more game time in case he needs them during the playoffs 

[B16Rover]

20 minutes ago, philipl said:

Absolutely no way we are getting 6th but 7th is quite realistic. Unfortunately we have to be in League 2 or the Naltional League for that to be meaningful.

Sunderland were on holiday today including a strange starting selection by their coach.

We have to beat what is in front of us and we did. Only Woodrow was below the standard of the other players but his control in the goal build up was top class. Nice to see some quality crossing in the first half but of course Gueye wasn't on the pitch to benefit.

Not wanting to jinx him, but I increasingly think we have a keeper in Toth - his distribution in the last two games has been excellent. Good to see Ribeiro keep his place and Brittain continuing his great form. Big plus to see Tyjon at the end.

Toth is another who doesn't command his box.  Routinely pinned to the goal line.  He seems a decent reaction saved and so can maybe see the logic, especially when you have Batth to sweep up the first ball, but he's getting on a bit.  Cautious about banking on him next year.  

[Waggy76]

44 minutes ago, Michael123458 said:

Not over yet pal 

It is! 

[roversfan99]

Wasnt a pleasant watch but a very impressive defensive display and subsequent result. Obviously mathematically we can still make the play offs but it feels like too little too late and considering how bad we were especially when Ismael came in and how even just a win or two extra in some favourable fixtures could have had us right in there, it is so frustrating and all stems back to the owners.

Going forward bar one attack we were totally non existent and it is little surprise considering how bad our set of attackers are. Ohashi was invisible, Hedges again offers nothing (1 goal as a regular with 2 games to go!) and Woodrow aside from a nice pass leading to the goal was well off the standard needed. Dolan was again the one who stood out, great finish and linked play well. Hes shown real improvement and his inevitable exit is another symptom of how the club is run.

Defensively though, considering basically the whole game was played in our half, for our defence to ensure that not only did we not concede but Toth was a total bystander was outstanding. Batth and Hyam as a pairing were superb and not for the first time this season. Ribeiro had a shaky moment or two but in general was solid and put in one crucial tackle and Brittain was not at the same level as the other day but still very good. Having Tronstad back fully fit makes a big difference too.

Subs wise, thought Montgomery slotted in very well and Forshaw had his best cameo in a Rovers shirt. Still would be strongly against a new deal and overall dont think hes good enough but credit where its due, really good. Gueye again showed really poor body language. 

Tyjon was a surprising sub and didnt obviously get long. With such a small squad to work with, it feels like the out of favour duo of Buckley and JRC are on borrowed time.

[arbitro]

Another nice journey home after watching Rovers claim their third successive win with a solid if unspectacular performance. And once again Ismael gets some praise from me as his changes were exactly what was needed to see us over the line.

Sunderland looked like they were going for the record number of corners in the first ten minutes As we didn't see too much of the ball but we patiently played our way into the game with some good passing and movement. Scoring first is always important and Dolan with a smart finish out us ahead and gave us something to defend.

And once again we defended as if our lives depended on it as we blocked and tackled with great commitment.

Toth once again proved he is a better all round keeper that Pears and only conceding one goal in three games should ensure his place for the last two games and further opportunity to establish himself.

All the defence and midfield worked exceptionally hard as did Dolan and Ohashi.

I really don't believe that, despite it still being mathematically possible that we will make the playoffs but this winning feeling certainly beats the depression of losing and long may it last.

[chaddyrovers]

18 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Ohashi was invisible

I can't agree here. He worked his socks off, hold the ball up, sit in when needed. Very much reminds me of Paul Dickov. 

19 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

it feels like the out of favour duo of Buckley and JRC are on borrowed time.

I didn't see it as Buckley type game to be honest and Ismael seems to have reached the same assessment as myself that JRC isn't a right back and I can see him leaving this summer to play more

[chaddyrovers]

 

 

[roversfan99]

4 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

I can't agree here. He worked his socks off, hold the ball up, sit in when needed. Very much reminds me of Paul Dickov. 

I didn't see it as Buckley type game to be honest and Ismael seems to have reached the same assessment as myself that JRC isn't a right back and I can see him leaving this summer to play more

But in an attacking sense he didnt do anything which was my point.

It wasnt a Buckley game, I would agree there. No Championship game is as he isnt good enough.

[chaddyrovers]

2 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

But in an attacking sense he didnt do anything which was my point.

We didn't as team do much. Took the lead and hold onto what we had. 

[roversfan99]

3 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

We didn't as team do much. Took the lead and hold onto what we had. 

Mentioned in my review of the game. Only had 2 shots all game and one was blocked. Very limited squad going forward, Hedges isnt good enough, neither is Woodrow, Ohashi has his uses but struggled today. Dolan the one bright spark but soon to be let go. Defensively it says a lot that we had no attacking threat yet defended so well that Toth barely had anything to do, and never felt likely to concede.

It was an extreme version of Luton away which also had the feeling of a Eustace performance. Gestede might not be happy as it isnt the style he insists we should play but it was again very effective.

 

[Tomphil2]

46 minutes ago, B16Rover said:

Toth is another who doesn't command his box.  Routinely pinned to the goal line.  He seems a decent reaction saved and so can maybe see the logic, especially when you have Batth to sweep up the first ball, but he's getting on a bit.  Cautious about banking on him next year.  

Those kind of keepers are gone its been a dying art to command the box for a few years now.

One after another we'll say the same things but i'm encouraged by what iv'e seen from Toth so far, he's certainly better than Leo.

[Bohinen1983]

Just looking at the player ratings...not a fan of Foreshaw, however thought he played really well.. surprised he wasn't around a 7 at least.. likewise I couldn't separate Woodrow and Ohashi.. However Woodrow at least got an assist.. Funny old game is football..

[Andy]

1 minute ago, Bohinen1983 said:

Just looking at the player ratings...not a fan of Foreshaw, however thought he played really well.. surprised he wasn't around a 7 at least.. likewise I couldn't separate Woodrow and Ohashi.. However Woodrow at least got an assist.. Funny old game is football..

Thought the same, just did my own ratings.

Wasn't a fan of Woodrow playing, but he did ok - and got the assist.

Forshaw was actually very decent today.

[M_B]

Just now, Bohinen1983 said:

Just looking at the player ratings...not a fan of Foreshaw, however thought he played really well.. surprised he wasn't around a 7 at least.. likewise I couldn't separate Woodrow and Ohashi.. However Woodrow at least got an assist.. Funny old game is football..

I thought Forshaw did a good job at Luton as well , a cool, experienced head when needed.

He looks like he's enjoying it here, maybe needed some game time and could, perhaps be a reliable sub with a bit of nous to give the other 2 some respite.

[Exiled in Toronto Mk2]

Noticeable that the new gaffer has put a stop to Dolan’s drag backs, back heels and going round in circles - as did JDT - and he’s a much better player for it; good movement prior to create space for the pass and a good finish. And no way we get that goal with Pears - the quick releasing of the ball by Toth found a player who’d made a run to get into space - he’d have wasted his breath with Pears. I said two moths ago I thought we’d only get in the playoffs if the manager had the balls to drop Pears and Cantwell, which he didn’t till it was too late… 

[chaddyrovers]

12 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Mentioned in my review of the game. Only had 2 shots all game and one was blocked. Very limited squad going forward, Hedges isnt good enough, neither is Woodrow, Ohashi has his uses but struggled today. Dolan the one bright spark but soon to be let go. Defensively it says a lot that we had no attacking threat yet defended so well that Toth barely had anything to do, and never felt likely to concede.

It was an extreme version of Luton away which also had the feeling of a Eustace performance. Gestede might not be happy as it isnt the style he insists we should play but it was again very effective.

 

We won and its was very good overall performance. Scored then sit back and made it solid and organised. Sometimes you have play this way and win the game. 

I don't agree Ohashi struggled and it was Hedges pass to Woodrow that got us that goal. 

Very happy Toth performance and the way he rushed out of his goal late on to claimed the ball quicky off his line typified his performance since starting at Luton

[roversfan99]

I dont think Toth has really had much to do at all since he came into the team so its hard to properly judge. Similar to when we kept was it 5 clean sheets on the bounce with Pears earlier in the season, we have defended really well as to not need much from the keeper.

[roversfan99]

2 minutes ago, chaddyrovers said:

We won and its was very good overall performance. Scored then sit back and made it solid and organised. Sometimes you have play this way and win the game. 

I don't agree Ohashi struggled and it was Hedges pass to Woodrow that got us that goal. 

Very happy Toth performance and the way he rushed out of his goal late on to claimed the ball quicky off his line typified his performance since starting at Luton

What we need in the summer is an overhaul in the attacking areas to be honest. Its the weak area of the team clearly. Dolan and Ohashi would be the 2 we would want to stick around, Kargbo still an unknown quantity but obviously keep him around. A chance to shed the likes of Hedges, Woodrow, Dennis and ACD. Gueye I would sell if anyone will pay a fee as it hasnt worked out, Cantwell there is obviously ability there but he will be more tricky to get rid of.

What we will get is an entirely different matter. Dolan will go, Hedges will stay, and it will be a case of loans and cheap signings and most likely more sub par recruits.

[BankEnd Rover]

14 minutes ago, Andy said:

Thought the same, just did my own ratings.

Wasn't a fan of Woodrow playing, but he did ok - and got the assist.

Forshaw was actually very decent today.

Woodrow for me only just tipped the Okay box. He started very poorly but did slowly grow into the game.

He's slow and so when breaking forward wasn't effective enough...Yuki is quicker and much stronger so personally think he should start number 10 next season (if Cantwell leaves)...Seems as if Gueye is out of favour and his body language shows it. 

[Bohinen1983]

1 minute ago, BankEnd Rover said:

Woodrow for me only just tipped the Okay box. He started very poorly but did slowly grow into the game.

He's slow and so when breaking forward wasn't effective enough...Yuki is quicker and much stronger so personally think he should start number 10 next season (if Cantwell leaves)...Seems as if Gueye is out of favour and his body language shows it. 

Totally agree...what I was saying is I thought him and Ohashi were equally poor.. however Woodrow was heavily involved in our goal.. yet Ohashi is significantly higher in the ratings.. I'd have given them both 5.5 however, simply because of his central role in our goal Woodrow deserves a 6 (subjective opinion). I just think the ratings is a really interesting thing to unpick..

[Parsonblue]

Another encouraging display from a team which seems to have found their confidence once again.  Defensively we looked good and battled to protect the lead that Dolan gave us.  Sanderson came on and looked a proper old fashioned defender - no fancy football from him - get the ball as far away from your own penalty area as quickly as possible to relieve the pressure.

I thought Woodrow had his best game for us and was involved in creating our goal.  Not sure I would want to sign him but in fairness, he was pretty decent today.

Tronstad and Travis were at their battling best in midfield whilst Dolan and Yuki never stopped running, chasing and tackling.  Dolan is going to be a huge loss as he is playing out his skin at the moment.  For me, he has been a major asset to this club and I suspect he will be very difficult to replace on a limited budget.

Finally, I have to say that Sunderland's tribute to the late Carlton Fairweather and the way it was done should be a lesson to Rovers.  I only hope Mick McGrath gets a similar tribute on Saturday.

[chaddyrovers]

19 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

What we need in the summer is an overhaul in the attacking areas to be honest. Its the weak area of the team clearly. Dolan and Ohashi would be the 2 we would want to stick around, Kargbo still an unknown quantity but obviously keep him around. A chance to shed the likes of Hedges, Woodrow, Dennis and ACD. Gueye I would sell if anyone will pay a fee as it hasnt worked out, Cantwell there is obviously ability there but he will be more tricky to get rid of.

What we will get is an entirely different matter. Dolan will go, Hedges will stay, and it will be a case of loans and cheap signings and most likely more sub par recruits.

Hopefully Dolan stays. We see. I would keep Gueye, Ohashi(I would give him a new contract aswell), Kargbo for sure as pace and skill I want to see. His pass for Dolan to score against Plymouth was Special. Hedges I would keep. Dennis, Woodrow and ACD no. I would like to keep Weimann aswell. So I would like 2 attacking wide right players(if Dolan goes) and a striker. Then another centre midfielder maybe 2 if Buckley goes. Another keeper and get rid of Pears. Plus a centre back. I think Montgomery and Duru can play as back up to Brittain. 

Edited 11 hours ago by chaddyrovers

[roversfan99]

We need to be ruthless, but cant because of the continued lack of investment/reinvestment.

Hedges has 1 goal and 2 assists in 40 games as a player who plays in an attacking position. No matter how hard he works, he offers nothing going forward. His contract his also up. We reward underperformance here especially when it is cheaper to do so than source a decent player, but its the perfect chance to move him on.

Weimann has been a good short term pick up but he had started to show signs that time was catching up on him as the season went on before suffering a serious injury at a point in his career which makes it harder to make a full recovery. With his contract up I would thank him but not offer a new one.

The Gueye signing hasnt worked out. Not only do I not think he has the quality, but he is so different in terms of type of player that he requires the whole team to set up in a certain way. You cant just slot him in for Ohashi so it disrupts anything we want to try and build. In recent weeks he has also shown poor body language when he has come off the bench.

[LeftWinger]

I think that puts Ismael on 11 points from 10 games. Not great, but worth remembering Eustace managed 7 from his first 10 and didn't win a single one. 

[...]

8 hours ago, roversfan99 said:

We need to be ruthless, but cant because of the continued lack of investment/reinvestment.

Hedges has 1 goal and 2 assists in 40 games as a player who plays in an attacking position. No matter how hard he works, he offers nothing going forward. His contract his also up. We reward underperformance here especially when it is cheaper to do so than source a decent player, but its the perfect chance to move him on.

Weimann has been a good short term pick up but he had started to show signs that time was catching up on him as the season went on before suffering a serious injury at a point in his career which makes it harder to make a full recovery. With his contract up I would thank him but not offer a new one.

The Gueye signing hasnt worked out. Not only do I not think he has the quality, but he is so different in terms of type of player that he requires the whole team to set up in a certain way. You cant just slot him in for Ohashi so it disrupts anything we want to try and build. In recent weeks he has also shown poor body language when he has come off the bench.

Also I think game we have played in the past with him being a big body to target to win a long ball won't be as effective with the likes of Brittain,who can play those balls in, won't be here to do that unless we get like for like