The two central defenders

[Copps is Magic]

Last three games they have both been immense. Goal line clearances in each game, we'd have conceeded a lot more goals without them. They've put their bodies on the line consistently, and Anderson has put his head in front of most things. Literally today - getting caught in the nose, blood spurting out but continues on like nothing happened.

Well done to both. Great work over the Christmas period.

[glosterred]

Saw Anderson giving blood for the cause today, just wondered if the blow had straightened his nose any?


COYR

[Tazemma]

Best players on pitch for rovers today. A solid unit to build on.

[jackthelad]

Tom Anderson is outstanding, As is Wright when he is fit.

Great pairing.

[colincramb]

They were superb. If we could get dieng long term it’s a good base to build from with Whiteman as well

[Cramby10]

They were both great again, but what I didn’t get was that most of Oxfords set pieces were lofted to the back post, bypassing our centre halves, and they had a free header time and time again. Couldn’t understand why we didn’t attempt to sort it by putting wright or Anderson there.

[Alan Southstand]

It’s only a few days ago that people were moaning about the manager putting Cameron John at left back, for that very reason. Can’t win, managers, can they?

[Padge_DRFC]

The back 4 and keeper are the best we've had for a long time. It's what is in front of it that's under performing lately despite 5 goals since boxing day.

[i_ateallthepies]

They were both great again, but what I didn’t get was that most of Oxfords set pieces were lofted to the back post, bypassing our centre halves, and they had a free header time and time again. Couldn’t understand why we didn’t attempt to sort it by putting wright or Anderson there.

They didn't get free headers, Cramby.  There was a man on the back of the pack to deal with the ball over the pack and the striker only managed to win one which Dieng had no difficulty collecting.  I'm sure had we done as you suggest it would have played straight into their hands and the ball would have been put right in the mixer with us minus one of our CBs.

[Cramby10]

They were both great again, but what I didn’t get was that most of Oxfords set pieces were lofted to the back post, bypassing our centre halves, and they had a free header time and time again. Couldn’t understand why we didn’t attempt to sort it by putting wright or Anderson there.

They didn't get free headers, Cramby.  There was a man on the back of the pack to deal with the ball over the pack and the striker only managed to win one which Dieng had no difficulty collecting.  I'm sure had we done as you suggest it would have played straight into their hands and the ball would have been put right in the mixer with us minus one of our CBs.

i aren’t getting into who right or wrong. But I know I saw their number 4 numerous times get in at the back unchallenged or later in the game jumping easily against Sadlier. We were all talking about it around me. I didn’t imagine it. We’ll agree to differ.

[PDX_Rover]

They were both great again, but what I didn’t get was that most of Oxfords set pieces were lofted to the back post, bypassing our centre halves, and they had a free header time and time again. Couldn’t understand why we didn’t attempt to sort it by putting wright or Anderson there.

I know, right? It was such an obvious play.

[Spud]

It’s only a few days ago that people were moaning about the manager putting Cameron John at left back, for that very reason. Can’t win, managers, can they?

I think we're a much better team with James at left back.
Once again this year we have three good centre backs competing for two spots, personally I'm happy with Big Tom plus either of the other two. Halliday & Dieng nailed on atm

[Campsall rover]

3rd best defence in the league now.

Would you believe only 7 teams have scored more goals than us. 

[steve@dcfd]

yes equal 3rd best

But we are 9 th best at scoring.

[IDM]

yes equal 3rd best

But we are 9 th best at scoring.

Out of 23 teams.. that’s a good base to build the second half of the season on, don’t you think.?

[Campsall rover]

yes equal 3rd best

But we are 9 th best at scoring.

Only 7 have scored more.

[steve@dcfd]

yes equal 3rd best

But we are 9 th best at scoring.

Only 7 have scored more.

Accrington Stanley below us so that’s 8 have scored more.

[steve@dcfd]

Also comparing 21 games to first 21 last season.

We had won 10. Drawn 5. Lost 6. GF 34. GA 26  points 35

This year won 8 drawn 7 lost 6. GF 31. GA 23 points 31                         
(GF inflated by 7 at Southend)

So for people who believes DM not doing it then look at that with a squad that is not as good especially in forward areas.
                                                     

[drfchound]

To be fair, last seasons goals for tally was inflated by five against Rochdale.

[steve@dcfd]

To be fair, last seasons goals for tally was inflated by five against Rochdale.

Yes

[Campsall rover]

yes equal 3rd best

But we are 9 th best at scoring.

Only 7 have scored more.

Accrington Stanley below us so that’s 8 have scored more.

Correct, my apologies.

[Chris Black come back]

Our goal difference is the best outside the top 6 and only one shy of top of table Wycombe.

[dickos1]

They were both great again, but what I didn’t get was that most of Oxfords set pieces were lofted to the back post, bypassing our centre halves, and they had a free header time and time again. Couldn’t understand why we didn’t attempt to sort it by putting wright or Anderson there.

It’s cause we employ zonal marking. Which means our best headers of the ball are positioned where statistically the ball ends up most of the time

Now you’d like to think this has some flexibility for occasions like today when everything was going to the back post to their number 4 who had a free header on 4/5 occasions but maybe not

[Donnybax]

To be fair, last seasons goals for tally was inflated by five against Rochdale.

and this season by scoring 7 at Southend

[5 on Tour]

I think both John and James could have a place at LB. Tom and Joe are the best CB pairing in my opinion and Halliday our only RB. If we are playing teams with the high press then James is better at LB due to his attacking capabilities and faster passing. If we are playing teams who are dropping taller players to our RB to try and win flick ons and knock downs then John is better at that than James.

[drfchound]

To be fair, last seasons goals for tally was inflated by five against Rochdale.

and this season by scoring 7 at Southend

.......which is why I wrote what I did.   
You obviously hadn’t picked that up from the post by Steve@dcfd in the post before mine.

[DonnyOsmond]

Also comparing 21 games to first 21 last season.

We had won 10. Drawn 5. Lost 6. GF 34. GA 26  points 35

This year won 8 drawn 7 lost 6. GF 31. GA 23 points 31                         
(GF inflated by 7 at Southend)

So for people who believes DM not doing it then look at that with a squad that is not as good especially in forward areas.
                                                     

The main three goal threats last season we're Marquis, Wilks and probably Rowe. Sadlier and Taylor can somewhat cover the numbers for the latter 2 but we still have a hole up front and Ennis is decent but he won't get us 25 or even 15. We'd probably be in the play-offs with a goalscorer.

[Alan Southstand]

And a tremendously creative Herbie Kane!

[Campsall rover]

Also comparing 21 games to first 21 last season.

We had won 10. Drawn 5. Lost 6. GF 34. GA 26  points 35

This year won 8 drawn 7 lost 6. GF 31. GA 23 points 31                         
(GF inflated by 7 at Southend)

So for people who believes DM not doing it then look at that with a squad that is not as good especially in forward areas.
                                                     

The main three goal threats last season we're Marquis, Wilks and probably Rowe. Sadlier and Taylor can somewhat cover the numbers for the latter 2 but we still have a hole up front and Ennis is decent but he won't get us 25 or even 15. We'd probably be in the play-offs with a goalscorer.

If we had Marquis and Kane we would be in the top 2 now. That’s not a maybe that’s a definite.

Well yes imo. 
But seriously Marquis would be on 15 goals now. Even without Kane he would be on 12 at least, again imo.

[Barmby Rover]

The thing that I don't understand is why we have Jon Taylor in the box at corners, he is hardly useful at about 5'4" when he could be stood on the half way line willing to bolt like a rabbit if a ball goes forward quickly from a clearance, he would take two defenders out of any team that came to us for any corner.