Perhaps the upcoming semi at Crewe is not THE most important fixture that remains, but it is one that requires maximum concentration. It seems dangerous to say this, but all the indications point to Rovers being the better team. Crewe have injuries and are not in good form. Rovers are the opposite.
There is even talk of Miller on the bench who was always a bright light in our decline. Taylor, whose style outshines his productivity in my view, is also re-emerging from his latest injury, although I am ambivalent about his value, certainly in these crucial games.
Personally, I expect us to beat Crewe every time we meet, because I have an ingrained (and irrational) low opinion of them based on years of them having to apply for re-election to the League. This is from Wikipedia “Between 1894 and 1982, Crewe finished last in the Football League eight times, more than any other league club." For most of those years, re-election was the norm.
Reality is different, and Crewe can gain comfort from getting the better of the contests in recent years which may not exactly supercharge them, but may represent some comfort. We’ve won 5 and they’ve managed 7 since 2012/13 over 8 seasons.
Looking back to the beginning of this season they rose to the top end of the Table towards the end of the first quarter and have more or less stayed around the play-off places ever since. They actually occupied 3rd place 5 times.
Rather than say that I think we ought to at least draw, it seems almost dangerous to actually say that I don’t think we’ll lose. However I’m going to be even bolder and forecast a 2-0 win (Adelukan).
DPL v Crewe Alexandra
posted on 5/5/24
It seems hardly appropriate to speculate on these last 2 or hopefully 3 games. On our current form we should beat Crewe over the 2 games. But its a funny old game. I’ll say 3-1 to Rovers. Ironside, Molyneux, Biggins.
posted on 5/5/24
I'll be cautious, but hope I'm wrong in saying 2-2. Goals by Adelakun and Molyneux.
posted on 6/5/24
I had the same prediction as Nookie in my head. 3-1 to Rovers. Ironside with the first. Once more keeping the faith for 3 more games this season.
posted on 6/5/24
Just discovered video streaming not available in USA for play-off games! What a bummer!!!
I've tried my VPN set to other countries, but no luck.
posted on 6/5/24
Congrats, Donaldo, on getting the correct score.
posted on 6/5/24
I would be unhappy if I were a Crewe fan because they switched to defensive mode after Rovers’ first goal. They gave Rovers no room to control or work the ball for the first quarter and we couldn’t get going.
It then seemed easy to assume control.
What happened to Adelukan though?
posted on 7/5/24
Crewe A 0 : Rovers 2 (Molyneux)
>>>>>>> Scorer Score > Result Bonus > Total >Pts B/F >>> O/all
Donaldo>>> 0 >>>>> 4 >>>>> 3 >>>> 0 >>>> 7 >>>> 118 >>>> 125
PDXMickey> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>> 155 >>>>> 155
BVZ>>>>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>>> 0
Crazy>>>>> 0 >>>>> 3 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>>> 3 >>> 140 >>>> 143
Mooligan>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>> 77 >>>>> 77
Nookie>>>> 0 >>>>> 3 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>>> 3 >>> 118 >>>>> 121
Selby>>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>> 0 >>>>>> 0
>>>>>>>>> 0 >>>>> 10 >>>>> 3 >>>> 0 >>> 13 >>>> 608 >>>>> 621
posted on 7/5/24
So Crawley has taken a big step forward - did we expect such a clear victory over MK Dons?
I see the Dingles nearly recovered from their home loss against Bolton. Perhaps it will serve as a warning to the Rovers that winning away in the first leg does not make winning easy...!!
posted on 7/5/24
Yes Micky, it was rather a surprise to see Crawley looking more enterprising and deserving of the win. With nothing but their position in the table to justify it, I assumed MKD would stroll to the final.
Are Crawley better than I expected and better than they showed us in their 0-2 loss against Rovers, or are MKD not as good as we thought?
Perhaps it’s all the result of MKD having been free of pressure recently. Perhaps we will get a fuller perspective after the return fixture.
Maybe we are being over pessimistic to relate tonight’s result to a serious danger that Rovers Friday encounter might bring.