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Article: Honeymoon Over? | Football, Bristol Rovers

Discussion in 'Bristol Rovers' started by pirate49, Sep 7, 2011.

  1. pirate49

    pirate49 Well-Known Member
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    Losing to a team a division above is no disgrace, but there were still causes for concern last night.
    The pace and intensity of pre- and early season has gone The distinct 4-4-2 shape, with width across the middle has become blurred. Some players were unavailable, but we still put out a pretty strong team (on paper).
    Ironically the two best performers were two Buckle inherited; Campbell and Richards. Gill and L Brown were really off form.
    We gifted them the first goal, and from then it was all uphill. L Brown chose not to clear down the wing, but passed infield on the edge of the box to Anthony, who took one touch too many. No blame to S Bevan.
    McGleish worked his socks off, and came close on a few occasions. Smith does not impress me. Yes, he can get forward and overlap; but a fullback's main job is to tackle hard and break up attacks. He doesn't do that.
    I saw Cronin v Bath City and Bitton. Warming up last night v Harrold and McGleish he looked awful...please stay fit Scott.
    Only 771 there, but I reckon over 150 were from Rovers...a good turnout.
    Whispers of all not well behind the scenes. We've still got the players who can succeed in L2, but the team spirit, shape and belief are a little jaded.
     
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  2. Chris-Gashead

    Chris-Gashead Well-Known Member

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    Sounded like it was a closer game than the score suggested Pirate, am I right in thinking that?
     
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  3. pirate49

    pirate49 Well-Known Member
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    Sadly no. They had Harrold well shackled, and when they broke quickly they were far more incisive than we were.
     
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  4. Chris-Gashead

    Chris-Gashead Well-Known Member

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    A real shame that is. After we all felt Rovers were making good progress from last season, they have suddenly started un-doing it all. Its going to take a lot to get these players confidence back into shape and the team on a good run again.

    A real shame indeed.
     
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  5. Sapphire

    Sapphire Well-Known Member

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    This is a pretty unique situation starting with a completely new cast of players at a professional level. They all have to adapt to a single style of play which they may not be familiar with. At least they bought into it unlike last season under a dud penny and we all know how they reacted. Have faith. They need more time to settle in.
     
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  6. gas

    gas ACCOUNT DELETED
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    Nice write up Pirate. Agree partly with Sapphire but am a little troubled that at the moment we seem to be going backwards as far as performances go. PB has got his work cut out to get some shape back on the pitch and Bradford away is now a bloody big game for us. We need a decent performance and at least a point to stop the rot.
     
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  7. Gasheadseamge79

    Gasheadseamge79 Well-Known Member
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    Most teams have a blip in there season so hopefully we are having ours now.
     
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  8. Captain Jack Sparrow

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    exactly. we just need a little luck then we be on our way.
     
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  9. Gastronomic

    Gastronomic Well-Known Member

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    I think we're doing ok. Apart from Zebroski being played out of position on the wing we've looked pretty strong in all areas. The two full backs look very good going forward. Virgo's lacked a bit of consistency. But there are far more positives than negatives out there. The leading pack won't be out there all season, and in some ways it's good to build momentum at the business end of the season anyway.
     
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  10. Chris-Gashead

    Chris-Gashead Well-Known Member

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    True guys, but once stuck in a rut, it's very hard to get out. Probably a little over worried
     
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