The first half was the worst quality half of football I have ever seen in my Rovers supporting life. Both sides were absolutely abysmal at passing, controlling, heading, you name it. Do I have a selective memory? I'm 40 years old, but I really cannot remember anything as bad as that. We were laughing our heads off at half time: "Blow the bloody whistle!"
The second half was better from both sides, although it couldn't have been any worse. Rovers decided to stamp their authority on the game in the last 35 minutes or so, triggered by our substitutions. It's pleasing to see us finishing strongly, but the quality was still lacking.
Pears
Man of the Match. Pulled off a great save from Grant when he was clean through. Also pulled off a great save in the second-half when our defence was sleeping. Kept the clean sheet, and deservedly so.
Brittain
Tried hard, but not a lot came off for him. Didn't exploit the wing enough. But didn't do anything silly.
Hyam
Felt like he struggled with their attackers. Didn't really control them. Could have been booked sooner than he was.
McFadzean
Another very good game. As with the previous couple of games, his pace was glaringly exposed on one or two occasions, but no harm done. His value to us on the pitch is incredible, and was a close second for Man of the Match.
Wharton
Poor. Passes were awry. Didn't win his headers. Tackling was all over the place. One of his worst games in a Rovers shirt, but I know he will do better.
Chrisene
Awful in the first half. Slow on the ball and gave it away far too cheaply. Grew into the game and played with more confidence. Unsure as to what his best position is.
Tronstad
So-so. Put his body on the line where it mattered, but didn't get too many passes away. Took a decent yellow for the team in the second-half. Not one of his better games, but put in some decent work as usual.
Garrett
Looked lost. Didn't really do anything constructive in defence or attack. Correct call to take him off early in the second half.
Ayari
Weak. Looked lost in what his role was. Offered nothing in attack. Did OK in the opening stages of the second-half, but I suspect that was to do with being told he might be getting substituted if he had nothing to show.
Szmodics
Looked tired and isolated. When he got on the ball, nothing came off for him. Simple passes went awry. Probably his poorest game in a Rovers shirt yet.
Gallagher
Worked hard but was isolated. Similar to the Birmingham City game. Not on the same wavelength as Szmodics today. Could have pulled the trigger once or twice in the first half but made poor decisions to pass the ball.
As for the subs...
Buckley
Did well to ask for the ball and make some passes to make things happen. It's hard to judge him against Adam Wharton, but he's our only playmaker. Made a positive impact when he came on, and brought control to our game.
Dolan
A positive impact. For such a young man, he brought some experience to our attacking play. Should have bagged the winner in the box with our best chance of the game but for a fine save from Horvath.
Moran
Ineffective. Was hoping he'd be an upgrade on Ayari when he came on, but we may as well have not bothered. I can't remember anything he did other than a mis-control or mis-pass.
Have to say that I really don't mind a bore-fest of a mid-week away game if it means a point. Of the three away games under Eustace, we're unbeaten in two, which is a good start in my opinion. Although our play was generally poor, we were solid. That's all I really want in this type of game.