Post by stevek192 on Aug 19, 2018 10:55:19 GMT
After the disappointment of the first two League results particularly the defeat at home to a very ordinary Accrington side it was pretty important to at least pick up a point at Wycombe yesterday. I am sure most supporters "play" the guess the team each game and I doubt there are very many who would have come up with the team that DC picked yesterday! When you look at it despite a lot of complaints about the squad even with three players out with long term injuries and not including any of our "development" squad we have a squad of 18 where all of them can feel hard done by when not selected. Even with the team sheet I was not sure how the team would set up but it turned out with a flat back four of James Clarke, Lockyer, Broadbent, Craig and a 4-4-2 formation with Matthews, Upson, Ollie Clarke and Sercombe with Nichols and Payne up top. I always feel if we can avoid going a goal down early on then we stand a chance because you visibly see the confidence increase and this was the case yesterday as we went one up early and all the defenders seemed to relish the challenge of keeping the Beast at bay- the man is a genius because if you ever looked at a sumo wrestler you would never believe they could play football but Akinfenwa proves history wrong but the unfortunate thing from Wycombe's point of view is they don't have a plan B and even Joe Jacobson would struggle now to say he was at a bigger club unless you were talking waist sizes!! Possession wise it was all Rovers throughout take away an early bit of pressure and the last 10 minutes. We probably had near 20 shots to their probably 5 or six and a 2-1 defeat flattered them. if there was a criticism it would be the final ball or trying to be too intricate and taking too many passes. So onto individual performances which probably some would say could have been an all round 8 because it was a fine Team performance.
Smith 7 Didn't have a great deal to do but looked competent throughout. kicking was good in that only one kick I can remember went straight into touch but I have thought about goalkeepers and I wonder sometime if we are over critical of ours because when you watch even the top level even only highlights very few keepers seem to leave their lines for crosses and then there was the Arsenal keeper last week who managed to kick the ball from near one post,across the goal and just past the other post for a corner! I think..my god we would have crucified our keeper! There are many keepers like Roos who we slaughtered and yet Derby are quite happy to have as number 2! Going back to Smith although he didn't have a lot to do and looked a bit slow out on the goal (he was caught out by two other players mistakes and probably had no chance whatsoever) I have given 7 because without the wonderful save at full length in the last few minutes Wycombe would have come away with a totally undeserved point.
J Clarke - 7.5 Well done on his first goal for the club but more for a sturdy performance against the opponents best player who early on looked like he would get the better of him but soon James had him "in his pocket" Took his goal just like a "fox in the box" striker as he reacted superbly to a rushed clearance and whacked the ball into the net to the delight of us visiting supporters to give us an early lead.
Craig 8 I just can't understand how this man gets so much stick. His experience shines through in close games and in all honesty most of the games since he has joined us have been close affairs; whether won or lost ;unlike a fair few of them before he joined! Alright he lacks pace if he comes up against a "fast un" but if you watch the clever way he marshalls his player and clears up danger then this more than makes up for a bit of pace. Add to this his second goal of his Rovers career- a powerful downward header at the far post on 20 minutes to give us a 2-0 lead from another varied corner and part of a defence who withstood an aerial bombardment whenever we didn't have the ball and I think an 8 is justified.
Lockyer 7.5 Much better display from our captain but probably should have reacted quicker on the goal conceded but taking it in isolation he did a good job as did the rest of his back line and in truth the whole team. His passing which has been heavily criticised was much better today.
Broadbent 8 What can I say other than Well done Tom Broadbent who has come under heavy criticism from me and yesterday gave a great performance blemished only by his mistake on the goal. The outstanding feature was his ability to bring the ball out from the defence and constantly find a colleague. Yesterday he also showed that he can when needed make the right decision and find Row F! I do wonder whether he could fill the left back role as he does have a bit more pace than Craig which is generally less required in the middle. Anyway let's not take away from his performance yesterday and I very much hope that he retains his place Tuesday which he fully deserves BUT we all know that is another "project" and we will never know whether less projects and more consistency in selection would improve individual players ability and consistency.
Matthews 8 This was a much bigger test for him than the cup game against Crawley and he came through it with flying colours, I like his varied set pieces and his close control and willingness to run at players. He looks like he is capable of adding goals to his game and it will be interesting to see him develop in the area of the team where he will do well to hold on to his place with the players we have fighting for places.
Sercombe 8 Great to see him back on his game despite playing wider than he would like and he did very well covering back yesterday to get in challenges and protect the defence but also looked confident on the ball and had at least four shots at goal all on target and surely his first goal of this season is not far away.
Upson 7 For me this player could be the key player this season as he definitely has the ability to dominate the midfield and provide probing passes with his vision and retain possession in tight spaces. I really feel that our midfield is an area of the team where DC could have a Top 6 quality pack of players-it's just a matter of getting the right combination each game and maybe a slightly different combination for away games compared to home games. For the first time in a long time I am excited at the prospect of seeing the midfield develop an understanding that can make them an outstanding unit.
O Clarke 7.5 Another player who played much better last Tuesday but I would reserve for a few more "tougher" games before making any judgements. He continued his improvement and yesterday was back to his best form and hopefully this can continue. Won a lot of possession and looked a dominant force and maybe yesterdays midfield unit is the best for away games and replacing either Ollie or Upson for home games. One thing that is certain is that we should always play with two up both home and away because it increases the options and will also bring out the best in Stefan Payne.
Nicholls 8 Best he has played in a long while but the lack of goals is worrying. Had a couple of chances yesterday where if he had the confidence you think he would have scored but at least he had the workrate and looked like he could form a dangerous partnership with Payne as he does have excellent close control and the ability to twist and turn and bring others into play.
Payne 8.5 MOM This was a performance where 4 or 5 players could have rightful claims for man of the Match but I have just edged for Stefan who I really believe will be great for us and it won't be long before we forget the loss of Ellis Harrison with no disrespect all to Ellis but he looks to me a more consistent player and a bigger handful for defenders. I could almost describe him as Ellis with a brain but that would be disrespectful!
Subs
Bennett 6 Has not reached the heights of last season yet but has a key part to play in our season but for me it is as a winger who cuts inside and forget this man in a hole rubbish. he is not physically built to play that role. Showed good skills and touches when he cam on and kept defenders busy.
Reilly 7 Took an immediate liking to his play, took up good positions and found space for himself and could develop as the next Matty Taylor but hopefully not a Snake! I would start him on Tuesday up top with Stefan Payne and see where it takes us.
Rodman NOLE In his short time on then pitch he managed to get a chance for himself and hit a low shot which the keeper saved. At this time I would use him as a substitute with the hope that he can build his fitness and then be a regular down the right flank particularly at home. Like Upson I see a good player there and hope that he soon finds his feet.
DC- Have to say that I was not impressed with the team selection when I saw the team but as is so often the case DC called it right and the selected players all upped their game which enabled us to dominate for long periods and it would have been daylight robbery of rain,.thunder and lightning performance if Smith had not produced that save low down in the last few minutes. I felt DC got all the substitutions right and hopefully he can mastermind something special for Tuesday night in what will be a very tough game. If he selects a positive team I see no reason why we can't get a result. If we go one up front I see only a defeat.
Ref 5 Terrible booking of Payne where he saw nothing of the incident. Plain average but even that is better than a lot of referees we have had.
Crowd away 10 home 2 Apart from the bloody annoying drum I didn't know the home support were there until the closing stages. The away fans were noisy throughout and loved the Akinfenwa song!It was good to be rewarded with a much better performance and a much needed and deserved victory.
Wycombe 4 Definitely a Plan A and nothing else and on this performance will do well to retain their status. Craig Mackail-Smith is no longer a force and he created absolutely nothing and defensively they looked sloppy, that said how much of that was down to their performance and how much due to how we played.
So onwards and upwards. UTG
Smith 7 Didn't have a great deal to do but looked competent throughout. kicking was good in that only one kick I can remember went straight into touch but I have thought about goalkeepers and I wonder sometime if we are over critical of ours because when you watch even the top level even only highlights very few keepers seem to leave their lines for crosses and then there was the Arsenal keeper last week who managed to kick the ball from near one post,across the goal and just past the other post for a corner! I think..my god we would have crucified our keeper! There are many keepers like Roos who we slaughtered and yet Derby are quite happy to have as number 2! Going back to Smith although he didn't have a lot to do and looked a bit slow out on the goal (he was caught out by two other players mistakes and probably had no chance whatsoever) I have given 7 because without the wonderful save at full length in the last few minutes Wycombe would have come away with a totally undeserved point.
J Clarke - 7.5 Well done on his first goal for the club but more for a sturdy performance against the opponents best player who early on looked like he would get the better of him but soon James had him "in his pocket" Took his goal just like a "fox in the box" striker as he reacted superbly to a rushed clearance and whacked the ball into the net to the delight of us visiting supporters to give us an early lead.
Craig 8 I just can't understand how this man gets so much stick. His experience shines through in close games and in all honesty most of the games since he has joined us have been close affairs; whether won or lost ;unlike a fair few of them before he joined! Alright he lacks pace if he comes up against a "fast un" but if you watch the clever way he marshalls his player and clears up danger then this more than makes up for a bit of pace. Add to this his second goal of his Rovers career- a powerful downward header at the far post on 20 minutes to give us a 2-0 lead from another varied corner and part of a defence who withstood an aerial bombardment whenever we didn't have the ball and I think an 8 is justified.
Lockyer 7.5 Much better display from our captain but probably should have reacted quicker on the goal conceded but taking it in isolation he did a good job as did the rest of his back line and in truth the whole team. His passing which has been heavily criticised was much better today.
Broadbent 8 What can I say other than Well done Tom Broadbent who has come under heavy criticism from me and yesterday gave a great performance blemished only by his mistake on the goal. The outstanding feature was his ability to bring the ball out from the defence and constantly find a colleague. Yesterday he also showed that he can when needed make the right decision and find Row F! I do wonder whether he could fill the left back role as he does have a bit more pace than Craig which is generally less required in the middle. Anyway let's not take away from his performance yesterday and I very much hope that he retains his place Tuesday which he fully deserves BUT we all know that is another "project" and we will never know whether less projects and more consistency in selection would improve individual players ability and consistency.
Matthews 8 This was a much bigger test for him than the cup game against Crawley and he came through it with flying colours, I like his varied set pieces and his close control and willingness to run at players. He looks like he is capable of adding goals to his game and it will be interesting to see him develop in the area of the team where he will do well to hold on to his place with the players we have fighting for places.
Sercombe 8 Great to see him back on his game despite playing wider than he would like and he did very well covering back yesterday to get in challenges and protect the defence but also looked confident on the ball and had at least four shots at goal all on target and surely his first goal of this season is not far away.
Upson 7 For me this player could be the key player this season as he definitely has the ability to dominate the midfield and provide probing passes with his vision and retain possession in tight spaces. I really feel that our midfield is an area of the team where DC could have a Top 6 quality pack of players-it's just a matter of getting the right combination each game and maybe a slightly different combination for away games compared to home games. For the first time in a long time I am excited at the prospect of seeing the midfield develop an understanding that can make them an outstanding unit.
O Clarke 7.5 Another player who played much better last Tuesday but I would reserve for a few more "tougher" games before making any judgements. He continued his improvement and yesterday was back to his best form and hopefully this can continue. Won a lot of possession and looked a dominant force and maybe yesterdays midfield unit is the best for away games and replacing either Ollie or Upson for home games. One thing that is certain is that we should always play with two up both home and away because it increases the options and will also bring out the best in Stefan Payne.
Nicholls 8 Best he has played in a long while but the lack of goals is worrying. Had a couple of chances yesterday where if he had the confidence you think he would have scored but at least he had the workrate and looked like he could form a dangerous partnership with Payne as he does have excellent close control and the ability to twist and turn and bring others into play.
Payne 8.5 MOM This was a performance where 4 or 5 players could have rightful claims for man of the Match but I have just edged for Stefan who I really believe will be great for us and it won't be long before we forget the loss of Ellis Harrison with no disrespect all to Ellis but he looks to me a more consistent player and a bigger handful for defenders. I could almost describe him as Ellis with a brain but that would be disrespectful!
Subs
Bennett 6 Has not reached the heights of last season yet but has a key part to play in our season but for me it is as a winger who cuts inside and forget this man in a hole rubbish. he is not physically built to play that role. Showed good skills and touches when he cam on and kept defenders busy.
Reilly 7 Took an immediate liking to his play, took up good positions and found space for himself and could develop as the next Matty Taylor but hopefully not a Snake! I would start him on Tuesday up top with Stefan Payne and see where it takes us.
Rodman NOLE In his short time on then pitch he managed to get a chance for himself and hit a low shot which the keeper saved. At this time I would use him as a substitute with the hope that he can build his fitness and then be a regular down the right flank particularly at home. Like Upson I see a good player there and hope that he soon finds his feet.
DC- Have to say that I was not impressed with the team selection when I saw the team but as is so often the case DC called it right and the selected players all upped their game which enabled us to dominate for long periods and it would have been daylight robbery of rain,.thunder and lightning performance if Smith had not produced that save low down in the last few minutes. I felt DC got all the substitutions right and hopefully he can mastermind something special for Tuesday night in what will be a very tough game. If he selects a positive team I see no reason why we can't get a result. If we go one up front I see only a defeat.
Ref 5 Terrible booking of Payne where he saw nothing of the incident. Plain average but even that is better than a lot of referees we have had.
Crowd away 10 home 2 Apart from the bloody annoying drum I didn't know the home support were there until the closing stages. The away fans were noisy throughout and loved the Akinfenwa song!It was good to be rewarded with a much better performance and a much needed and deserved victory.
Wycombe 4 Definitely a Plan A and nothing else and on this performance will do well to retain their status. Craig Mackail-Smith is no longer a force and he created absolutely nothing and defensively they looked sloppy, that said how much of that was down to their performance and how much due to how we played.
So onwards and upwards. UTG
