DPLv Forest Green Rovers

Events over the last few weeks have seen a change for the better in the fortunes of all the Rovers in League 2 with those from Nailsworth now risen to 6th place in the form table behind those from our home town, and the Wirral ones, having beaten Mansfield, Wrexham and Stockport recently have made their own impression on the powerful of L2.

What is also interesting about the third Rovers, Tranmere, is that the original settlement was established by the Vikings and the very name Tranmere was derived from the Norse. That led me to wonder why our Rovers adopted an association with the Vikings which took me on to another controversy which completed a rather surprising full circle. Following up the Doncaster Vikings connection, the association is not all that strong and online you will be led towards a battle which could have been in Burghwallis in the tenth century. But this is not without controversy and the balance of probability is that it more likely to have taken place in the Wirral - yes in Tranmere - amazing!

So the space for my Article has been partly filled and not with my speculation about the match, maybe because I worry that we might find it difficult against FG Rovers. Based on a run of improved results, they now have hopes of evading what looked liked a return to non-league football because they are now led by a manager who dealt us a most significant defeat when in charge of a Shrewsbury Town - Steve Cotterill.

If our Rovers are to sustain the sort of form that they will need in 2024/25 we have to ask ourselves whether their recent results are the result of footballing ability or just a surge of confidence. In fact I do believe that it is the former whereas for tomorrow’s opponents, given their early season form, I think it is reasonable to assume it is more the latter. So I’ll go for 2-0 to us (Adelukan)
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There are supposed to be about 60 plus Viking gods. I'll pick Thor this time so we can hammer out a win. The Gloucestershire Rovers are on a good streak of form but their confidence will have been rocked by the defeat to Sutton. They will certainly be up for a fight. So I'm going 1-1 Ironside,or Biamou

Tough one this. Cotterill certainly has plenty of experience and know how and his team's recent firm has certainly been impressive. However, I'm going to back our lads to get a result. 3-2 with Biamou getting the first, or Ironside if Biamou is not playing. Adelukan if neither Ironside or Biamou are playing.

Rovers 3-1 Forest Green
Ironside to score ⚽

The last time I was at Belle Vue was when we were in the Conference (aka National League) and we lost against...Forest Green Rovers! Maybe I should not watch.
Except for the last game, FGR were on a reasonably good run, so it could be tough. I'll stay optimistic and say 3-1 to us with Ironside back to scoring (I thought Grant might start Biamou, but he is a good option on the bench).

I do not know what happened as I thought I'd sent comments on the game but it seems to have disappeared. So if you see two messages, it is not my fault!
I said three months ago I would have thought the game an OK performance, but on recent form it was not good and did not increase my confidence on the two games over Easter. However, I will take any win, especially one with a clean sheet.
If we can take 4 points from the next two games I'll be really happy.
The 24th is my birthday so wish me well as I enter my 80th year!

Sorry about the missing post Mickey - I haven’t deleted it! And happy birthday today!

Having not seen Rovers on iFollow since the Bradford game, it was good to see how well they passed the ball and the passing success rate was over 80% with FRG pressing them quite hard when in possession.

It is amazing how good Anderson looks again in a side with a much improved level of skill. Molyneux and Maxwell impress me too, although I do think the former is selfish when he shoots instead of passing the ball to others better placed.

I am amazed that Adelukan has not secured a regular place in a team playing at a higher level than Lincoln. His poise on the ball and ability to wrong-foot an opponent is amazing. He is far more skilful than Faal, although obviously more mature in his game.

There are still people who get really upset if Jones is criticised, but they obviously need to study what Lo Tutala does more closely because if we go into next season relying on the former or even Lawlor it will be as good as giving our opponents at least one goal start.

I’m looking forward to Friday’s game and it’s difficult to believe that we will go into it as underdogs.

80 is of course the new 50. Happy birthday Micky. Not long before I'll be joining the octagenarian club too, hopefully. Rovers top of the form table is pleasing and augers well for next season. Friday's match and the one against Wrexham are big tests. However we now seem to play our best against the top teams. Anderson and Wood are a great pairing. Southgate should consider them!