Carry On Rovers was at the match to run the rule over Rovers as they prepare for a 2012 promotion season? LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & SUBSTITUTIONS (3) Bristol Rovers • 28 Walker • 02 Smith • 14 Brown • 19 Virgo • 03 Paterson Booked • 08 Gill • 16 Anyinsah (Broghammer - 50' ) • 21 Brown (Norburn - 70' ) • 26 Lund (Richard - 49' ) • 07 Clarkson • 09 Harrold Substitutes • 20 Gough • 05 Kenneth • 11 Broghammer • 15 Norburn • 24 Clarke • 25 Clucas • 10 Richard Walker 6 Chelsea goalkeeper youngster has now let 5 goals in over 2 matches, Could blame, with justification, his defenders for Oxfords second goal, despite this, delivered an assured performance,distribution in second half good. Smith 7 Back in the Rovers team with Woodards on the bench. Showed some pace going forward and again demonstrated the continued improvement in his defending unfortunate lapse of concentration which contributed to 2nd goal.Also delivered several accurate crosses. Brown 5 Offers less pace and adventure going forward than Smith but is likely to leave defensive holes behind him.To quick to get rid of the ball had an ok game. and also delivered several accurate crosses. Virgo 4 Return from injury to central defence for Virgo,showed a complete lack pace, often wrong side of any attacker,dead ball kicks woeful and, while he is likely to lose his place when other more accomplished players return or are signed, he should be a useful squad addition in case of injuries for the season. Paterson 4 Was one of the main disappointments and again lacked any pace or vision,looked very uncomfortable in central defence. Was played on the left and struggled to impose himself on Constable(who was also poor). Provided little support for Brown. Brown 4 An experienced head in the Rovers team but, like many of his team-mates, still looks short of optimum fitness. The midfielder was anonymous for most of the game. Was withdrawn late on and replaced by Norburn. Gill 5 A difficult performance as Gill had little support from Brown in midfield, Kept the ball reasonably and, despite struggling to consistently support to Kenneth or Harrold, he linked the play better in the second half,jury out as to whether he will succeed in a Rovers team. Anyinsah 4 Worked hard and produced some encouraging touches but still needs to improve both his first touch and movement to retain a starting position.More of an impact player at best. Replaced by Broghammer on 50 mins. Lund 4 One of Rovers most effective performers at the end of last season ,generally anonymous and did not link well with Gill or Brown or break up play in the middle of the park,provided little or no threat going forward.Lacks match fitness.Replaced by Richards on 49mins. Clarkson 5 Was making his home debut and, despite occasional glimpses of his quality, he was easily contained by Oxford. He now needs regular football to pick up his fitness levels and sharpness in front of goal. Harrold 7 Mostly long ball tactics from Rovers and Harrold worked tiresly all afternoon unlucky to not score in Rovers only moment of quick play.Early days for an understanding to form between Clarkson and Harrold. Substitutes- Broghammer 7 First home game for the debutant and underlined his potential importance to a Rovers side that looked devoid of ideas and lacklustre.Twice went close himself, tormenting the right back who had no problems until his arrival.Linked well with attackers ran out of gas at the end. Richard 6 One of the only players who was willing to take on the defence and shoot when a chance arose.Produced enough moments of quality to suggest that, he can be a key part of Mcghees squad going forward. Regular football is now essential rather than just an impact sub. Norburn 5 One of the young players in whom Mcghee has hope is invested and, on this display, it was possible to see why. Kept the ball well and, despite struggling to consistently provide support to Harrold, he linked the play more effectively than Brown who he replaced. So there you have it over to Gasheads to comment on the first game and rate the teams performance themselves. COR
Oxford were probably the least attacking side I have seen at the mem in years with only 2 real attempts at goal and score them both. They didn't even want the ball, but I suppose they didn't need it after we gave them two goals. The first goal was decent I will admit, but the second was probably the worst defending I have seen in many a year. We simply let them walk through us without even attempting a tackle. Crap defence but now we have Kenny and Parkes at the back, we should have one of the best defences in this league so fingers crossed. On the evidence I have seen so far though we will not be in the top 7 this season, and neither will Oxford.
