Rovers' history with Notts County has ranged over all the FL divisions and leagues we have played in in my life-time. In recent years encounters have not been regular and like Rovers, County have been through some bad times and have not rivalled their near neighbours this century.
With better quality football almost next door it takes great loyalty to stick with a club, so we must give due credit to their fans.
My memory is that we have not had really good results head to head, but as I write, I have not looked up the stats. Having now looked them up, I am wrong - we have won more than they have! What stands out is the high scoring. 5-1s either way in the 50s in the old Second Division and a far greater incidence of one team scoring 4 goals than I would expect. And last season that trend continued - 3 goals conceded both home and away.
County were erratic last season and the pattern of their results has been rather erratic this time too, but overall they have gathered as many points as Rovers with an unbeaten away record probably partly due to having a good defensive record which they didn't have last season if I remember correctly. So it will be as tough as Chesterfield and they will have a lot of support.
I think we are at a point where you can say that we can beat any team in this league if we play well, but we do not always capitalise on possession, so much depends on the big match temperament which obviously wasn't present when we met Chesterfield.
If we are to make the top 3 places we cannot really afford to drop points against rivals, so I am hoping we can play to our best and I hope McCann has a full squad to choose from.
So I'll say 2-1 and Sharp or Hurst with number 1.
DPL v Notts County
posted on 8/11/24
Yes it's a really big test of the team and GM. Let's hope they get it right this time. Though zim still going for the draw 2-2. Molyneux,Sharp
posted on 8/11/24
Obviously I'd like a win, but it does look ideal for a draw. I'll also go for 2-2 with Hurst if he starts, or Molyneux if he does not.
posted on 9/11/24
Rovers 2-1 Notts
Sharp to score ⚽
posted on 9/11/24
Sorry, few mins late with this but still 0-0. 2-1 to Rovers. Hurst.
posted on 9/11/24
Sounds like a great game of 2 halves with Rovers denied a penalty near the end. Good advert for football in League 2. I think there may be a major report on one the national papers on Monday the "i" Newspaper.One of their journalists is reporting a game from all 92 clubs and I think he was there today. Cheered me up as I'm currently indisposed.
posted on 10/11/24
I great advert for League Two if you are a neutral.
Rovers were not good in the first half, but vastly improved in the second.
What has gone wrong with Molyneux? - he had several good chances and most went straight to their GK, and a couple were deflected. A little of the same for Hurst - another looking good for the top corner was just deflected. Maybe he should try more ground level shots.
In the end, two attacking teams snuffed each other out, and I'm sure most managers will be happy with a draw, rather than a loss.
I thought we should have had a penalty right at the end, but then watching Liverpool vs, Villa, Liverpool had a similar shout that was not given. How much pulling back and pushing over is now acceptable?
To me, the Rovers and Liverpool should have had a penalty.
We had a couple of scares with stupid passes back, plus TS-L sending it to the opposition, but he recovered well.
Overall, I suppose I'm happy with a draw, as it so easily could have been a loss. Olowu was once again very good as was McGrath, except when they allowed the tall Gambian to get between them for a goal.
McGrath got up well for an attacking corner - but just could head it straight at their GK. Maybe, that is one area where Anderson could be better.
At the moment, McGrath and Olowu seem a great combination in an improving defence.
posted on 10/11/24
I have just finished watching the closing stages of the Sheffield derby and thought the standard of football there was not up to that of the extended highlights of the Rovers/Notts Co match.
Nevertheless, our shooting was not very intelligent and we had more chances than they did. Whether they can improve their judgment in this department remains to be seen.
The transformation of Olowu, the emergence of McGrath, the energy of Kelly, the ability of Sterry as a provider of crosses and the excellence of TSL are big pluses.
So what is needed is refinement and repetition of this kind of performance. Whether the former can be developed remains to be seen. The latter is not negotiable.
posted on 10/11/24
I hope you are not seriously indisposed Nookie and send you my best wishes.
posted on 10/11/24
Thanks Donald. The performance,whilst frustrating, has cheered me up. I think we'll get there now.