Northampton Town have not always been at their best at home. They have failed to win in 6 out of their last 8, but overall they are the 4th best team in the League over their last 6 home and away matches and, notably they beat Fleetwood last time out earning praise from Joey Barton.
So, as usual, we are not facing them at an ideal time. If we want promotion though we have to win such games.
This is the start of a run of 15 games between now and the end of January, eleven of which are against teams below us in the table providing the means to consolidate our credentials. Admittedly the away games included in the run are against Peterborough Lincoln and Fleetwood and about as tough as any, but if we get through it and are still in touch, the 20-match run-in(!) has top teams coming to us and only Sunderland away.
As for those who see the Hull loss as illustrative of our mediocrity, I can only suggest that the team should get better the more they play together and we were very close to holding them away from home. (Eaves is an excellent footballer who I have admired from his time at Gillingham and it was unlucky that it was he that was on hand.)
As a team, Hull, like Sunderland, Fleetwood and perhaps Peterborough (who are in one of their stutters) are more used to playing together whereas we are still developing. If management cannot improve them, then we will finish mid table, but with young players and more work on perfecting the blend of skills, we should become a more effective force.
I am confident that we will emerge victorious on Saturday, so 2-0 with the first goal by Taylor/J-J/Sims.
DPL v Northampton T
posted on 5/12/20
I was disappointed that Taylor is not fit (I'm not sure we are getting the right info on him?). I still think we will bounce back with a 3-1 win with J-J scoring the first, or Sims if J-J does not start. If neither starts, it has to be Whiteman! Maybe I'll change some of this after seeing the starting team - if I get up early enough.
Sweat dreams to all Rovers Fans.
posted on 5/12/20
Yes I'll be sweating myself.
posted on 5/12/20
Sorry about the finger trouble - must have had too much wine. Seeing the team just now, I do not know what to think. Sad to see Smith on the bench, although he was far from his best on Wednesday. He and Sims have both shown class so far in some games. Anyway, I'll stay with my rather optimistic prediction.
posted on 5/12/20
Cobblers 1-2 Rovers
John-Jules to score⚽
posted on 5/12/20
2-1 to Rovers. Sims.
posted on 5/12/20
Half time and I almost decided that I might find something else to do. Anyone unfamiliar with the game might wonder what the objective was.
posted on 5/12/20
DM has lost the plot. If he ever had one
posted on 5/12/20
Although it was Northampton who were down to 10, it was Rovers who looked as though it was them. They seemed to seek out close encounters in order to demonstrate every possible way to lose the ball.
Playing out from the back has become an obsession, except that they don’t actually play OUT. Playing around at the back would better describe it. Executed ponderously, the sideways and backwards passing just allows the opposition to take up suitable covering positions. It is not a magic formula. It worked when Bursik sent the ball straight to the wingers from which play would develop at speed whereas the current method effectively transfers possession to defenders up the congested midfield.
Only John-Jules emerged with credit, but the style of play should not routinely require his level of flair. I could say that, if he listens too carefully to management’s instructions he’ll soon be in the same position as Sims and Smith, with the current game plan having gradually extinguished all his natural talent.
Northampton were a poor side. And so are we on this showing. A really miserable experience.
posted on 5/12/20
Playing players in positions they aren't used to or good at in a system that doesn't work! Is there really a cunning plan or is it just grasping at straws. Doesn't auger well.
posted on 5/12/20
Nookie and Donaldo - I agree with all your comments. 2-0 against a poor team with ten men for most of the game is a really poor performance. You are right about Sims and Smith as they have (or had?) noticeable class in a League One setting, and now seems to have lost their sparkle, or are not allowed to show it.
Don't get me going about the negative playing across the field at the back, and Donaldo, you hit the nail on the head with your comment about Bursik's often quick passes out to the wings that allowed us to attack quickly.
By the way, was it you I heard chanting "Miss, Miss" as Whiteman took the penalty so you protected your bonus points, Donaldo? If he had scored, would I have hoped they would score so I'd get bonus points???😎
I thought Butts had a fairly good game as he slotted in well alongside Anderson, and Wright was better at RB than before, but against lesser opposition of course.
I then watched West Ham vs, Man U, and talk about a tale of two halves for Man U. Absolutely dire in the first, but very talented in the second. Fernandez is a real star for them. They have now won all five away games after going behind, and only won only one at home. I hope they keep up the away form against Leipzig as they need a point to go through to the knockout stages.