Views from the terraces Hang on aren’t local derbies meant to be all about blood and guts, gruesome last ditch tackles on the field of play,hoardes of mindless thugs sorry fans only interested in doin the oppositions fans rather than what was going on the pitch. (click on the image) Did the match mean more to the supporters than the players? Both sets of fans enjoyed a great atmosphere at the Gate until the pitch invasion - First Half Good grief what was going on in the first half, it was like a tea dance after you, no after you was the cry from Rovers players, who stood so far off there opposition a goal could have been scored from the half way line such was the pressure applied to City players ,as they stroked the ball around. Question were the Rovers players jogging to get fit for the weekend or conserving there energy. City enjoyed at least 90% of possession in the early part of the first half, John next to me got the sweets out, I selected a fried egg and Harry and Mike a humbug hmm anyway back to the match. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas,Harewood and Pack hardly broke a sweat in pursuit of the opening goal an absolute cracker scored by Thomas as the sea of Blue players parted and the resultant shot was in the back of the net before Mildenhall had got back from a comfort break (typical could have waited till he was ready)1-0 to City (an unbelievable goal). Following that I received a text every 5 or so minutes reminding me what the score was and how poor Rovers actually were, from my family who were in the Red half of the ground. Back to the match, Harewood could not believe his luck, firstly he was not match fit, secondly starting ahead of Baldock (City's top man) thirdly how easy it was popping Parkes in his shorts back pocket, rarely troubled by the young central defender. There were a few more attempts at goal from Harewood and co and it was looking all too easy stroll in the park, training match came to mind! As for Rovers strike force Brunt was on the bench due to an injury, Harrold still not match fit, so Clarkson was pushed up front to lead the line, hard when the opposition wont let you have the ball (meanies)and when Rovers managed to get hold of it, they lost it cheaply to a City player. Text arrived to let me know it was still 1-0 at half time hmm time for pie and a drink yummy The second half starts and Rovers momentum builds fans become more animated when after continuous pressure a free kick is awarded and from the cross, Billy Crystal heads the ball into the back of the net cue Gasheads going wild for the next fifteen minutes both sides take it in turns to attack Harewood is substituted for Baldock and for a precious moment Rovers fans clung on to the hope that they might nick it and score again, fooled into a false sense of security,Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the 75th min weaved his magic again,hit a cracker shot which was equalled by a good save from Mildenhall which luckily bounced to a free City player Bryan in the box, the ground erupted as the ball hit the back of the net 2-1 City, Rovers fans fall silent. Received the usual goading text 2-1. Some Rovers fans chant , were going to win 3-2 with ironic enthusiasm not sure City fans understand irony as the comeback was “Easy Easy Easy”. The last 20 mins was a blur mainly with Rovers attacking and City hitting Rovers on the break Harrison forced a good save from Parrish and Norburn missed a difficult chance to make it 2-2.I am not sure if it was Flint or Shorey who almost put the ball into there own net but it was one of those OMG moments as the ground and players held there collective breaths whilst it shot by defenders goalkeeper and the post for a corner.I would not wanted to have been in his shoes if it had gone in still it dident so its academic.Straight after the corner City go down the other end of the ground and force a good save from Mildenhall two minutes later and the match is all over. On the way home from the ground (when we are finally allowed to exit, I am banged on the head and someone says we were robbed, I was not sure what to say in reply and smile weakly as we walk to the car. A few nasty things went on at the end of the match however they have been well documented by all on both forums and the TV. As for the pitch invasion did anyone remind these so called fans it was only the first round of the JPT) and they won the game! I am disappointed with the result and like everyone (except one eyed City supporters) I thought that Rovers played quite well in the second half. At least we lost to a good team unlike our local rivals Lets hope we do not have to wait another 6 plus years for the next game. Bring on Plymouth on Saturday a draw or a win would suit us. COR
For a boring ****er, that's a good read. I would of choosen the cherry gummies if we are talking Tangtastic, but I do like a mint humbug. So quite a delema I will get back to on that one.
My spelling is awfull, I always get people to compose my letters in work and at home. I don't think me Julie would be to happy to write. **** of Chris you gay prick so we will just have to deal with my minor descrepency's Descrepancy's
Hey Rod do you think your defence is a little suspect (shaky) against better opposition than Rovers in your league .Just a thought it may be due to the fact the midfield is very offensive minded which allows teams to exploit the gaps left.A team with a better strike force than ours ie similar to yours, will enjoy finding the gaps and scoring. COR
The defence was a new 2 players, one played half a game Saturday. They will get a lot better, you should of seen it before
Rod Suggest in L1 against stronger opposition they will need to,good call by O Driscoll to play them in the cup then work with them in training over the next 10 days before next match if you get the defence right it looks as if you will enjoy a better season than the last one. View attachment 26046 COR
