The last time Rovers were at Rodney Parade they performed slightly better than the Schofield norm and because Newport were very poor even in the opinion of their manager, Rovers won. They then lost the home match 3-1 with Schofield describing what went wrong, but sounding powerless as to solutions. Reflecting on his approach, it is quite amazing that he was allowed to carry on when he behaved more like an observer than a man responsible for the performance.
I think there is now reason to believe that we have the plan and attitude to win this sort of game, although the loss to Harrogate reminds us that strong teams can often emerge unexpectedly in this league. Harrogate followed up the weekend’s win by beating League 2 Carlisle on Tuesday. Newport lost 3-0 to Accrington away in their opener despite having 19 shots, 17 of which were missing the target.
Newport too had a 3-1 home win over Charlton’s reserves in the week whilst the changed Rovers 11 were beating a rather stronger Hull City team on their own ground, so they can shoot straight on a good day.
I suppose we might therefore expect quite a keen contest and hope that Lawlor can maintain his excellence. I have noticed that he is good at “spreading himself", an attribute that is particularly evident in PL goalkeepers.
Ironside got a bad press last time and Miller will surely deserve selection after Tuesday at Hull. Several of the others who only substituted in game one well might get promoted too.
It’s tempting to go for a win, but I’ll say 2-2 (Miller, Broadbent)
DPL v Newport County
posted on 12/8/23
I'm going 1 - 1 Miller.
posted on 12/8/23
Afternoon all - good to be back - especially with the positive mood around - I really thought that we had entered a spiral of continued decline but although its early days mccann appears to have started back on the right track - going to predict a 1-0 victory for the rovers with Miller to get the goal
posted on 12/8/23
Newport 1-2 Rovers
George Miller to continue his scoring run⚽
posted on 12/8/23
The only way is up now. Or is it!
posted on 12/8/23
There can be nothing positive about being 24th in League 2 whether it is after 2 games or 46.
There may be some individuals who can be exempted from blame, but this was totally incompetent as a team performance. You would expect McCann to recognise that excuses are unacceptable. Harrogate losing at home today to Forest Green adds an unfavourable context to last Saturday’s result and although there are still 44 games to go, promotion suddenly looks a distant dream.
posted on 12/8/23
Has anyone scored a DPL point yet? 😅
posted on 12/8/23
No, but I should think that we’ll have all 3 possible results forecasted for the next game.
posted on 12/8/23
It is back to the worst under Schofield! When it went to 3-0 it was like several times last season - I switched to watch a Premier League game (BHA vs Luton this time).
posted on 13/8/23
It looked as though they were at least a division above us. Olowu seems to be filling the RSW role now and either we are worse than we were last season or the opponents are better.
Although it may be deluded, I did get the impression that both Harrogate and Newport were much sharper and skilful than what was typical of the opposition last season. Both seemed much more competitive, pouncing on our players before they had time to control the ball.
posted on 14/8/23
Donaldo, you are so right - Harrogate and Newport were much more attacking everything all over the pitch. I though Grant was developing this in the Rovers. but we were out-fought everywhere.
So how bad are Hull as a Championship team?