Rotherham v Rovers: 12th August 2023

[Old Darwen Blue]

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

Rovers sold out with just over 1,900 travelling

Rotherham 2-2 Blackburn | Championship highlights

Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Blackburn Rovers.

www.skysports.com

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

A lot to dissect! I'll start with my player reviews.

Pears
Didn't have a lot to do except pick the ball out of the back of the net. Plays out well from the back. Came well for one of their corners to punch away the danger. Not convincing, aerially.

Rankin-Costello
Superb when attacking, especially from midfield. You can tell he wants to play further forward. Perhaps I'm wrong about not wanting to move him away from the right-back position. He was an attacking player during his younger years, and he clearly knows how to do it.

Carter
Good on the ground, and comfortable with the ball. Not so good in the air. I don't think he won any of his headers today.

Hyam
Nothing notable. Solid, as usual. I have a slight feeling that he is slightly tired. I don't think he got much of a summer break with his duties for Scotland.

Pickering
Was quite good going forward today. Nearly scored a beauty with a volley towards the end. I think there are some aerial communication problems, however. Notwithstanding the Millwall farce in the final game of last season, he clattered with Hyam in the first-half, and was hesitant in a hairy moment with Pears in the second-half. His aerial defensive capabilities, or anticipation, concern me. Otherwise, I think he's starting to show some savvy positioning to make up for his lack of pace.

Travis
Usual bits of shit-housing, and lots of effort with a dash of a skill. Not the player you need when playing against ten men, so I can understand why he was substituted.

Wharton
Endless penetrating passes into the opposition's penalty area, particularly in the second half. Yet again, though, he was prone to giving the ball away cheaply in dangerous positions in the first-half. Perhaps this a price to pay for his otherwise great qualities on the ball.

Szmodics
It feels odd to have him as my Man of the Match after a dismal penalty miss and gifting the first goal to the opposition, but it can be forgiven when he bags a brace to make up for it. This is a man with character, determination, and quality.

Dolan
Crap.

Markanday
Ineffective.

Leonard
Didn't get any service whatsoever, largely due to the two wide-forwards. Did he even touch the ball? Feel a little sorry for him in a game like this. Refuse to judge.

Brittain
Very good offensively. Not afraid to attack, and chipped in when we were piling the pressure on. Didn't need to do any defensive work, which I feel is the weaker part of his game.

Gallagher
Didn't really notice him when he came on, but I think our shape adapts whereby our other attacking players perhaps have more time on the ball when Gallagher distracts the central defenders.

Buckley
Not enough time on the pitch for me to notice anything.

Hedges
Our biggest effect on the game after Rotherham went down to ten men. It's a bit predictable as to what he's going to do on the right-flank when he is left-footed, but he created a lot of chances that could have won us the game.

Ennis
Very good when he came on. He likes to run the channels and get into the box when it matters. Had a couple of opportunities to score the winner. A sharper Ennis probably would have bagged one of those.

We started off very well but we are simply lacking in attack, particularly in the wide-forward areas (which seems an odd thing to say given that we've been talking about a striker all summer). After a poor penalty from Szmodics, followed by a dismal follow-up from Dolan, our heads dropped, Szmodics was clearly affected by it, and he ended up giving away Rotherham's opener.

Our woeful set-piece efforts saw us go 2-0 down, and it took Rotherham to shoot themselves in the foot for us to believe that we could get something out of the game. I'm absolutely delighted that we didn't roll over to an apathetic defeat as we did last season, and we summoned our courage to get something out of it. That's the biggest plus sign for me. We need more of that.

Now, the big talking point will be the officiating. I say there should be no quarter for players gesturing for a card, or "innocently" booting the ball away. The rules have been made clear to all EFL clubs, and if the clubs haven't briefed their players and trained them to stop doing this shit, then they get their comeuppance. It's disheartening to hear the cliches from the RoversTV commentators: "The game can't go on like this...". No. It can't go on how it has been stupidly allowed to go on for years. The ones that broke it now have to fix it. I have no time for anybody who thinks that the status quo should remain in place. It is utterly boring to watch. Book the bastards. Tomasson is clearly on board with it all, and it's fairly clear our players have been briefed well. More fool Rotherham if they haven't done their housekeeping.

All in all, a good point for us where we'd have got nothing in previous seasons. The poor first-half might also do us some good, rather than thinking everything is hunk-dory. Come on you blues!

I thought that Dolan and Markanday were very poor. Carter and Hyam struggled in the air and won few headers. Wharton had a poor 1st 60 minutes, he looked unfit and made too many basic mistakes, when he had space after the sending off he came to the fore.

Ennis looked excellent; he finds space and love to take players on. Brittain was class and Hedges was good in movement but seems unable to take on any opposition players, it would help if he could attack the box and also put in an earlier cross.

As for Szmodics his pass to give away the goal was dreadful. It was not JDT waving and telling him to make that pass, the manager was indeed the RUFC manager telling his player to close the intended pass down.

I felt disappointed that we lost 2 points that we should have had. If the SS penalty went in it would have been a far different outcome.

 

[1SimonGarner]

It didn't quite look a sell out on the telly BB but a cracking support anyway. Sounded pretty loud as well and our away support has got better as our home support has got worse, pretty strange. Watched a couple of you tube vlogs from the home ends and the fans reaction for the equalizer was great to watch.

 

[blueandwhitehalves]

2-0 to Rotherham without Gallagher on the pitch, 2-0 to Rovers with him. Writing these all down for the end of the season.

(Drog wind-up before anyone takes me too seriously )

 

[Robin]

I thought that Dolan and Markanday were very poor. Carter and Hyam struggled in the air and won few headers. Wharton had a poor 1st 60 minutes, he looked unfit and made too many basic mistakes, when he had space after the sending off he came to the fore.

Dolan offer very little to our team than being a transporter of the ball. He does not have the skill/self-confidence/understanding (you can chose one or all!) how to dribble past an opponent. I have now seen Markanday in a couple of matches and if I compare him to Dolan it seems like Markanday is more keen to take on a defender as he knows how to do it but much to his disadvantage he looks a little bit thin. Both have had average performances so far and I have to say I have more patience with Markanday at the moment as he has not been played so much previously.
Dolan should start on the bench as he is a impact player. His development has been standing still for a long time and it makes me wonder where the problem is. Is it in his head? Why does he not dare to take on defenders? Does he get nervous in front of a big crowd?
I would dare to say if he would learn how to solve these problems, he would be bound for Premier League at some point because he got the speed that no one else have in Rovers. However, at the moment he is an average Championship player.

If Dolan reads message boards, please look at this page:
https://www.epcoaching.co.uk/10-skill-moves-to-beat-your-opponent-in-football/

 

[goozburger.]

I would dare to say if he would learn how to solve these problems, he would be bound for Premier League at some point because he got the speed that no one else have in Rovers.

I agree with almost everything in your post except this. Dolan is deceptively slow. I rarely see him beating opposition players for pace.

I'll be disappointed if Dolan starts against Hull City at the expense of Hedges. Tomasson has surely seen enough to realise benching Dolan for Hedges is a no-brainer for our next game.

 

[Robin]

I agree with almost everything in your post except this. Dolan is deceptively slow. I rarely see him beating opposition players for pace.

I'll be disappointed if Dolan starts against Hull City at the expense of Hedges. Tomasson has surely seen enough to realise benching Dolan for Hedges is a no-brainer for our next game.

That’s the thing goozburger, I think he is rather quick but he doesn’t use it to his advantage. What about the old classic kick the ball forward and run trick towards an opponent?!? He doesn’t even know how to do that as he almost always turn around as soon as he encounter an opponent.

 

[blueandwhitehalves]

Personally I've never rated Dolan in terms of his footballing attributes. What the guy has is a massive heart, incredible work-rate, incredible attitude. You never get anything less than 110% from him, or him having a go at team mates, sulking over anything etc. You can tell even Mowbray and JDT have been impressed by this as he's always been in and around the side.

But in terms of his football ability, I agree with Goozeburger he isn't quick, obviously isn't strong, no aerial presence, can't take players on, no real finish, average crosser, average passer. So I think we may see him drop to the bench now Gallagher is back.

 

[Drog]

2-0 to Rotherham without Gallagher on the pitch, 2-0 to Rovers with him. Writing these all down for the end of the season.

(Drog wind-up before anyone takes me too seriously )

However it's perhaps only fair to mention that the first Szmodics goal occurred after Brittain, Gallagher, Hedges and Ennis were brought on and Dolan, Markanday, Travis and Leonard were taken off.

 

[goozburger.]

However it's perhaps only fair to mention that the first Szmodics goal occurred after Brittain, Gallagher, Hedges and Ennis were brought on and Dolan, Markanday, Travis and Leonard were taken off.

Hedges has been good during preseason and in his cameos in the league so far this season. He is technically very good on the ball, and made a big difference to unlocking a team playing in full-on defensive mode.

Perhaps we are going to see an improved player in Hedges this season. We certainly need it in the wide forward areas based on evidence so far.

 

[Drog]

We've only seen Hedges very rarely on the left wing but when I have seen him there he has been pretty impressive. JDT however seems to prefer his wide men cutting in for the shot rather than playing on their normal foot and swinging crosses over. I've no problem with that but when the wingers aren't effective then as the manager I'd have them swap over for a spell.

 

[goozburger.]

It is hilarious to see some of the comments elsewhere about it being "game over" at 2-0 down with 45 minutes of football still to play, and the number of people crying for Szmodics to be taken off at half-time. It's best to let the game fully unfold and keep your powder dry so as not to look like a silly berk.

Got to love a bit of people falling on their own sword and getting even more angry and defensive when they do.

 

[blueandwhitehalves]

Ha yeah must say I'm guilty of falling into reactionary mode. Match threads across all internet mediums, probably across all clubs, resemble a group of manic depressives long off their meds.

Slightly embarrassed writing off our forward line as useless without BBD right before they tore Rotherham apart in the last half hour Think I might wait until the match is over in future!

 

[khmerblue]

If your at the ground you will here fans slagging off the team and players, so I suppose it's the same on message boards.At least we have got the, can't comeback from a goal down or in this case two goals down and get a result.

 

[Husky]

A lot to dissect! I'll start with my player reviews.

Pears
Didn't have a lot to do except pick the ball out of the back of the net. Plays out well from the back. Came well for one of their corners to punch away the danger. Not convincing, aerially.

Rankin-Costello
Superb when attacking, especially from midfield. You can tell he wants to play further forward. Perhaps I'm wrong about not wanting to move him away from the right-back position. He was an attacking player during his younger years, and he clearly knows how to do it.

Carter
Good on the ground, and comfortable with the ball. Not so good in the air. I don't think he won any of his headers today.

Hyam
Nothing notable. Solid, as usual. I have a slight feeling that he is slightly tired. I don't think he got much of a summer break with his duties for Scotland.

Pickering
Was quite good going forward today. Nearly scored a beauty with a volley towards the end. I think there are some aerial communication problems, however. Notwithstanding the Millwall farce in the final game of last season, he clattered with Hyam in the first-half, and was hesitant in a hairy moment with Pears in the second-half. His aerial defensive capabilities, or anticipation, concern me. Otherwise, I think he's starting to show some savvy positioning to make up for his lack of pace.

Travis
Usual bits of shit-housing, and lots of effort with a dash of a skill. Not the player you need when playing against ten men, so I can understand why he was substituted.

Wharton
Endless penetrating passes into the opposition's penalty area, particularly in the second half. Yet again, though, he was prone to giving the ball away cheaply in dangerous positions in the first-half. Perhaps this a price to pay for his otherwise great qualities on the ball.

Szmodics
It feels odd to have him as my Man of the Match after a dismal penalty miss and gifting the first goal to the opposition, but it can be forgiven when he bags a brace to make up for it. This is a man with character, determination, and quality.

Dolan
Crap.

Markanday
Ineffective.

Leonard
Didn't get any service whatsoever, largely due to the two wide-forwards. Did he even touch the ball? Feel a little sorry for him in a game like this. Refuse to judge.

Brittain
Very good offensively. Not afraid to attack, and chipped in when we were piling the pressure on. Didn't need to do any defensive work, which I feel is the weaker part of his game.

Gallagher
Didn't really notice him when he came on, but I think our shape adapts whereby our other attacking players perhaps have more time on the ball when Gallagher distracts the central defenders.

Buckley
Not enough time on the pitch for me to notice anything.

Hedges
Our biggest effect on the game after Rotherham went down to ten men. It's a bit predictable as to what he's going to do on the right-flank when he is left-footed, but he created a lot of chances that could have won us the game.

Ennis
Very good when he came on. He likes to run the channels and get into the box when it matters. Had a couple of opportunities to score the winner. A sharper Ennis probably would have bagged one of those.

We started off very well but we are simply lacking in attack, particularly in the wide-forward areas (which seems an odd thing to say given that we've been talking about a striker all summer). After a poor penalty from Szmodics, followed by a dismal follow-up from Dolan, our heads dropped, Szmodics was clearly affected by it, and he ended up giving away Rotherham's opener.

Our woeful set-piece efforts saw us go 2-0 down, and it took Rotherham to shoot themselves in the foot for us to believe that we could get something out of the game. I'm absolutely delighted that we didn't roll over to an apathetic defeat as we did last season, and we summoned our courage to get something out of it. That's the biggest plus sign for me. We need more of that.

Now, the big talking point will be the officiating. I say there should be no quarter for players gesturing for a card, or "innocently" booting the ball away. The rules have been made clear to all EFL clubs, and if the clubs haven't briefed their players and trained them to stop doing this shit, then they get their comeuppance. It's disheartening to hear the cliches from the RoversTV commentators: "The game can't go on like this...". No. It can't go on how it has been stupidly allowed to go on for years. The ones that broke it now have to fix it. I have no time for anybody who thinks that the status quo should remain in place. It is utterly boring to watch. Book the bastards. Tomasson is clearly on board with it all, and it's fairly clear our players have been briefed well. More fool Rotherham if they haven't done their housekeeping.

All in all, a good point for us where we'd have got nothing in previous seasons. The poor first-half might also do us some good, rather than thinking everything is hunk-dory. Come on you blues!

I have to say that the sending off was probably the funniest thing I have seen on a football field.

Get that slo-mo replay on repeat.

 

[khmerblue]

I thought he was red carded for showing a imaginary card to the ref.

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

I thought he was red carded for showing a imaginary card to the ref.

Yes, although it was a second yellow. The rules are clear and thank goodness the referees are applying these new rules. It also looks like the Rovers players have been well briefed on these rules. Rotherham can only blame themselves .

I did not think it was a penalty btw.

 

[goozburger.]

It also looks like the Rovers players have been well briefed on these rules.

Perhaps because the club or, more specifically, Tomasson, believes in the rules. I love watching players going berserk about not being able to dick around any more. Please don't tweak the rules!

I was disappointed to hear the RoversTV commentators saying that it couldn't go on like this. Sorry, but it can't go on how it was before. Having time-wasting as a trained part of the game is utterly boring for the watching supporter.

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

Perhaps because the club or, more specifically, Tomasson, believes in the rules. I love watching players going berserk about not being able to dick around any more. Please don't tweak the rules!

I was disappointed to hear the RoversTV commentators saying that it couldn't go on like this. Sorry, but it can't go on how it was before. Having time-wasting as a trained part of the game is utterly boring for the watching supporter.

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