Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on April 03, 2024, 01:25:02 am

Title: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: selby on April 03, 2024, 01:25:02 am
 A game against a side that came to the Eco Stadium in mid December and gave us an early Christmas present of a 5-0 wupping at home that saw us the supporters in despair of our lack of skill and fighting spirit, and numerous supporters giving up the ghost and wanting big changes in the board room and some the manager his cards plus most of the players.
  Well it was great to see the support for the club and super Grant McCann last night ,what a change and great to see.
  The only negative is the injury to our skipper who has been immense lately along with the rest of the team, and coupled with Anderson's silly sending off leaves us short in an area that has been the bed rock of our revival.
  We are in the position of having to win every game, nothing will change that to the end of the season and we are all hoping the impossible  is really possible, it's a long shot but we have to go for it and whoever plays has that one aim, win the game.
  McGrath and Olowu who himself was magnificent last night could be our central pairing for the next few weeks and young Flint the back up, a chance for all to step up and prove their worth.
  Hopefully others are fit after two hard physical games as we try to end the season on a very high note, something not many foresaw the last time we played Morecambe, with Morecambe having the benefit of an extra days rest and will no doubt will have watched closely our game last night.
  Morecambe also had a very good Easter beating Accrington and Barrow 2-1 so are in fine form and are currently 8th in the table two points off the play off spots Mellon their top scorer on loan from Burnley up to Christmas is now at Dundee and unfortunately has sustained a bad head injury while up there, I   hope he is OK and think  he was the best youngster we have played against this season so happy he is not there to worry about.
   So a lot on our plate to go for a very illusive sixth win on the trot with injuries, playing another side coming back into form and confident, who have already given us a good hiding this season.
   We are on a good run, but our depth of squad will be tested  in that central  defence  position, but those who play have a chance to make a statement themselves that they can do a job when required.
   Lot's to discuss, and with a new found enthusiasm in our supporters willing the team on to make the impossible possible, please have your say.   




   
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Alan Southstand on April 03, 2024, 04:59:47 am
Sorting the central defence out for the next 2 games is going to be key, if we’re to keep this magnificent run going, Selby. But, your short summary has missed one key ingredient- Bailey! Mr dependable when he’s played as a cb not so very long ago. Yes, it would disrupt the midfield, but we now have Westbrooke fit and able, along with Broadbent and Tommy Rowe, who can step in.

Let’s see how it goes, but however it goes, this has been one hell of a turn-round by everyone at the Club.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 03, 2024, 06:11:38 am
Their home form is not good this season. They are 8th in the League Two table, yet ranked 16th for home form. They concede regularly at home - their last 10 home league games only two clean sheets - against Sutton and Crawley.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Avsuptem on April 03, 2024, 06:38:51 am
I have a feeling that this will be the game that bursts our bubble. Having said that we have tremendous fire power in this squad and if we turn the chances we create into goals rather than fluff them as in the last 2 games we could finish up mullering them.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Rovers91 on April 03, 2024, 07:17:31 am
Huge game, win this and hopefully Crawley slip up at Mansfield and its game on we've got a chance and it will set Tuesday night up massively.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Butchers Red on April 03, 2024, 08:08:40 am
I'm comfortable with the pairing of McGrath and Olowu - who coming off the back of last night must be brimming with confidence and self belief, Jay is a very calm and confident lad so let's trust them and leave the midfield as it is. Bailey and Craig are superb in protecting the back 4 so again why disrupt that pairing.

It's up top where we can win this game, and we still have the full compliment of attacking players available so let's not get too hung over about losing Tom and Woody.

RTID
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Jimmydee on April 03, 2024, 08:53:46 am
I already had my Morecambe ticket for Saturday, I wonder how many extra were inspired after last nights performance to go and support the boys, we might take up the full allocation.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ncRover on April 03, 2024, 09:01:05 am
No team in the last 5 games have conceded more than Morecambe (13).

Hopefully Ironside can break his duck, get off 14 league goals and get his best EFL tally.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: IDM on April 03, 2024, 09:08:16 am
We have won 5 games on the bounce.. confidence is surely high.?  At this level, that can mean players who we think can be inconsistent, could be better, and the team spirit must be great at the moment.

It’s not a must win game.  Getting to the play offs would mean winning 10 or 11 games out of 11.  Not impossible and as we continue winning the chances improve. But realistically we are building for next season so a slip up or 2 in the run in isn’t the end of the world.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Campsall rover on April 03, 2024, 09:19:04 am
Morecambe concede goals. They have conceded over 70

If we can be solid at the back and don’t concede more than 1 goal on Saturday then I am confident we will win this game.

Massive game for Olowu and McGrath assuming the latter plays.

Personally I would keep Bailey in midfield. He and Craig have been quite brilliant over the last 8/9 weeks and have provided the protection for our back 4 that has been so much missing for the best part of 3 seasons.

If Olowu performs to the standard he did last night then that can only rub off on Jay McGrath a player I think has considerable potential based on what I have seen of him so far. He like Bobby Faulkner is physically strong and won’t get bullied.
We have 2 young centre backs who if we can hold on to long term might be our spine at the back as we make our climb back to play Championship football again.
Early days but both have the potential to be Championship standard players in 3 years. They will be 22 and 23 yrs old by then. Still very young but with much more experience and having the benefit of learning their trade from Wood & Anderson.

Gone off track a bit here  :zzz: 
Back to the OP  Yes we can win v Morecambe.
Take our chances, keep it tight. SIMPLES  if only it was. 
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 03, 2024, 10:31:01 am
The players are setting their own standards now and I'm sure they'll need very little encouragement. All the hard work and blood spilt for each other recently is inspirational. .
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 03, 2024, 10:39:27 am
While Morecambe don’t have an amazing home record or keep too many clean sheets at home, overall they are not so leaky at home. They have only shipped 23 at home, considerably less than we have (27) and the same as Wrexham have.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: colincramb on April 03, 2024, 11:03:26 am
It will be a tough game. I think last night will have took a considerable amount out of us (we looked dead on our feet in the last 10/15 mins). With wood very likely to be out (possibly won’t play again this season if it’s as serious as it looked), Tom missing, then it could be a game too far. Hope not.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: bpoolrover on April 03, 2024, 11:10:43 am
Only 87 tickets left out of 1k unless they send any more
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Colin C No.3 on April 03, 2024, 11:24:25 am
I know McGrath hasn’t had that much game time (some on here have gone as far as to call him rubbish!?) but if GM sticks with Owen in midfield where he’s best position is in my opinion, then Jay will have the knowledge that his manager has faith in his ability to rise to the challenge & I’ve no doubt he will.

As has been said, we win this game by playing the way we have been, on the front foot.

Another victory for me.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 03, 2024, 12:44:19 pm
With Crawley playing a tough one against Mansfield this is a big game for both sides, very much a must fin if the 7th place fantasy is to happen.  The fear for me is the injuries we're picking up though.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: selby on April 03, 2024, 12:49:58 pm
  McGrath has been brought in as a future first team player, and to be fair to the lad has only played games when we were in poor form throughout the midfield and defence.
  We need to keep our current form up for the rest of the season and keep improving, he needs to take his chance if he starts, and play well, that's why he is in the game and I am sure will give his best.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: normal rules on April 03, 2024, 02:52:09 pm
55 terrace tickets left
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ncRover on April 04, 2024, 07:34:48 am
Morecambe’s goalkeeper on that day in 2022 they beat us 4-3 was Kyle Letheren - our current goalkeeping coach.

They now don’t have any players that played that day, apart from one on the losing side - Jordy Hiwula.

Our only ones are Joseph Olowu and Louis Jones.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: 5minstogo on April 04, 2024, 07:47:19 am
Watched them on Monday when they beat Barrow. Neither side looked special.  Dangerous down the left with Tutonda and Slew. Slew v Sterry could be a bit of a mismatch. I'd like to think our current midfield would outwork theirs (depends if Bailey drops back into defence) and Hakeeb would cause them problems up top.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 04, 2024, 08:19:45 am
I already had my Morecambe ticket for Saturday, I wonder how many extra were inspired after last nights performance to go and support the boys, we might take up the full allocation.

I was! Got my ticket on Wednesday!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: StocktonRover on April 04, 2024, 10:43:48 am
If you haven't got your tickets yet, you need to act quickly - just 20 terrace and 3 seating remaining available now

Must have released a further batch as now just over 200 available
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 04, 2024, 11:05:02 am
Darren Drysdale confirmed as ref. 
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: sf9944 on April 04, 2024, 11:36:05 am
Darren Drysdale - ironic as it seems like its going to be wet. Is the standing area covered?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: StocktonRover on April 04, 2024, 11:40:50 am
Darren Drysdale - ironic as it seems like its going to be wet. Is the standing area covered?
Yes
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Colin C No.3 on April 04, 2024, 11:41:11 am
  McGrath has been brought in as a future first team player, and to be fair to the lad has only played games when we were in poor form throughout the midfield and defence.
  We need to keep our current form up for the rest of the season and keep improving, he needs to take his chance if he starts, and play well, that's why he is in the game and I am sure will give his best.

How would you rate McGrath against Bobby Faulkner selby?

Comparing their different strengths, attributes etc & how far apart are they in terms of development?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: pib on April 04, 2024, 11:56:25 am
200 extra tickets have been given.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: steve@dcfd on April 04, 2024, 12:02:22 pm
If Wood is not available and I would be surprised if he was then Olowu and McGrath should be given the chance. Bailey would start in Midfield and be available for CH if required. We might have to put Will Flint on the bench as a precaution as I don’t think Bobby is fit yet.If the rest of the team are fit then the only choice is whether we start Biamou or Ironside.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Dutch Uncle on April 04, 2024, 12:23:19 pm
Might Jack Senior be brought back onto the bench?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: selby on April 04, 2024, 05:26:29 pm
  It might be stating the obvious but we very much need to win, just go for it if we play well we have every chance of getting the result we need.
  If we lose go down fighting that will do for me.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 04, 2024, 06:13:32 pm
With Crawley playing a tough one against Mansfield this is a big game for both sides, very much a must fin if the 7th place fantasy is to happen.  The fear for me is the injuries we're picking up though.

I'm not sure Crawley are the issue. I'd bet on Walsall finishing above them, so we will probably have to catch and pass Walsall, who have by some way the least challenging run in.

Other one to watch is Crewe*. If their collapse in form takes them to a defeat at Accrington on Satdi, they are starting to look catchable.

(*) A collapse that started when I had a little bet on them at 80/1 for the title a few weeks back. No need for thanks...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Campsall rover on April 04, 2024, 07:35:29 pm
With Crawley playing a tough one against Mansfield this is a big game for both sides, very much a must fin if the 7th place fantasy is to happen.  The fear for me is the injuries we're picking up though.

I'm not sure Crawley are the issue. I'd bet on Walsall finishing above them, so we will probably have to catch and pass Walsall, who have by some way the least challenging run in.

Other one to watch is Crewe*. If their collapse in form takes them to a defeat at Accrington on Satdi, they are starting to look catchable.

(*) A collapse that started when I had a little bet on them at 80/1 for the title a few weeks back. No need for thanks...
Get some money on Crawley, Morecambe and Walsall to finish in the play offs. Be quick BST   :)  No time to waste do it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ncRover on April 05, 2024, 11:55:52 am
Is Boardwalk the best pub for away fans?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: karldew on April 05, 2024, 02:14:13 pm
“Doncaster Fans traveling to Morecambe tomorrow on the train. There's no trains from Lancaster to Morecambe, it's bus replacement.”

A post on Facebook from a Morecambe fan.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Donnywolf on April 05, 2024, 02:21:13 pm
Is Boardwalk the best pub for away fans?

The Hurley Flyer is close to Ground and seems to be ok for all fans but I've thought that in the past near other Grounds

I usually get "permission" via email and have asked the William Mitchell pub but as yet its not replied

0.4 miles from Ground

Boardwalk is a suggested Pub for away fans on sea front I believe
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Butchers Red on April 05, 2024, 03:48:08 pm
Looks like it's a sell out of the away end again - no tickets available on sale now.

Tremendous support once again :woohoo:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ncRover on April 05, 2024, 04:21:48 pm
Is Boardwalk the best pub for away fans?

The Hurley Flyer is close to Ground and seems to be ok for all fans but I've thought that in the past near other Grounds

I usually get "permission" via email and have asked the William Mitchell pub but as yet its not replied

0.4 miles from Ground

Boardwalk is a suggested Pub for away fans on sea front I believe

Thank you
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: StocktonRover on April 05, 2024, 06:06:25 pm
Looks like it's a sell out of the away end again - no tickets available on sale now.

Tremendous support once again :woohoo:

They are taken off sale at midday on the Friday before the game.
Just prior to that it was showing 170 available.

What we don't know is how many of those actually available to away fans were released for sale.
Only yesterday we got down to about 20 left and then they released another 200.
It will be a good following but not a sell out
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: StocktonRover on April 05, 2024, 06:10:41 pm
Is Boardwalk the best pub for away fans?

The Hurley Flyer is close to Ground and seems to be ok for all fans but I've thought that in the past near other Grounds

I usually get "permission" via email and have asked the William Mitchell pub but as yet its not replied

0.4 miles from Ground

Boardwalk is a suggested Pub for away fans on sea front I believe

Thank you
From Rovers official feed on twitter

The Royal Bar & Shaker (257 Marine Rd Central, Morecambe LA4 4BJ) is the designated away pub. It is approximately 5 minute walk from the train station and approximately 30 minute walk to the stadium.

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2024/april/morecambe-guide/
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 06, 2024, 10:49:22 am
Had neglected that they have Hiwula. He played in their last game on Monday, albeit as a late sub.

Played 8 times for them but only started once and even then was subbed at half time.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Scooter on April 06, 2024, 02:43:59 pm
I decided to come the scenic route and had a wonderful drive via keighley, Skipton, Bentham and Wennington. For those of you who like the dales I would recommend it
I thought I would avoid the M62 for a change
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 06, 2024, 02:45:44 pm
Had neglected that they have Hiwula. He played in their last game on Monday, albeit as a late sub.

Played 8 times for them but only started once and even then was subbed at half time.

On the bench today.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: andy didcott on April 06, 2024, 03:00:56 pm
COYR.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ncRover on April 06, 2024, 06:15:51 pm
Had neglected that they have Hiwula. He played in their last game on Monday, albeit as a late sub.

Played 8 times for them but only started once and even then was subbed at half time.

On the bench today.

Missed a sitter LOL
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Batleyred on April 06, 2024, 06:27:14 pm
Had neglected that they have Hiwula. He played in their last game on Monday, albeit as a late sub.

Played 8 times for them but only started once and even then was subbed at half time.

On the bench today.

Missed a sitter LOL

Proper sitter as well  :crying:

I did fear the worst he would have scored against us  :scarf:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: andysly on April 06, 2024, 06:27:54 pm
Hiwula… I had a fiver at 16/1 on 3-1 to Rovers. Still I’m thinking about the GD  :scarf:
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: StocktonRover on April 06, 2024, 08:28:02 pm
I decided to come the scenic route and had a wonderful drive via keighley, Skipton, Bentham and Wennington. For those of you who like the dales I would recommend it
I thought I would avoid the M62 for a change
I decided to give the A66 a miss and go via Northallerton, Leyburn, Hawes, Ribblehead viaduct and Ingleton.  Lovely views but bloody slow traffic with little chance of getting past. All worth it though
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 06, 2024, 09:01:41 pm
I decided to come the scenic route and had a wonderful drive via keighley, Skipton, Bentham and Wennington. For those of you who like the dales I would recommend it
I thought I would avoid the M62 for a change

I live half way between Keighley and Skipton Scooter, so you followed my route today.

A lovely drive there and back and only one and a half hours each way, so that’s less time than the journey to a home game for me.

Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 06, 2024, 11:50:11 pm
Can you identify this Rovers player from the description in the match report on Morecambe’s fans forum?

“The dirty so-and-so…. “
“Lucky to stay on the field”
“… blatant holding, pushing and diving all the way through the game”
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: drfchound on April 06, 2024, 11:54:21 pm
Joe Ironside?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 06, 2024, 11:58:55 pm
Joe Ironside?

Nope
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: idler on April 07, 2024, 12:03:56 am
Sterry?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 07, 2024, 12:04:56 am
Sterry?

Correct Dave.

Would you call that an accurate description?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: adamtherover on April 07, 2024, 09:19:29 am
How did olowu play, I've heard conflicting reports? Does Tom come straight back in, or is the shirt now Joe's to lose?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: idler on April 07, 2024, 09:36:20 am
Sterry?

Correct Dave.

Would you call that an accurate description?
I’m not sure Neil. Father-in-law taken to hospital yesterday after falling and cutting his head so I couldn’t listen until after half time.  Just going on second half commentary and crowd noise when he was involved in challenges. He does have a bit of attitude though and I can see opponents getting frustrated with him. Long may it continue.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: donnievic on April 07, 2024, 09:41:15 am
Thought craig and sherry were superb and had their best games yet for us,olowu was good again and can’t really remember him do anything wrong,wood was just wood and gave everything,TLT save yesterday was better than Tuesdays aswell and well Moly he just doesn’t produce no end product again lol
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Cramby10 on April 07, 2024, 09:45:21 am
How did olowu play, I've heard conflicting reports? Does Tom come straight back in, or is the shirt now Joe's to lose?
did what he needed to do very comfortably. They didn’t have an awful lot of threat up top really. But much of that was down to Bailey and Craig who were nothing short of outstanding. I wish I had a quid for every ball they knicked off someone’s toe. And when there was physicality needed they had more than enough. It’s a whole lot easier being a centre half in this team now with this pairing in front of you.
I would go so far as to say it’s the best pairing since Kane and Whiteman and not too far behind stock and Wellens.
Really hope we can tempt Craig back for another season and Bailey should never be considered for a centre half spot ever again. Unless in an absolute crisis.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Lytham Rover on April 07, 2024, 10:16:28 am
I decided to come the scenic route and had a wonderful drive via keighley, Skipton, Bentham and Wennington. For those of you who like the dales I would recommend it
I thought I would avoid the M62 for a change

Even more scenic if you go via Hawes in winter when it's sleeting and gets called off when you get to the ground!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: ravenrover on April 07, 2024, 11:59:33 am
Thought craig and sherry were superb and had their best games yet for us,olowu was good again and can’t really remember him do anything wrong,wood was just wood and gave everything,TLT save yesterday was better than Tuesdays aswell and well Moly he just doesn’t produce no end product again lol
Craig and sherry is that a new kind of cocktail :-]]
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 07, 2024, 01:50:43 pm
Sterry?

Correct Dave.

Would you call that an accurate description?
I’m not sure Neil. Father-in-law taken to hospital yesterday after falling and cutting his head so I couldn’t listen until after half time.  Just going on second half commentary and crowd noise when he was involved in challenges. He does have a bit of attitude though and I can see opponents getting frustrated with him. Long may it continue.

Ah, sorry Dave, I assumed you'd watched the match.

Sorry to hear about your father-in-law, I wish him a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: idler on April 07, 2024, 02:01:07 pm
No worries Neil. They found him a bed after 12 hours in A&E so he might be home tomorrow. The problem was they found fluid on his lungs rather than the cut head.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Morecambe game
Post by: Campsall rover on April 07, 2024, 03:00:27 pm
Thought craig and sherry were superb and had their best games yet for us,olowu was good again and can’t really remember him do anything wrong,wood was just wood and gave everything,TLT save yesterday was better than Tuesdays aswell and well Moly he just doesn’t produce no end product again lol

Surprised Craig was able to put in such an outstanding performance considering he had been on the Sherry.
:facepalm:   :)