Rovers end made a great racket, especially in the 2nd half with some hilarious "Hammerby" chants that seemed to really wind up the Swedes. Pity the TV crew screwed up the mic placement.
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Rovers end made a great racket, especially in the 2nd half with some hilarious "Hammerby" chants that seemed to really wind up the Swedes. Pity the TV crew screwed up the mic placement.
Pretty decent result for Rovers. They were swamped early on but weathered it somewhat. They came out in 2nd half with so much more purpose though. Jack Byrne getting more game time under his belt, made some great passes. Watts probbly should have scored. Overall though they'd have to be fairly happy with that. Nearly 200k for a draw. Not a bad evening's work. It was vital not to have started with a loss also. First group stage point in Europe too.
Disappointed to only emerge with a point in the end, albeit the first 10 mins were difficult to watch. Djurgarden looked as bad up front as we did, in truth, and Rovers spurned some good chances in the first 20 mins of the 2bd half. Had go hang on for the last 10 mins as Rovers were effectively playing with 10 men as Gannon looked crocked.
Neither Byrne nor Gaffney added anything positive when they came on. The discussion about possible €1M transfers from LOI could and should involve Justin Ferazaj - he's 17. 17....!!!
Rovers first point in group stages. Onwards to beer, chocolate and football in Ghent!
Virgin Media is not in HD - although if you subscribe to Virgin it might be.Quote:
Originally Posted by ger121
Thought Rovers did well for the first 30 minutes of the second half and could easily have scored. But they tired considerably in the last 15 minutes and while the Swedes didn't create anything massively clearcut were hanging on somewhat. Thought Byrne and Gaffney were dreadful when they came on which was surprising. Byrne in particular made no impact. Think Watts and O'Neil had fine game considering they've never really looked up to the European level qualitywise before.
As an aside with the defensive injuries Rovers suffered tonight and their decline in energy levels towards the end of their 2nd half there's still a chance for Derry or Dundalk to maybe put the cats amongst the pigeons somewhat if they can put together a winning run.
To put it into perspective. Rovers earned more last night in that game than they will if they go on to win the league. That shows the importance of winning the league, not for the prizemoney, but for access into the champions path in european competition where the real monetary rewards are. Never before has winning the league been so important IMO in terms of financial reward and its crucial IMO that Rovers turn their heads back to the league & don't let that slip through fatigue/injury brought about from having played 14 games in european competition. The facts are we wont be qualifying out of the group & have already surpassed many expectations by simply earning a point (I expected 6 defeats myself) and earned enough by simply getting to the groups to have made the whole adventure worthwhile. But its vital for the club to win the league again and push on next year to repeat this level of performance & lay down a marker for regular group qualification.
It wasnt in the 97th minute when Rovers tired either more like the 77th! They are a professional outfit playing in their 9th European game they should be well able to keep going for the whole 90 minutes. This a young team a couple of games a week shouldnt be a problem with the size of the squad.Quote:
Originally Posted by kksaints
It shows how appalling the prize money is in Irish football, and the fact ther FAI need to increase it significantly once they get out of the Delaney-shaped financial hole (which will require at least one major tourament qualification to undo)Quote:
Originally Posted by Peaky Blinder
Byrne did play that lovely ball over the top to put Gaffney in to be fair. If Gaffney had been able to get to it quicker he might have had a better chance with the finish. Angle was very tight when he did get to the ball.Quote:
Originally Posted by kksaints
A) The squad isnt big and is decimated with half fit or unfit players at the moment, the core of the team have played almost every matchQuote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
B) Its actually quite an old team average age late 20's
c) Rovers drew and could have won against a Swedish team 1 point off the top of their league , a team that the bookies had as odds on favourites.
.
As the old saying goes. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
True it is POS at the end of the dayQuote:
Originally Posted by ger121
Taking out mannus the average age from the players that played was about 27.5. That is not old, certainly in football terms its a footballer at their peak. The central midfield areas on the older side fair enough but it was the whole team.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
Granted there has been injuries to key players(burke, byrne, lopes) and the sale of another.. But 15-16(maybe 18/19 different lads in total?) lads consistently used building up plenty of game time and conditioning to the pace and stamina required for European football.
Away allocation for gent on Thursday apparently sold out. 1000 tickets
Well done to all who are travelling!Quote:
Originally Posted by Asterix
Ghent is a great addition to any vacation in Belgium. It's easy to get around and has unique historical buildings and picturesque views. The tourist-oriented attractions are mixed with a local flavor that makes Ghent feel real and laid-back—the kind of place you'd like to hang out for a while.
:ball:
As Belgium's a constitutional monarchy, it's also an opportunity for Rovers fans to practise singing 'What's it like to have a king' at the bemused locals :DQuote:
Originally Posted by nr637
Any Rovers fans on here know of a London pub thats draws a few fans for Thurs game?
There must be one near Buckingham Palace that Rovers fans would be made very welcome in, after their new found fame of last week? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by pateen
That was all just a terrible misunderstanding. In fact the Rovers fans were singing “Lizzie’s in the box” A reference to her well known striking prowess in her younger days. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by EatYerGreens
A general good football pub is probably the sheephaven there should be a few in there.Quote:
Originally Posted by pateen