Newport (A) preview

[ncRover]

This doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore so I thought I’d give it a go on my lunch.

In what was also our 2nd league game and first away game last year, Newport thrashed us 4-0.

Our midfield that day was Tyler Roberts, Harrison Biggins, George Broadbent and Deji Sotona. No further comment.

An injured George Miller was rushed back and subsequently ruled out for the season.

Newport were by far the fitter and more prepared side and did the double on us last year, but things are much different now.

Similar to this year, the Exiles were among the favourites to go down last year, but made themselves safe after a strong first half of the season. This was due in part to the surprise success of Will Evans - who was picked up from the Welsh League. Their star man scored 21 goals but has thankfully now moved on to Mansfield.

In stark contrast to Rovers, Newport have no momentum whatsoever heading in to this weekend. They were bottom of the 10-game form table for the end of last season, while we were top.

On to their attacking threats. They have replaced Evans with the typical League 2 handful that is Courtney Baker-Richardson. One for Wood and Anderson to deal with.

Looking at their highlights from the opening day, I fear that the pace and trickery of Bobby Kamwa could cause Sterry issues if he gets him 1v1. Let’s hope his man bun is nice and tight.

They have some big units at the back but were sliced open many times last weekend. If we can keep it on the deck we should be absolutely fine.

Fun bit of trivia - Newport’s original nickname was “The Ironsides” due to the steelworks located in the town at the time.

Who’s making the long trip for this one? Would you play the same XI as last weekend? Given Newport’s strengths and weaknesses could this game be better suited to an in-form Billy?

[graingrover]

Tata steelworks in process of closing down leaving more desolation to what was once a busy industrial town .

[RoversInSpain]

Very good ncR!
Liked the mention on who was in our team last time round. Who to watch out for and how we might get around them. Nice bit of trivia. Some transfer info.
Nice and short.
Thanks for taking out the time, don’t forget to eat your lunch though!
I’ll be watching on Rovers+ hopefully.
Think we’ll start same team as Accy, Senior to get the nod. Will see Fleming, Kelly, Billy on as subs for sure.
0-6

[Chris Black come back]

Hurst 50/50 for tomorrow.

[ravenrover]

Not a great miss after last week, we have better IMHO

[Ryaldinhio]

Newport manager interview sounds like they have a few injuries, also talking about 'doing the ugly side of football better'....hope this just means basic hard work and not us coming away with injuries!

[Reg of the Rovers]

Hurst has been excellent so far, the only difference this year is that we have lots of excellent cover options so it's less of a miss for that reason. Yeboah the only forward where the jury is still out so he wouldn't start for me. I'd like Kelly to start assuming he's fit, he was excellent on Tuesday - full of energy, bursting forward and quality spreading the ball about, despite looking like he's about 13! Looking forward to the game.

[roversdude]

Thanks ncRover great write up.
I’m making my way down just hope Rovers turn up this season last season was so disjointed due to injuries etc

[Chris Black come back]

Lawlor back tomorrow. Still no date for Close. “Taking time”.

[steve@dcfd]

The team for me assuming everyone is fit and we are away from home
TSL
Sterry
Anderson
Wood
Senior
Bailey
Kelly
Molyneux
Sbarra or Clifton
Gibson
Ironside


Subs Lawlor or Oram
Nixon
Olowu
Broadbent
Clifton or Sbarra
Yeboah
Sharp

If we don’t have two defenders as Subs Hurst if ready

[steve@dcfd]

Interview with Grant before game tomorrow

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers-press-notes-fresh-injury-concern-transfer-update-and-ben-close-latest-4745313

[RoversInSpain]

Another excellent interview.

He doesn’t sign players to cover, he signs players to challenge and get in the team.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Listening to Grant about the new full back/Maxwell, he's not just content with two players for each position, he wants genuine competition for places.

I did actually wonder whether he might yank Sterry, after his gaff for Accringtons goal, and with Nixon looking really up for it, to show the bar is set high.

I think Gibson earned his place and with Sbarra looking strong, Hurst might have had to settle for the bench anyway.

I just wouldn't like to call the midfield after Tuesday night with all of them playing well in the two games.

What a glorious position to be in.

[ncRover]

I thought the Accrington game was passing Hurst by.
Sbarra has much more experience in that central role and I think it will be his throughout the season.

[Nudga]

What's everyone's score predictions?

I'm going for 3 nil Rovers.

[Alan Southstand]

We’ve got real competition for who plays in midfield, with Clifton (who runs his blood to water and likes a tackle),S’barra who is similar to Clifton, Kelly (who was good at Salford for 60 minutes) along with Bailey and Westbrook.

Pick the bones out of that lot!

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I'm a bit nervous about this one. Perhaps thinking about last seasons 4-0 drubbing.

Just got a feeling if we go out there thinking we're superior and it's just a matter of time before we score, we'll come a cropper. We will have to work hard and do the basics well first and foremost.

I'll be content with a Desmond.

[drfchound]

I'm a bit nervous about this one. Perhaps thinking about last seasons 4-0 drubbing.

Just got a feeling if we go out there thinking we're superior and it's just a matter of time before we score, we'll come a cropper. We will have to work hard and do the basics well first and foremost.

I'll be content with a Desmond.

Grant and his staff will make sure that the lads have their feet firmly on the ground and the more experienced players will add to that.
There is no way that the team will go out there with the wrong attitude.

[Chris Black come back]

Hurst and obviously Maxwell out today. Clifton and Senior come in. New lad on bench.

[NickDRFC]

Feels like we’re expecting more of a midfield battle today with Clifton rather than Sbarra in. The team looks slightly more robust.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

The harsh realities laid bare when Nixon McGrath and Westbrooke, who all had good games at Salford, don't even make the squad.

Looks like Hursts niggle has kept him out too.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Probably a kick up the arse we need just to remind the players it's not all about fancy picture book football. It's about hard work without the ball, plus using the brains a bit better when we have it.

[Chris Black come back]

Newport in same bucket as Harrogate, Fleetwood and Barrow, as turds that we are constantly treading in and can never quite get off our shoes. 

[jmt23]

I think Ironside may get a bit of a talking too, he should’ve squared to Gibson to tap in, but shanked it wide going for goal from a very tight angle. That would have put us ahead again. Poor decision!

[ncRover]

How was the Kamwa causing Sterry issues shout?