Just back from Swansea... And last game of season

[Donnyboy]

Well i thought i might start a little thread/ appreciation of todays game...

Where do i start about though, the whole day was a fantastic spectacle and makes it a pleasure to be involved in this division with such great competition. The atmosphere was electric right from the start the Swans fans really getting behind their team, and when Bristol City scored the noise level was cranked up a level or two, the Donny fans played their part aswell and made good noise and created a very intense atmosphere.

The game itself had absolutely everything except a goal, wonderful passing football, numerous chances mainly for Swansea, some horrendous misses (Kuqi, Heffernan), viscious tackling from both sides, a massive penalty shout, last ditch tackling by the Rovers, a disallowed goal in stoppage time, pitch invasions, tears! I've never seen a crowd go from such jubilation to complete desolation as the Swansea fans did in the last minute when Trundles goal was correctly ruled out for handball. It was utterly gripping stuff and it was a pleasure to be involved in that sort of game. We played the party poopers and I have to hand it to the lads they dug in and showed great fight, and we played some really good football at times aswell.

Swansea were unlucky on the day and with better finishing would have won, a story all too familiar for us. Pratley was outstanding but his misses proved costly and Kuqi aswell, as for us the back four were superb especially O'Connor who was hands down MOM for both sides several last ditch tackles and blocks. Mutch, Wilson and Coppinger were excellent in midfield and considering we're missing key players this point was a great achievement. A great way to end the season, and the standing ovation by the away fans at the end was recipitated by the players. An amazing day all round.

[VikingJames]

Any rumours going round at the game as to why the likes of Sulli and Stock were left out?

[Donnyboy]

Well rumours are that Sully has played his last game for the Rovers and Smith was given a chance to show what he can do, Stock is still in recovery from his back injury but his non participation in any form is a mystery considering he's captain!? I'm sure there will be specualtion about his future throughout the summer

[JonWallsend]

Smith was always playing today. As I alluded to in another thread nothing sinister in terms of Sulli being left out. The keeping situation, and both players contracts, for next year does need to be resolved during the summer but if pushed I would say most likely that Ben will move on and Sulli will remain as number one.

[VikingJames]

JonWallsend wrote:

Smith was always playing today. As I alluded to in another thread nothing sinister in terms of Sulli being left out. The keeping situation, and both players contracts, for next year does need to be resolved during the summer but if pushed I would say most likely that Ben will move on and Sulli will remain as number one.

I agree completely. I think that is what will happen. I was just interested to see what people were saying at the game, as often the rumours going round at the ground end up being the ones that carry some substance.

[Rosso Rover]

both sulli and stock were injured and its not stocks back

[wilts rover]

Sam Hird was my MOM for his interceptions and last ditch tackles, admittedly there was enough of a gap between him and Martis at times for the whole of the Swansea team to get thro, but as it was only Kufki upfront we were more in danger from his shots than Ben Smith. O'Connor looked good when balls were coming across the area but Dyer went past him everytime, so it was a baffling move from Sousa to move him into midfield.

Rumours of a new striker, new keeper, new centre half, some departures but not Stock as no-one will touch him with a barge pole, unless its wrapped in cotton wool.

[Old Popsider]

Rosso Rover wrote:

both sulli and stock were injured and its not stocks back

Regarding Sulli, someone else has already said he has a hand injury and required an injection.
We all know goalies can't play with knackered hands.