Perhaps the rivalry between us and the Iron is more intense if you do not remember when Scunthorpe were in the MIdland League and they played our "Reserves" and if you were not around in 1958 when we tumbled from the old second division to the 4th in successive seasons while Scunthorpe were on the ascent, so we probably did not meet them in the league until the late 60s.
So, for me, they are just another team rather than the equivalent of Barnsley or Rotherham, both of whom have often been some way apart from us subsequent to my earlier years.
So I remember fairly high-scoring games with Scunthorpe, fairly open, rather than low- scoring physical battles.
I some how feel that Scunthorpe are better than their league position suggests, right at the bottom of the ten-match form table. They started the season quite well, but recently have been very disappointing with a win against Bristol Rovers and a draw with Oxford plus a cup win against Burton all there is to show.
So the odds must be very much in our favour even though Scunthorpe are more successful away.
I'll guess 9000 and Rowe/Anderson/Marquis and 3--1 to us.
A 12:15 start so a point will take us into the play-off spots at least temporarily. I think this will be one that Micky in Portland will decide is sensible to miss.
DPL - Scunthorpe United
posted on 15/12/18
Just a few copies of Populat Stand left. If you want one follow the link
https://twitter.com/vivarovers/status/1073981783941746688?s=21
posted on 15/12/18
It is the sort of match in which we would have conceded at least 1 if not 2 or even 3 under the previous regime. It is to McCann's credit that he has injected confidence and systems that guard against collapse.
Anderson was impressive when he first came from Burnley and it was surprising to see how his performances had declined, so it is heartening to note his improvement.
Looking at other potential talent, Beestin is my problem player and I do not want to see him drift away. Mandeville has had praise from his Morecambe manager recently and again surely there development scope.
On Lanza's take, Marquis seems to be a sacred cow for many, but whilst I do recognise his work-rate, every time I have seen him this season his limitations in ball control were obvious. Surely he can work on this; Copps has better ball skills now than 10 years ago.
On Lawlor, at one point there was a shot on goal and the commentator said "...with Lawlor rooted to the spot"; sadly familiar…
posted on 17/12/18
Thanks for all your inputs - I did not get up to watch the game. I’ve also read comments on the Rovers’, Free Press, and Beeb websites and watched the extended highlights.
It seems we never really got out of second gear, but still easily cruised to victory. A little like at Bristol, I’m somewhat concerned about the number of times the Iron had chances to go for goal, but again great blocking and late tackles kept a clean sheet. I’m getting more confident about Lawlor, and let’s face it, he has kept a number of clean sheets, but, of course, some of that comes from a better defence. I’m still happier with Marosi between the sticks.
The goals were good – deflection or not, Whiteman’s great strike was going in. Kane’s quick reaction was great, and his wonderful, audacious chip over their GK was also great. How Marquis got into a position to shoot was very good, but I thought his shot was weak and not all that well placed, but enough to beat a GK just trying to make himself big.
It is interesting that both Lanza and Donaldo were saying what I’ve said for a long time that Marquis’ first touch and close control are poor. Just Imagine how many he could score if he improved in these areas.
The most frustrating man upfront has to be Wilks. There wasn’t enough on the highlights to judge him this match, but I noted Lanza’s comment.
Anderson is obviously back to the form he showed when he arrived on loan from Burnley and we wanted the club to sign him. Joe is going to have to fight to get his place back – it is hard for players what injuries can do as Joe and Nial Mason to me are the most improved players this season.
Oxford seem to have recovered from a very poor start and so Saturday is another game where league position can be misleading. One of my cousins is an Oxford fan!
posted on 17/12/18
As i said not seen us play for 2 months 1 thing was apparent I cant recall many occasions were lawlor had to race out to the edge of the box to stop an attack were as previously marosi was constantly having to do it.
posted on 17/12/18
On the Marquis goal subject, to say his shot wasn't very well placed is not understanding the situation he was in.
I played up front for years and when a player is through, one on one with the keeper, the best place to put your shot is either through his legs as he sets himself or right next to his feet as he cant get his hands down there.
Take note of how many goals are scored through the keepers legs or next to his feet in that situation.
Regarding Wilks, didn't anyone notice how he checked his run into the box and laid the ball into the path of Whiteman for him to hit his shot on the run for the first goal.
Earlier in the season he would have tried to beat another man and get his shot away.
He is a very young man and that pass shows he is learning that he has to sometimes curb his instinct to shoot when he can create a chance by doing what he did.
He will only get better.
posted on 17/12/18
Post 26, in honour of James Coppinger.
posted on 17/12/18
Oh yes i remember him.....wish he had played on Saturday
posted on 18/12/18
Is it 15,600 on Saturday? Divide by 600!
posted on 21/12/18
Match report by Glen Wilson, editor of Popular Stand
https://popularstand.wordpress.com/2018/12/21/doncaster-rovers-3-0-scunthorpe-united-250-word-match-report-2/
posted on 21/12/18
Here's your Christmas present. Herbie is staying to the end of the season!