When this fixture comes up it crosses my mind to try to attend and this year I actually got round to some serious research. It seems that they still play in Kingston On Thames albeit in a new stadium, but nevertheless accessible for me only by a journey involving train, tube, train and bus and over 2 hours with everything going smoothly, so taking account of the journey to and from the local station 3 hours would be a minimum. By car, I would have to encircle most of south London on the M25 before turning north into completely unfamiliar South London/Surrey traffic and hoping to find somewhere to park. So not really sensible.
We normally encounter AFC W when they are not doing so well and I would have said paradoxically we’d go on and lose or occasionally draw, but when I actually checked we have drawn the last 3 there and 2-2 every time! However they are doing quite well this season and may prove tougher this time. Paradoxically again though, their last 3 home league results have been defeats. One was fairly narrow judging from the stats (0-1) to Bradford, but the other - a significant comparator too - was more decisive, 2-4 to Accrington. I’m ignoring the 5-1 v Cheltenham (8 points in League 1 and May-less) because I’m sure their opponents would not be interested in proceeding in the FA Cup (which could be my error of judgment!)
Added strength and selection options are now open to McCann and on top of improved performances we might expect increased resources than were available last week. I am personally pleased to see Maxwell getting back to fitness and I am still hopeful that Molyneux will inject a little more balance. Miller is progressing we are told and he would be a great addition to the present strength.
If we are genuinely rising to play-off territory we ought to be winning this one so I’m saying 3 points, 2-1 Ironside/Faal.
DPL v AFC Wimbledon
posted on 11/11/23
This is a hard one to call. You'd like to think Rovers have turned the corner and have a good chance of winning. I'm not so sure. Our defence is still leaky and GM has told his players the best form of defence is attack. Not sure our attack is fully functioning either. In which case I'll go 1-1 draw. Hurst or Faal.
posted on 11/11/23
Cup half full again. 2-1 to Rovers. Ironside / Faal.
posted on 11/11/23
Greetings from the Northumberland coast 😎
Having an afternoon in a nice warm pub 🍺
Wombles 1-2 Rovers
Faal to score
posted on 13/11/23
in the manager’s words, the worst performance of the season. Coming as the squad’s strength is increasing, it was a big disappointment. There was a time when set-backs would be temporary, but although the overall situation does not seem to be badly managed any more, the players are letting us down.
Under Schofield, tackling was rare and caution was “de riguer”, but in modern football it is not the way to win, especially in League 2.
McCann will have to assert himself and his principles more firmly and those who consistently miss chances and make bad decisions need to mend their ways.
And the defence, which ought to pivot around an assertive, brave athletic goalkeeper needs someone who actually answers to that description rather than the current place-holder.
posted on 14/11/23
It was just about the worst example for anyone to decide if they should watch League Two Football. I gave up after about 35 minutes. I was amazed anyone scored - so that is not good for the Rovers.
Of course, we might now swing around and beat Accrington!
posted on 14/11/23
I apologise for not putting up a match Article on tonight’s game. I’ve just got in and am listening to the sound commentary thankfully I the professional hands of Tom Biltcliffe.
posted on 14/11/23
Tense extra time, but fortunately Rovers seemed to survive and make the win.
posted on 15/11/23
To be honest, I'd forgotten about the game, but so happy when I saw the result. However, looking at the stats, we again only scored two goals from all our shots, with many in target. However, why was last Saturday is poor?
I'm sure Grant will want to win the Second Round - as will Darren. Two Rovers' managers against each other - could be interesting, and I have this strange feeling, Grant will come out on top.
In tonight's game, the Yellow Card count was interesting, but inconsistency is still a problem in refereeing these days.
posted on 15/11/23
It always seems for one reason or another we never have a settled team or formation. Hence the inconsistency. The game last night was the exact opposite of the original tie in that we dominated the game yet let it slip away at the end. Last night we were lucky to be only 1-0 down at half time but ended up by far the stronger team. George Broadbent seemed to be the catalyst this time. Who knows what the season holds for Rovers?
posted on 16/11/23
After Schofield we are in clover - with only occasional muddy bits.