I liked Troy Deeney's comments throughout the match, very interesting as for the booking he too was disgusted with the Ref and also said when somebody grabs you across the chest what is the correct way to fall?
Classic case of job done. Been to too many early round league cup games not to appreciate a comfortable progression which despite decent spells from Rovers I was never worried we wouldn't win. When we got the third I remember saying this could get very messy and we'll get a hatfull or we'll switch off and coast for the rest of the game. Wasn't surprised that we never pushed on after that. We were under pressure on a few too many occassions for my liking against a team that was willing but essentially lacking any realy quality, I wont mention the officials as Dan covered it but as far as I am aware pushing and tripping are still fouls regardless of the nationality of the players. Especially galling when one of their strikers decided to spend the majority of the 2nd half staring at the sky from his back after every tackle. I think the biggest issue was a lack of domination from the midfield 3 at times when we needed to assert and superior quality on the ball. Battocchio was quiet, Murray played well but still tries the killer ball a touch too often. Smith started reasonably but became quite annonymous and his short passing is quite a way below par for what we would expect and require from the football that we play. It was no coincidence that when Abdi came on and put his foot on the ball the Bristol Rovers legs went and the high pressure they had been exerting all match suddenly tailed off completely. We still could have had more their goalkeeper was their best player and made 4 excellent saves through the game. In summary = Pleased
Don't think some of you are giving us enough credit, considering you played our reserves Thought it was a decent game and I was actually quite proud of our efforts after the first 30 mins. Second half IMO we had virtually all of the ball and Watford did nothing of real note, but then again you didn't need to do anything as the game was won in the first half hour. Ref was indeed crap, but we are used to that at this level. I expect to see you in the Premier League next season
Thanks Gas - and you are right - you do deserve a lot of credit for a battling second half - lots of teams heads would have gone down at 3-0 down. All credit to you. Think we were just relieved to avoid another banana skin - playing lower league sides is never easy. Thanks for your confidence in us . Hope you will be playing your other half next year - up not down
Fouled? Assaulted more like. Agree with BHD that the ref was pretty poor. Also happy to give Brizzle some credit, they more than matched us in the second half. I thought Murray played well but at the moment I'm a bit unconvinced by the front two. Need to see a bit more of them but at the moment Troy and FF look like the nailed on first choices.
That's the perfect description of the incident Bloother. It seemed more at home in Greko-roman wrestling. It was nice to meet you and mini Bloother. Hopefully we will see you about at other games too.
Can't see the foul too clearly to be honest, looks like a bit of a two way thing to me though [video=youtube;nmQgjPyiXIE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmQgjPyiXIE&feature=youtu.be[/video]
LOL Farouni is going to be looking to head the ball away but your lad drags him halfway across the penalty area... the cross goes over where they were to start with. Foarouni is being fouled before the ball even gets into the penalty area! Freeze at 0.44 It's nonsense! Usual refereeing standards are being, lamentably, observed.
Your bloke is pushing O'Toole to start with Then O'Toole gets pissed off with it and throws him to the floor, as I said a bit from both there in my opinion
JJ has got his head in an arm-lock! Glad JJ is making a name for himself though, always thought he showed great potential when he was younger - then he put on a few pounds in a summer and never got it back. I see JJ has 2 jobs at the Gas - he doubles as the Mascot I hear!
He trebles as our star man, our mascot and our saviour, Jesus Christ. We have even dedicated some graffiti to him please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Does he enjoy a couple of drinks then? Perhaps that is why he came here then plenty of nightlife in Bristol
