Rovers Return

[lukcour]

Totally unconvincing performance. 2 situations the Alex clearly don't like: taking the lead and facing 10 men.
I really don't understand the transformation that happens. First 15 minutes, moving the ball around sharply using the full width of the pitch and then we take the lead and it all comes juddering to a halt. The centre halves and goalkeeper start playing a game of their own and then disaster...the opposition goes down to 10 men. Cue for 'walking football'. On comes Finney to play backpasses to Mickey D and nothing else. The old Offord from last season reappears and is constantly side-on to the ball looking for the pass back to the keeper.
Last season when we did manage to win was rarely enjoyable because of the lack of positivity. There is no need to be leaving with that feeling this season but I am totally frustrated at the lack of ambition shown. Another 2 goals would have seen us 3rd.
At the end of the season goal difference could be crucial.

It would appear we saw the game differently. For the first hour I felt that at last we had a 3 man midfield that was competitive, hassled, closed down, and most importantly could create solid attacking moves. A big differences from weakly giving the ball away. It is essential that we have a competitive midfield to reduce the amount of silly goals we are giving away.

A word of caution. could it have been that Rovers were so bad it made it easy for our midfield. On the day they were a poor team.

It all started to go downhill when we started to make subs. there was not the same drive or spirit. Could it be that some of our younger players have to change their attitude and seriously lift the level of their game? Or is it down to the negative tactics of our management mindset?

On the positive side for the first hour I felt it was our best whole team display so far this season.

[ShropshireAlex]

On the positive side for the first hour I felt it was our best whole team display so far this season.

Totally agree with that. Apart from the subs - really just saving legs it seemed - I felt the whole game lost its shape after the stoppage, and never really got it back - apart from the goal of course!