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Post by hanham on Nov 15, 2014 14:28:44 GMT
Warm up - Thin Balanta
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Post by hanham on Nov 13, 2014 19:57:07 GMT
A small minority of fans behaviour is absolutely shocking but I feel Clarke has upset a lot of true gas heads today by apparently seeming to class all Rovers fans in the same vein. I have seen a lot of positivity this season,mainly from the stands, from the people who pay weekend week out to watch the team.
Darrell needs to be very careful he does not turn die hard Gasheads against him who do not behave badly but support the team week in week out.
What about the amazing supporters who clap you onto the pitch every week Darrell and then clap you and your team off? should have mentioned that. I feel today's comments have achieved nothing, we all know there are idiots out there, fortunately they are in the minority.
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Post by hanham on Nov 3, 2014 14:57:54 GMT
Still no Balanta for this lunchtime tie.............
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Post by hanham on Nov 3, 2014 14:55:43 GMT
Bristol Rovers Reserves 3-4 Exeter City Reserves 3rd November 2014
A Rovers reserve side went down by the odd goal on seven against their Exeter City counterparts this morning in a game played at their training ground.
Jamie White, Jamie Lucas and Dave Martin were on target for Rovers, who were 2-1 down at half time.
Although the Grecians increased their lead early in the second half, Rovers hot back strongly to get back on level terms, but Exeter’s Matt Jay scored what proved to be the winning goal 13 minutes from time.
After Adam Cunnington had gone close to opening the scoring with a header that drifted just wide of the target the visitors took a 12th minute lead when Jason Pope rifled a ferocious twenty yard shot past Kieran Preston.
Rovers were back on level terms just three minutes later when White latched on to Martin’s ball in from the right and scored from close range.
Tom Nicholls scored for Exeter on 28 minutes and scored again after 56 minutes with a 25 yard drive that gave Preston no chance of saving.
Martin pulled a goal back on the hour mark, heading home from close range following a cross from Lucas and Lucas himself scored the equalising goal three minutes later. The young striker, who has only just returned to the club following a loan spell at Weston super Mare, calmly stroked home a penalty awarded after Martin was brought down in the area.
Jay then scored the winning goal after he was allowed time and space to pick his spot and he beat Preston with a low drive from the edge of the area.
Marcus Stewart, in charge for this game, and a former Exeter players and coach knew what to expect from a young and talented Grecians outfit; “The majority of that team have played together since they were in the Exeter U-12 age group.
“When you come up against a side who play in the way they do, you must make sure that when you press them you do it together and when you drop off you do that together as well. If one player leaves the shape, or doesn’t do his job properly, Exeter will pick you off.
“However I thought we dealt with them very well; we were patient without the ball at times and, off the back of that, there were times when we frustrated them. I know they scored four goals, but I asked our lads to do a job and they did that and we also looked dangerous ourselves when we were able to get forward.
“It was about us trying to stamp out authority on the game and get the ball out wide to our wingers and I thought we did that a bit more in the second half than we did in the first. Exeter did impose themselves on us a little bit more in the opening period than they did after the break, and that’s why they got ahead.
“The second half was more about us and playing the game in the way we wanted to. I was pleased with our improved performance though a little bit disappointed, at times, with our lack of desire to get back into defensive positions quicker than we did. Had we done that then I’m sure we wouldn’t have conceded four goals, so we do need to improve on our quickness and recovery runs.” The positives, though, outweighed the negatives in what was an entertaining game.
“It was good that a number of first team squad members got some more game time under their belts and also good to see Mitch Palmer back in action for us. He’s been out for almost a year and only featured in a couple of youth team games since his return from injury. I thought he stuck to his guns and his played very well.
“Tyler Lyttle, who played at right back, also impressed. He has a superb attitude and is always looking to get forward, though he doesn’t neglect his defensive duties. When I look at players such as him, it makes me proud to be part of this club.”
Rovers: Kieran Preston, Tyler Lyttle, Daniel Leadbitter, Pierce Mitchell, Danny Greenslade, Donovan Wilson (Harrison Trueman, 60), Mitch Palmer, Dominic Thomas, Dave Martin, Adam Cunnington (Aaron Ward-Baptiste, 55), Jamie White (Jamie Lucas, 55)
Substitute: Cameron Clarke
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Post by hanham on Nov 3, 2014 14:51:26 GMT
Anyone know the lineup?
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Post by hanham on Nov 3, 2014 8:28:59 GMT
Sincerest condolences to you and your family.
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Post by hanham on Nov 2, 2014 11:19:36 GMT
I reckon with Monkhouse banned we will see Ellis out wide this week, Martin is not really a good enough header of the ball to play the wide bomb target that is our style. For me that means Cunnington or Brunt in the middle and based on yesterday's performance I would say Brunt deserves a go.
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Post by hanham on Nov 2, 2014 11:15:36 GMT
The refereeing was shocking, typical of the complete incompetence we have witnessed all season. The only difference was, probably for the first time this season, it went in our favour. As for Monkhouse's dismissal, looked accidental but went against him. With Trottman out, Sinclair looking as though he was limping yesterday (who sends an injured player to run back to the changing room to pick up replacement boots for players?) Balanta still at least two weeks and two stone of fitness and Leadbitter still banned we are going to have to do some shoring up for a few games. These red cards are going to really bite sooner or later and we were lucky not to end up with a couple more yesterday.
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Post by hanham on Nov 1, 2014 14:52:40 GMT
Classy entrance to executive bar/players tunnel, apparently santa's grotto is going to look even more shyte than usual in the local shopping centre
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Post by hanham on Oct 27, 2014 8:09:37 GMT
Not a bite or anything but how can you get so angry about such a harmless thread. Birmingham was one of the highlights of last season for me because of the massive atmosphere the fans created. Chill out a bit. Agreed great atmosphere at St Andrews seconded by the blues fans " best fans they had seen for years" No flag wavers or drummer boys needed. Maybe I'm a miserable old knunt but I prefer to watch the game without having a flag poked up my nose. I guess there must be quite a few who get a boner with all that "Ultra's " carry on. A bit like the idiots over at the Gate who spend the entire game watching us in the away end....we must be fkin fascinating ....I just don't get it. Fair comment and appreciate everyone sees things differently. The thing I like about EB is the noise, I do agree that some things are over the top or just poop, that drummer at FGR.........
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Post by hanham on Oct 26, 2014 23:15:34 GMT
I guess I am old school, sure get behind the boys by cheering them on. Banging a drum and waving a flag for 90 mins will not change the outcome of the match. The entertainment should be on the pitch. # UBER BORED OF THIS ULTRA BULLSHIT. Maybe a separate area for anyone who gets a hard-on for this kind of behaviour. Not a bite or anything but how can you get so angry about such a harmless thread. Birmingham was one of the highlights of last season for me because of the massive atmosphere the fans created. Chill out a bit.
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Post by hanham on Oct 26, 2014 11:26:34 GMT
Nice report, thanks Steve.
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bounce
Oct 26, 2014 11:16:49 GMT
Post by hanham on Oct 26, 2014 11:16:49 GMT
Would be cool. Although I am Bristol born and bred and a life long Gashead I am half German so I will make the trip to see my other 'home' town team - Eintracht Braunschweig. They are B2, like our Championship but are known to have one of the best and most vocal fans in the country. And, the bounce is amazing. Next match for me is February so its a flight to Hanover hire a car and down the autobahn (an experience worth having on its own) and a long weekend of beer and football in Braunschweig (or as we know it Brunswick) as always will wear my blue and white quarters!. Have a look at these:
(36 secs)
(scroll to 3.26)
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Post by hanham on Oct 19, 2014 16:30:17 GMT
What I meant was how could we field a strong squad by Tuesday, we will be lucky to have any real strength until we add it to the current squad.
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Post by hanham on Oct 19, 2014 8:59:16 GMT
Tuesday? I agree with you but we are at least two players off having a strong team even with a full squad to select from next game.I have to say I have some sympathy with Clarke on Taylor, he is capable of more and should be delivering. I agree give White a chance to see if his spell on the sidelines has created the hunger he should have. I think Ellis has earned his chance. I also believe we will be far short of sporting anything like our best team if Sinclair is not fit. Was Lockyers ban 1 game?
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Post by hanham on Oct 18, 2014 17:28:43 GMT
Looked like Mildenhall flapped on their goal from where I was? Can't see why he gets such an easy ride from everyone, he's been poor for a long time. Probably right he should have done better with the goal but is too often left unprotected by a defence that loses the plot. Can't agree with him being poor. Has made some incredible saves this season and is probably one of the best keepers in the Conference. As I said in my ratings, his biggest flaw is his kicking/distribution.
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Post by hanham on Oct 18, 2014 17:16:28 GMT
For what it is worth here is my take on todays game:
Player Ratings
Mildenhall
Had a usual steady game. Forced, as usual, to make some good saves by poor defending. Time and time again he was lucky not to have seen rebounds from his saves picked up by FGR attackers as the Bristol Rovers back line were sluggish to pick up the loose ball. Only criticism is his distribution which, whilst sometimes poor to lack of options, was a poor in kicking. FGR easily dealt with the long ball linear play which seems to be Rovers only tactic al'a the John Ward school of football tactics. 7
Brown
Good defensively but struggling to make the connection with both Monkhouse and then Martin today. Very predictable when either pairing comes face to face with opposing midfielders and more often than not the ball becomes dead or passed back. Suffered greatly today because the usual energy force that is Tom Lockyer was banned. Also fair to say, as with the rest of the team, suffered under absolutely atrocious Officials and diabolical decisions. 5
Trottman
Another totally committed performance with a few mistakes which were mainly due to him having to be everywhere and making challenge after challenge. Missed an open goal at the back post and headed over. Probably the most complete performance from the back four but still struggling to deal with the loss of cover Lockyer provides. Was also the victim of some atrocious refereeing decisions and completely unprotected by officials. 7
Parkes
Very brave today and picked up another head injury. Battled well and had a fair share of success but, at times and as been the norm of late, was guilty of very poor distribution both of the boot and head. 6
Leadbitter
Had some good runs with the ball today and offered the only pace in the game until Harrison came on. Sending off looked a typical poor decision but could not see clearly enough to be sure. Still looks scared stiff to put in a tackle at times. 5
Clarke (replaced by White after around 80' mark)
Gutsy brave and determined performance but unfortunately about the only one in the quarters during the first half. Much the same second half and made some strong challenges and bursts and had he found a little more space looked favourite to blast in a shot. 6
Monkhouse (replaced by Martin early on)
Awful, sorry but I find it hard to see him as either a winger, playmaker or holding midfield. Looked uncomfortable with the ball and was a mile off play. He may have been injured, and that would be the only excuse. Went off and was replaced by Martin which would indicate he either was injured or picked one up early in the game. 2
Martin
Showed some good pace but was occasionally let down by poor control. Stood off his man to much and quality of crossing was poor mostly. Missed an open goal with a diving header right across the face of goal. Cannot see him coming back after his loan spell expires, especially if the mythical Balanta ever starts and manages a half decent performance. 4
Gosling
Undoubtably has skill and does have a good cross and ability to cut in. Failed to produce anything from a fair amount of possession today and failed to make any meaningful tackles though did track back well at times. With the lack of skill, pace and energy in other parts of the team at the moment, for me, is a total luxury player. 4
Mansell
Ran his heart out today and tried to hold a open and poorly performing midfield. Only his energy along side that of Clarke provided some resistance and the occasional forward pass. Cannot win games on his own. 5
Cunnington
Very poor performance by his standards and another player who missed an open goal. Got massively abused with shirt pulling and being barged off the ball unfairly. Offered zero protection by Officials who were either completely incompetent or corrupt. 4
Taylor
Time has run out. Clean though with a stranded keeper and blasted over. Also missed several other good opportunities. Whilst I believe he is a committed player he is definitely not a 20 goal per season striker. After seeing Norwood again today who was crafty, annoying and quite skilful with a good footballing brain I seriously believe we signed the wrong FGR striker. To be honest I would swap Cunnington and Taylor for Parkin. Old and Fat but still a difficult footballer tom play who demonstrated the art of shooting today. 3
White
Not enough of the ball to rate.
Harrison
Came on and proved tricky for the FGR defence. Should have started instead of Taylor. Looks a reformed character who wants to win and will put himself in there. Shame certain elements of the (former) Blackthorn still find it easy to boo and insult him. 6
Unfortunately we played against fourteen today. How Officials can be so shockingly biased and bad is quite incredible. Surely Rovers video the games, who maintains and monitors the standards on behalf of the Conference? All that said we played against a FGR team today who were switched on, pacey and committed. We looked vacuous and inept for most of the game and with suspensions and injuries starting to play a part and force DC's hand the fragile and light weight nature of the squad is becoming painfully apparent. Many players were outfoxed by niggly and nasty tactics which FGR played with great confidence and effect. We cannot afford to miss open goals, I counted at least four chances today which were harder to miss than score. I hope Clarke has some competent signings lined up over the next seven days, without them we are probably going to struggle against any team in the top two thirds of the table.
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Post by hanham on Oct 4, 2014 11:27:23 GMT
Whilst I think the home shirt is better in design than last years offering I am afraid the quality is woeful. Compare the quality of the fabric, the fact you you can hear stitching popping as you stretch it to get it over your shoulders (and it's not 'just' because I a fat bar steward) and the lack of the usual little monickers (Pirates badge etc.) make it feel cheap and nasty. The away shirt is as bad if not worse and the design is frankly, a mess. I know the board will not entertain fans opinions in this vein but when we let BB who, without being disrespectful, is hardly 'down with the kids' pick and design our kit is a joke. I can live the reduction in quality .v. cost implications because we are in a tight financial position. Crap design should not be an issue.
My son bought me the green and black quarters replica shirt from Toff (Bukta) and it is cracking. It took a few weeks because they are made to order yet still cost the standard £40. Why we can't have the same deal for the 3rd kit baffles me, no wait, it is because Errea is a joke.
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Post by hanham on Sept 21, 2014 11:58:24 GMT
Nice of him to recognise the impact that Gasheads have. Be proud of yourselves fellow fans, we were awesome again yesterday ?✌️ ?
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Post by hanham on Sept 18, 2014 18:45:14 GMT
I say enjoy Eastleigh, I would give my right knacker for us to hammer them end of this month. Nothing club with lots of money which could b uy them success but more likely will be a here today, gone tomorrow unit.
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