fantastic.

[andyst79]

Offers miles more attacking intent than Clifton

Clifton is played in games high up to press. He's not great with the ball technically but that's not what he's there for

Nothing against Clifton but surely the basics of any modern day footballer is that they can press ?? Personally I think Harrison Biggins offered us more in that role than Clifton

[StocksArmy]

Immense performance and the only negative is that it should have been game over by half time and could easily have been punished at the end. We get it absolutely spot on away from home but yet so wrong at home. Get that right and we take some stopping.

Special mention for Jack Senior yesterday. A young lad as good as him should and would be playing games for many other clubs at this level. He’s been very unlucky to be out of favour and have to sit in the stands a lot so far. So for him to be thrown in and play like that in a big game speaks volumes about how good of a player he is and also, his professionalism.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Offers miles more attacking intent than Clifton

Clifton is played in games high up to press. He's not great with the ball technically but that's not what he's there for

Nothing against Clifton but surely the basics of any modern day footballer is that they can press ?? Personally I think Harrison Biggins offered us more in that role than Clifton

I would also agree Clifton leads the press very well but can also drop back into midfield to defend so he adds value in that respect.

I would also agree he's not as skillful with the ball as Hurst or Sbarra. Hurst generally isn't as strong without the ball, although there has been some signs he's getting stuck in a bit more.

They can all offer something and there's time for all of them to improve even more.

I think we'd all love to see Kyle in full flow every week in the more central position.

[i_ateallthepies]

Grant has said much the same himself, in his interview with the press. Is he being negative?

Absolutely all for us looking to improve still further and especially after an excellent away win.

Agree with this and the earlier comments. Too many see everything either black or white - “he’s great and there can be no criticism” or “he’s shite and there can be no praise”. Hurst was unplayable for long spells today and was superb. He also made a real mess of two clear chances in the first half. He was still probably our MOTM. Maybe with McGrath and Olowu. Sterry not far behind.

I really like what Sterry gives us going forward but still see him as a defensive weakness.  I think he could be very effective used in midfield, he's good on the ball and can make some telling passes and certainly has no fear of getting into the box.

[Spud]

George was OK, nothing spectacular but worked hard.

[andyst79]

Grant has said much the same himself, in his interview with the press. Is he being negative?

Absolutely all for us looking to improve still further and especially after an excellent away win.

Agree with this and the earlier comments. Too many see everything either black or white - “he’s great and there can be no criticism” or “he’s shite and there can be no praise”. Hurst was unplayable for long spells today and was superb. He also made a real mess of two clear chances in the first half. He was still probably our MOTM. Maybe with McGrath and Olowu. Sterry not far behind.

I really like what Sterry gives us going forward but still see him as a defensive weakness.  I think he could be very effective used in midfield, he's good on the ball and can make some telling passes and certainly has no fear of getting into the box.

He scares the shit out of me defensively but like you say he's good going forward. Quite a few assists this season I believe

[chrisd_123]

I wasn’t at the game either so forgive me (although that seems to inversely correlate with our performance levels )
Broadbent must have been solid? Interesting he was trusted over Kelly in what was essentially a formation with only 2 central midfielders.

I said this on Twitter last night. Broadbent seems a strange one. He's steady enough, nothing special (yet) but the results with his starting are fantastic. I think someone mentioned we've got 13 points from the 6 games he's started this season and only the Newport game where we lost.

Does he free Bailey up a little perhaps? Honestly I don't know what it is but we just seem better with him in there.

[sf9944]

Broadbent misplaced a few passes yesterday but also had some lovely touches.  Sounds a bit daft but I tend to think the bad side of his game is more noticeable than the good.  If you watch carefully you will see some great deft flicks and passes and he is good at linking play up. 

I think he is an intelligent footballer who's main weakness is that he lacks a bit for pace.  In short I think we under-rate him a bit.

[Barmby Rover]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

[vaya]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Not disagreeing with your overall points, but there was another good chance from a corner with the header from McGrath in the second half.

[roversdude]

Tbf I think Jay had a couple of headers that should have resulted in a goal
Would love to see Nixon in for a few games, really like Sterry but see him as the weak link in the defence

[ForsolongaRover]

Hurst is a total confidence player. Most of his time with us he plays almost scared in edge. There's been the odd cameos where I think wow he could be some player for us. One in particular was Mansfield away a couple of years ago. We got thrashed 4v1 but that day he was the best player in the pitch by a mile. He's got to do it more often than he has done. I thought first half he was poor as was Molyneux too.

He never starts games so struggles with rhythm. We’ve developed him poorly since he’s been here, he’s not had enough minutes. Today showed what he can do when he has time to settle into a game.

He needs a run in the side, even if he has a couple of bad games GM needs to stick with him, nobody else in the side can really travel at pace with the ball the way he does

There were several pleas to GM to finally give him a start before this game for the very reasons you mention. It’s something that the manager perhaps ought to have done some time before us lot suggested it.

[danumdon]

Broadbent misplaced a few passes yesterday but also had some lovely touches.  Sounds a bit daft but I tend to think the bad side of his game is more noticeable than the good.  If you watch carefully you will see some great deft flicks and passes and he is good at linking play up. 

I think he is an intelligent footballer who's main weakness is that he lacks a bit for pace.  In short I think we under-rate him a bit.

Agreed, i think we all underrate him to an extent. Went about his game yesterday very quietly and effectively.

I wonder if he was one of them who asked for extra shooting practice? Then again its something we should be doing better.

[adamtherover]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Not disagreeing with your overall points, but there was another good chance from a corner with the header from McGrath in the second half.

has any one heard the Billy sharp aftermatch Interview, he name checks McGrath twice over his missed chance.  Practically sounds pissed off...  Really seemed out of place considering the optimistic feeling of everyone after the game..

[Spud]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Not disagreeing with your overall points, but there was another good chance from a corner with the header from McGrath in the second half.

has any one heard the Billy sharp aftermatch Interview, he name checks McGrath twice over his missed chance.  Practically sounds pissed off...  Really seemed out of place considering the optimistic feeling of everyone after the game..

I didn't take it as a pop at Jay, just stating we should have been out of sight. He also said "myself included" twice when talking of missed chances recently.

[graingrover]

Sharp needs more crosses into the box from the by- line and Karl Hurst provides that though he did play down the middle yesterday and very effectively.
Grant says Senior has a. big heart, well he has two big lungs too, and though he was essentially defending the left back position he got into their box at speed too on a couple of occasions.He looked very happy too .

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Not disagreeing with your overall points, but there was another good chance from a corner with the header from McGrath in the second half.

has any one heard the Billy sharp aftermatch Interview, he name checks McGrath twice over his missed chance.  Practically sounds pissed off...  Really seemed out of place considering the optimistic feeling of everyone after the game..

Yes. I didn't get that impression at all. I took it he was making the point about standards and what needs to improve. He mentioned his experience at higher levels where you have to be more clinical or get punished. He seems determined to help us get better.

[graingrover]

I did not read that into the Sharp  interview nor from his positive body language throughout the game .

[adamtherover]

Just me then, hey ho..  opinions eh...

[StocksArmy]

Just watch Alexander’s interview. First comment was “we’ve been done on the counter” moving on to say “there was no real skill involved” in our first goal. Agreed we should have scored a hat full on the counter and on transitions but neither of our goals were scored on them. Also, just before our first goal, Hurst checked back before playing Moly in and sent 3 of their defenders for a hot dog, does that not class as skill anymore then?

[GazLaz]

Just watch Alexander’s interview. First comment was “we’ve been done on the counter” moving on to say “there was no real skill involved” in our first goal. Agreed we should have scored a hat full on the counter and on transitions but neither of our goals were scored on them. Also, just before our first goal, Hurst checked back before playing Moly in and sent 3 of their defenders for a hot dog, does that not class as skill anymore then?

He says that like it wasn’t our plan and they gifted it us. We played that way because they are dreadful at defending breaks and can break down low blocks.

[Move DRFC]

Sharp has high standards and wants the best for the team and his teammates. Nothing wrong with him calling out Jay's miss. Captain's comment.

Senior was good and seems better in the LCB role. I know we will change formation depending on who we play, but when we play 5 at the back the 5 that started yesterday are probably the best we have for it.

[Lesonthewest]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Totally agree as regards the wide players, it's great we have really good wide players, that can cut in & get a shot off, just need to mix it a bit more, beat their man & get the ball in for the strikers, would give defenders  a real headache.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Rovers played well yesterday and were good value for the win, but there's no harm in pointing out where Rovers could still get better. 13 corners yesterday, yet only one resulted in a good chance of a goal (the scramble) the rest, at best offered a slow shot on goal that the keeper easily saves. They need a better strategy.
The second goal demonstrated where Rovers need to go with chances for Billy and Joe, get well down towards the by line and then a low cross across the penalty area. So many time Molyneux and Gibson run out side the box and try to cut in to score themselves, by-passing the striker. Most of these attempts are from distance giving time to get a block in or another easy save from a goalie. We could have been 3-4 goals up in the first half. Something that GM pointed out in his interview.

Totally agree as regards the wide players, it's great we have really good wide players, that can cut in & get a shot off, just need to mix it a bit more, beat their man & get the ball in for the strikers, would give defenders  a real headache.

Definitely agree about mixing it up. As a wide man you want to test out your marker early on, both outside and inside.

What I would also like to see more of, are those early crosses from deeper from Maxwell and Sterry. Not too long ago, Clifton scored at the Eco from a beautiful cross from Sterry, who didn't hesitate to whip one in after it was laid back to him. One of those where the defenders can't get set. Clifton made a  great timed run into the box.

Last season, Bailey's headed goal v Wrexham from a great cross from deep from Maxwell.

All these options are more strings to the bow with forwards and midfielders making good runs.

[ncRover]

Sharp has high standards and wants the best for the team and his teammates. Nothing wrong with him calling out Jay's miss. Captain's comment.

Senior was good and seems better in the LCB role. I know we will change formation depending on who we play, but when we play 5 at the back the 5 that started yesterday are probably the best we have for it.

If I remember rightly, Nixon was a decent RCB option when we had the back 3 last year. Similar to Jack, not the biggest but aggressive and won’t be bullied.

[rich1471]

Offers miles more attacking intent than Clifton

Clifton is played in games high up to press. He's not great with the ball technically but that's not what he's there for

Clifton wins the ball high up the pitch and is crucial to how we play

[GazLaz]

Offers miles more attacking intent than Clifton

Clifton is played in games high up to press. He's not great with the ball technically but that's not what he's there for

Clifton wins the ball high up the pitch and is crucial to how we play

Is it though? We are not a big front foot pressing side, contrary to what Grant wants people to believe. We are average for pressing for the level, so considering we are about the best side in the league it can’t be our main plan/ style.

[Lesonthewest]

Just watch Alexander’s interview. First comment was “we’ve been done on the counter” moving on to say “there was no real skill involved” in our first goal. Agreed we should have scored a hat full on the counter and on transitions but neither of our goals were scored on them. Also, just before our first goal, Hurst checked back before playing Moly in and sent 3 of their defenders for a hot dog, does that not class as skill anymore then?

Alexander is a bellend, always has been.

[drfchound]

Well, their goal was scored from a 50/50 ball into the box.