Let's talk about the Gillingham game

[Chris Black come back]

I thought we were brilliant first 65 or so minutes but didn't take our chances.

Last 20 we defended superbly and did the ugly stuff to win the game regardless of performance etc which was great to see. It's about winning games in this league and a deserved clean sheet.

It's become an excellent start now, better than I expected bar the Newport blip.

Agree with this. Good summary.

[The Dav]

They’ll be up or around it at the end of the season ! Mcgrath has really taken his opportunity and it’s his to lose now ! We did the ugly stuff today, i thought the ref was dire.

[Reg of the Rovers]

I thought Clifton was decent, occasional touches of quality but his engine can't be matched (apart from maybe Kelly) - he was pressing their keeper then getting back in to defend, he must cover some miles. Good performances all round, Teddy and McGrath really good. Really good win under lots of pressure. That ref wants putting in the stocks for that performance though!

[donnievic]

'Ugly Win'.

'You have to win ugly to be champions'

hardly a ugly win I thought we were the better side theoughout,yes last 15 mins they put pressure on abit but didn’t really threaten the goal apart from putting balls into the box

[ForsolongaRover]

They’ll be up or around it at the end of the season ! Mcgrath has really taken his opportunity and it’s his to lose now ! We did the ugly stuff today, i thought the ref was dire.

I’d say it was determined defending and the ugly stuff, very ugly stuff came from Gillingham whose players all had 2 or 3  get-out-of-jail-free cards.

[The Dav]

Agreed ! I should have said we dealt with their ugly stuff !

[Campsall rover]

That is what I call winning ugly.
Every successful team does that.

Gillingham haven’t changed their spots have they. Still as horrible as ever. The ref gave us little protection as per usual.

McGrath m.o.m no question imo. He was outstanding.
Reminds me of Matt Mills and I think he could turn out to be even better than him.

[selby]

  McGrath outstanding, Anderson solid and the keeper very good, plus the work rate of the side as whole was up there covering a lot od ground.
  All the players at least a 7 and with the outstanding central defenders and keeper we deserved a hard won win.
  I kept thinking we will tire keeping this up but the subs contributed and kept the tempo up, especially down our right flank where they seemed to favour their attacks.
  The referee as others have pointed out seemed to have a strange view of the rules of the game and seemed hell bent on letting Gillingham spoiling tac tics carry on un headed although we were no shrinking violets and responded at times in kind for once.
  So its let the good times roll, we are on another winning streak and need to keep it up as we will be the team to be shot at now and long may it last.

[Copps is Magic]

'Ugly Win'.

'You have to win ugly to be champions'

hardly a ugly win I thought we were the better side theoughout,yes last 15 mins they put pressure on abit but didn’t really threaten the goal apart from putting balls into the box

We also didn't really threaten. It was a game where both keepers had very little to do. It was combative and ugly and we had to dig deep in the 2nd half but I'm glad we won.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Very good well earned 3 points with our defensive line being solid throughout.

My disappointment was those last 30 mins when we didn't show enough football intelligence by giving the ball away to cheaply in the middle and final thirds.  When we work to get the ball back, we must be better at keeping it by keeping things simple, making sure we find a shirt of the same colour. Sometimes the support for the man on the ball was poor not giving enough simple options. The ball became like a bar of soap slipping away losing any grip, which of course hands the initiative straight back to them. Close showed a bit more intelligence when he came on but Gibson, Clifton, Bailey, Hurst all lost possession without being under too much pressure. Just poor ball control and decision making.

It's a good job defensively, we remained switched on at all times with McGrath and Anderson having that 'Thou shall not pass' attitude. Both Sterry and Fleming stopped quite a few crosses today so limited them to scraps. The keeper did his bit too tidying things up when needed.

Not a memorable 3 points but a valuable 3 points.

[scawsby steve]

'Ugly Win'.

'You have to win ugly to be champions'

hardly a ugly win I thought we were the better side theoughout,yes last 15 mins they put pressure on abit but didn’t really threaten the goal apart from putting balls into the box

We also didn't really threaten. It was a game where both keepers had very little to do. It was combative and ugly and we had to dig deep in the 2nd half but I'm glad we won.

Didn't really threaten? Bloody hell, Copps, Gibson missed 2 sitters, Billy had a free header, and Bailey should have scored  in the 2nd half.

It could easily have been 4 or 5 nil today.

[IDM]

'Ugly Win'.

'You have to win ugly to be champions'

hardly a ugly win I thought we were the better side theoughout,yes last 15 mins they put pressure on abit but didn’t really threaten the goal apart from putting balls into the box

We also didn't really threaten. It was a game where both keepers had very little to do. It was combative and ugly and we had to dig deep in the 2nd half but I'm glad we won.

I’ve just seen the highlights and we created several really good chances, and Billy will be disappointed not hitting the target with his header, although his goal looked more difficult and was a typical Sharp finish.

Perhaps in real time it looked less threatening (to you?) if those chances were spread out over time?  I can’t tell from a few minutes highlight clips.

[ForsolongaRover]

It was a tight game and you have to give Gillingham credit for their endeavour, albeit unsophisticated and cunning, which Rovers countered effectively, albeit not always prettily. When you remember that half of them only arrived at the club or made it to the first team until this season, it was very creditable. They also did not allow the ref’s blindness to Gillingham’s sins to raise their tempers - like it did mine!

Once this team/squad really get into their stride and the mutual understanding increases, they will be a formidable force. I’m a bit worried about Hurst and I’m not sure why we are not seeing more from him.

[donnyguy]

Gillingham manager comments- Rovers created more than them and deserved the win.

[drfchound]

Gillingham manager comments- Rovers created more than them and deserved the win.

Unusual for that to happen but credit to him for saying that.

[ForsolongaRover]

Gillingham manager comments- Rovers created more than them and deserved the win.

Unusual for that to happen but credit to him for saying that.

He was equally fair-minded in his pre-match comments. He seems a shrewd professional.

[dknward2]

Gillingham manager comments- Rovers created more than them and deserved the win.

Unusual for that to happen but credit to him for saying that.

He was equally fair-minded in his pre-match comments. He seems a shrewd professional.

Maybe he realises that the fans and owners can watch the game so pointless making stuff up to make himself sound better

[PDX_Rover]

I thought Clifton was decent, occasional touches of quality but his engine can't be matched (apart from maybe Kelly) - he was pressing their keeper then getting back in to defend, he must cover some miles. Good performances all round, Teddy and McGrath really good. Really good win under lots of pressure. That ref wants putting in the stocks for that performance though!

I don’t think Brian will be too chuffed having the ref inserted in him…