Reflecting on recent history may bring a little hope, but improving our position in the depths of League 2 does not rate very highly in the realms of satisfaction with all that is football in Doncaster. Aspirations are badly dented and if there are signs of a slight uplift in the fortunes is it is not portentous.
I read today that Close was only 27 when I learnt of his latest misfortune which surprised me, because my impression of his energy levels had placed him at rather past his best. It leaves me with the impression that he has played in such a way that he dare not risk heavy tackles and perhaps that is why he plays safe and keeps out of close(!) encounters which obviously reduces his effectiveness.
A lot of people really rate him I know, but it is surely rare for any midfielder to be really effective whilst being obliged to steer clear of tackles and tackling especially when those around him are are very ordinary. It seems that we really miss Westbrook and there seem to be too many players who prefer to stand back from the heat of the battle. With a lack of skill, application is essential and whilst there seemed to be more on show on Saturday (judging by the highlights) than at Sutton, that is the minimum requirement now.
Even with it Salford, impressively unbeaten since Karl Robinson took over, will most likely be too strong for us.
Adelakun seemed a bit lost at Sutton, but obviously made a significant contribution v Tranmere and he looked to have some of the qualities of Faal so that was encouraging. I did not notice much from Waters, but perhaps he might be more effective with time to adjust.
Nixon never disappoints with his work rate and Wood plus the new goalkeeper add strength and a degree of solidity which has been seriously lacking at the back. Olowu is just not reliable.
Altogether, up against Salford we will do well to keep the score down. They have beaten Crewe away and Wrexham at home in their run post-Karl Robinson and perhaps we might get a goal, but I hope we can stop them from scoring more than 3.
So 1-3 (Ironside of course).
DPL v Salford City
posted on 12/2/24
3-0 to Salford
posted on 13/2/24
I'm hoping for at least a draw, but that seems unlikely. I'll say we will lose 2-1. Molyneux to score if he starts, otherwise Ironside.
I probably will not be watching; we have a neighborhood lunch at our home, ladies only, but I have barman duties! Also Man City's Champions League game is on free TV.
posted on 13/2/24
Salford 2-1 Rovers
Ironside to score ⚽
posted on 13/2/24
I fear a thrashing but I'll say 2-2. Ironside with the first.
posted on 13/2/24
You were right Crazy and for once I felt it was a good combative performance after a hesitant start. They deserved to win I think.
posted on 13/2/24
Thanks Donaldo. It's difficult to know which Rovers will turn up this season, so I wouldn't have been surprised at a win, draw, loss or thrashing. Good to hear they played relatively well.
posted on 14/2/24
I had a dream last night that GM took us back into the Championship. However it was the same year I got a birthday card from the King.
posted on 14/2/24
We could be up and down several times between now and then. In the unlikely event of me making it that far the King will have clocked up in excess of 90 years himself and no doubt still be signing his name with a fountain pen!
posted on 14/2/24
I have a confession to make which is that I have been mistaking Sterry for Nixon. It is so much easier to pick out the numbers on the blue hoops than on the red. Having looked at their photos on the OS there is not a great deal of similarity, so dare I blame poor eyesight?