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NEXT GAME:Leicester City FC
Saturday 4th May 2024
Kick off 12.30 pm
Kingpower Stadium
Championship
Rovers v Watford
- Thread starter Barmitzvah Boy
- Start date
Barmitzvah Boy
Global winner of the 2021 Christmas Quiz 👊🤩🤩
Blackburn 2-0 Watford: Ryan Hedges and Dominic Hyam steer Rovers to victory
Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Blackburn Rovers and Watford at Ewood Park as goals from Ryan Hedges and Dominic Hyam steered Jon Dahl Tomassons side to victory.
steve w
Senior Member
Totally agree - Watford were just not up for a fight - strange how a team (including us sometimes) just dont turn up.What a good first half!
A sensible team selection too
A few mistakes but there's bound to be.
Special mention for Dolan, I've been his biggest critic, he's learned to move the ball and, at last, is a real asset.
Watford don't look up for this at all but there's plenty of time left.
After saying that we deserved more - 2-0 flatters them and even though I was very skeptical when I saw the team - got to say they grafted in all areas - all game
I didnt think anyone stood out particulaly but Ayala is just class and we look so much better at the back with him there - Morton was my MOM
1SimonGarner
Senior Member
I decided to have a nap instead of go to the match. How many did we ship?
Old Darwen Blue
Prediction Champion 2021 & 2022
There will be re runs on sky sports pal I’m sure.
Barmitzvah Boy
Global winner of the 2021 Christmas Quiz 👊🤩🤩
That was most enjoyable last night. A real all round team performance, you could see the work that had taken place on the training ground.
We even put over decent corners thanks to Morton who very nearly scored direct from one. As for Dolan he was excellent with a lot of early decent distribution.
My mojo is back.
We even put over decent corners thanks to Morton who very nearly scored direct from one. As for Dolan he was excellent with a lot of early decent distribution.
My mojo is back.
Marlow Rover
Senior Member
And so, our Jekyll and Hyde season rolls on. In my opinion (and I have missed a couple of games already this season), this was our best performance by a mile. Something seemed to click and our play was quick, accurate, one-touch passing that often left Watford flat footed and floundering. The most pleasing element for me was our use of the ball - so often this season we've constantly sacrificed posession in our own half. Last night we RARELY did that - once or twice maybe overplaying, but generally we played with purpose and tempo. 2-0 in no way flattered us, Kaminski a bystander with only one lapse of concentration from our defence calling him in to action at the end of the first half.
Without doubt 3 at the back suits us and will continue to do so once Brittain returns in the RWB spot - Ayala, Hyam and Wharton are rock solid... if we can keep those 3 fit it's a massive springboard. Honourable mention here for Carter who did a terrific job in a relatively unnatural position. I don't envisage him ever developing a natural attacking instinct, but he was neat, tidy and adds defensive prowess and height. Thank god it allowed Travis to return to his CM role - what a difference he makes. A proper captains performance last night, biting in to challenges, winning crucial battles AND offering a calmness in possession that I don't immediately associate with him. The two scousers won the midfield battle hands down, with Morton himself looking beyond his years - another very steady influence on the game. One or two sloppy passes that could have left us exposed, but I'll forgive him those.
And the front 3 were all superb. Hedges was given MOTM, and not unfairly by any means - but my choice was probably Dolan. I've been very critical of him, practically since he arrived. I LOVE his work rate, but physically he can get lost and in possession he tends to make poor decisions. Last night again, something seemed to click for him.. he buzzed around with his usual energy, but I can;t count how many times he got a toe in and turned over possession for us - he also played the way he was facing, one-touch passes and then moving in to space. Absolutely crucial to the result, not to mention a very good assist for the first goal.
Hedges is looking like a very classy operator - the ball seems to stick to him, clearly he's a good footballer. Glad to see him get his first goal, he needs to add more but he'll know that. A fantastic pass to BBD in the second half also showed a glimpse of his quality, only for the keeper to make a decent save to deny a fantastic goal.
Finally, BBD - He just continues to develop in to a leader for us. His work rate is phenomenal, and he truly does frighten defences. He deserved a goal last night and almost had an absolute peach just before half time, a whisker away with a great effort across goal. He ran himself in to the ground again, constantly battling and fighting for the cause - we use him as an outlet so much and he's developing all the time, getting better and better.
A few other comments - Their disallowed goal looks onside to me from the replays. It was given not for the man who scored, but for his teammate who nodded on the second ball. I still think one of our players dropped in to bring him onside, but never mind.
Watford looked really poor. You fear for their manager who left Forest Green rather unceremoniously to take on a side that you would expect to bounce back to the PL... for the quality of individuals (perhaps being a crucial word) on the pitch they look fragmented, they look like they have no idea of how they want to play, and worryingly for Edwards they looked quite disinterested.
JDT - Top marks - is he FINALLY starting to get his settled 11 in place? I can't imagine he'll want to revert to a back 4 anytime soon. We've seen on plenty of occasions this season that he is more than happy not to make subs unless he feels he has to, keeping the same 11 on for 92mins last night. I think that's an impressive trait in a manager. Often the temptation can be to change for the sake of changing, and it can backfire. He trusts his players to be fit enough for the full 90-mins.
Dack - That was almost the only slightly deflating element of last night. I walked back to the car thinking he'll never get in to this formation - there isn't a place for him. Penny for his thoughts and I'll be interested to see how much football he gets in the next month or two before the world cup. Things can change - JDT may return to a back 4 should injuries occur, but I fear for Bradley and wouldn't be surprised if we see him depart in January. The club can probably do more with 15k p/w at this point. The big question will be... will any other club take a punt on him....
Referee - I thought he did okay generally. Seemingly he got the big call right which was the penalty decision for Watford, with reports indicating that Davis went down under minimal contact, despite Ayala dangling a very tempting leg out. He tried to let the game go if he could, and wouldn't be drawn in to blatant attempts to win free kicks (from both sides). Best thing I can say is I don't really remember him being too involved, which is usually a good indication!
Ratings
Kaminski - 7 - Hardly had anything to do but was there when needed. One good moment in particular from a cross fairly late on, palming the ball away well. Kicking was better, can't recall it going out of play.
Carter - 7 - Solid and dependable - not a natural attacker but adds steel and height to our defensive (and attacking) set pieces.
Hyam - 8 - Was booked relatively early on after a Dolan mistake but came through the game brilliantly after that. Looks totally comfortable next to Ayala and Wharton and got that all important second goal... magnificently I have to add! What a finish!
Ayala - 8 - What a rock - keep him fit, for god's sake!
Wharton - 8 - Huge player for us now. Badly missed him for the last month or so. Had a couple of dodgy moments in the first half, including the header that called Kaminski in to action - I could have marked him down for that, but I'd argue he was the best of the 3 centre halves for 92mins and 50 seconds, so I'll keep him at an 8.
Pickering - 7 - Looks far more comfortable as a wing back. Did well - never looks hugely confident in possession but he did link up well at times down the left.
Travis - 8.5 - One of my picks for MOTM - made such a difference to us. A great leader and played a pivotal role in winning the midfield battle, even when they went to a 4-3-3 in the second half. He's just everywhere on the pitch and is thriving in his role as captain.
Morton - 7.5 - The other half of our midfield duo. Plays like he's having kick around with mates at time - never looks flustered and actually, I think he's sometimes ahead of our other players in his vision and passing.... a couple of times he played through balls or balls over the top that make him look like he's given it away - sometimes it's the attackers fault for not moving... Good player, hopefully he can have a really strong season for us.
Dolan - 8.5 - Expect nothing less with his work rate, but things seemed to come together for him last night. Constant thorn in Watford's side, winning possession back countless times AND getting a really good assist. Still one or two moments where he got caught in possession (Hyam's booking), but I get the feeling he'll learn quick under JDT.
Hedges - 8.5 - Not an easy role playing the central point of a front 3, but did brilliantly. He's beginning to settle and is showing his quality now. Good goal, well deserved.
Brereton - 8 - Perhaps deserves more for his work ethic and constant bullying of Watford's defence. On another day he scores one or two. Dives a bit too much - that's my only criticism.
Luton next.... couldn't call it! Horrid place to go, but they've had a slow start - I'll call our first draw of the season with this one! Perhaps even another 0-0.
Without doubt 3 at the back suits us and will continue to do so once Brittain returns in the RWB spot - Ayala, Hyam and Wharton are rock solid... if we can keep those 3 fit it's a massive springboard. Honourable mention here for Carter who did a terrific job in a relatively unnatural position. I don't envisage him ever developing a natural attacking instinct, but he was neat, tidy and adds defensive prowess and height. Thank god it allowed Travis to return to his CM role - what a difference he makes. A proper captains performance last night, biting in to challenges, winning crucial battles AND offering a calmness in possession that I don't immediately associate with him. The two scousers won the midfield battle hands down, with Morton himself looking beyond his years - another very steady influence on the game. One or two sloppy passes that could have left us exposed, but I'll forgive him those.
And the front 3 were all superb. Hedges was given MOTM, and not unfairly by any means - but my choice was probably Dolan. I've been very critical of him, practically since he arrived. I LOVE his work rate, but physically he can get lost and in possession he tends to make poor decisions. Last night again, something seemed to click for him.. he buzzed around with his usual energy, but I can;t count how many times he got a toe in and turned over possession for us - he also played the way he was facing, one-touch passes and then moving in to space. Absolutely crucial to the result, not to mention a very good assist for the first goal.
Hedges is looking like a very classy operator - the ball seems to stick to him, clearly he's a good footballer. Glad to see him get his first goal, he needs to add more but he'll know that. A fantastic pass to BBD in the second half also showed a glimpse of his quality, only for the keeper to make a decent save to deny a fantastic goal.
Finally, BBD - He just continues to develop in to a leader for us. His work rate is phenomenal, and he truly does frighten defences. He deserved a goal last night and almost had an absolute peach just before half time, a whisker away with a great effort across goal. He ran himself in to the ground again, constantly battling and fighting for the cause - we use him as an outlet so much and he's developing all the time, getting better and better.
A few other comments - Their disallowed goal looks onside to me from the replays. It was given not for the man who scored, but for his teammate who nodded on the second ball. I still think one of our players dropped in to bring him onside, but never mind.
Watford looked really poor. You fear for their manager who left Forest Green rather unceremoniously to take on a side that you would expect to bounce back to the PL... for the quality of individuals (perhaps being a crucial word) on the pitch they look fragmented, they look like they have no idea of how they want to play, and worryingly for Edwards they looked quite disinterested.
JDT - Top marks - is he FINALLY starting to get his settled 11 in place? I can't imagine he'll want to revert to a back 4 anytime soon. We've seen on plenty of occasions this season that he is more than happy not to make subs unless he feels he has to, keeping the same 11 on for 92mins last night. I think that's an impressive trait in a manager. Often the temptation can be to change for the sake of changing, and it can backfire. He trusts his players to be fit enough for the full 90-mins.
Dack - That was almost the only slightly deflating element of last night. I walked back to the car thinking he'll never get in to this formation - there isn't a place for him. Penny for his thoughts and I'll be interested to see how much football he gets in the next month or two before the world cup. Things can change - JDT may return to a back 4 should injuries occur, but I fear for Bradley and wouldn't be surprised if we see him depart in January. The club can probably do more with 15k p/w at this point. The big question will be... will any other club take a punt on him....
Referee - I thought he did okay generally. Seemingly he got the big call right which was the penalty decision for Watford, with reports indicating that Davis went down under minimal contact, despite Ayala dangling a very tempting leg out. He tried to let the game go if he could, and wouldn't be drawn in to blatant attempts to win free kicks (from both sides). Best thing I can say is I don't really remember him being too involved, which is usually a good indication!
Ratings
Kaminski - 7 - Hardly had anything to do but was there when needed. One good moment in particular from a cross fairly late on, palming the ball away well. Kicking was better, can't recall it going out of play.
Carter - 7 - Solid and dependable - not a natural attacker but adds steel and height to our defensive (and attacking) set pieces.
Hyam - 8 - Was booked relatively early on after a Dolan mistake but came through the game brilliantly after that. Looks totally comfortable next to Ayala and Wharton and got that all important second goal... magnificently I have to add! What a finish!
Ayala - 8 - What a rock - keep him fit, for god's sake!
Wharton - 8 - Huge player for us now. Badly missed him for the last month or so. Had a couple of dodgy moments in the first half, including the header that called Kaminski in to action - I could have marked him down for that, but I'd argue he was the best of the 3 centre halves for 92mins and 50 seconds, so I'll keep him at an 8.
Pickering - 7 - Looks far more comfortable as a wing back. Did well - never looks hugely confident in possession but he did link up well at times down the left.
Travis - 8.5 - One of my picks for MOTM - made such a difference to us. A great leader and played a pivotal role in winning the midfield battle, even when they went to a 4-3-3 in the second half. He's just everywhere on the pitch and is thriving in his role as captain.
Morton - 7.5 - The other half of our midfield duo. Plays like he's having kick around with mates at time - never looks flustered and actually, I think he's sometimes ahead of our other players in his vision and passing.... a couple of times he played through balls or balls over the top that make him look like he's given it away - sometimes it's the attackers fault for not moving... Good player, hopefully he can have a really strong season for us.
Dolan - 8.5 - Expect nothing less with his work rate, but things seemed to come together for him last night. Constant thorn in Watford's side, winning possession back countless times AND getting a really good assist. Still one or two moments where he got caught in possession (Hyam's booking), but I get the feeling he'll learn quick under JDT.
Hedges - 8.5 - Not an easy role playing the central point of a front 3, but did brilliantly. He's beginning to settle and is showing his quality now. Good goal, well deserved.
Brereton - 8 - Perhaps deserves more for his work ethic and constant bullying of Watford's defence. On another day he scores one or two. Dives a bit too much - that's my only criticism.
Luton next.... couldn't call it! Horrid place to go, but they've had a slow start - I'll call our first draw of the season with this one! Perhaps even another 0-0.
steve w
Senior Member
Morton - 7.5 - The other half of our midfield duo. Plays like he's having kick around with mates at time - never looks flustered and actually, I think he's sometimes ahead of our other players in his vision and passing.... a couple of times he played through balls or balls over the top that make him look like he's given it away - sometimes it's the attackers fault for not moving... Good player, hopefully he can have a really strong season for us.
Great review from the subs bench Marlow
Agree about Morton - In the past we have had loan players that seemed to be playing because of the loan deal agreement
I can live with this kid Having to play
Great review from the subs bench Marlow
Agree about Morton - In the past we have had loan players that seemed to be playing because of the loan deal agreement
I can live with this kid Having to play
Old Darwen Blue
Prediction Champion 2021 & 2022
But he agrees with me about Super Ben though so I can’t debate with you?Excellent summary. You've got a permanent job now marlow!
Really good summary. I can give no better compliment than to say "Drog standard."
Barmitzvah Boy
Global winner of the 2021 Christmas Quiz 👊🤩🤩
Enjoy this special moment lads n lasses…..
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Seems to me that Wharton is critical to our success. I might be wrong but has he played 4 games and seen 12 points in the bag? His partnership with Ayala has been very productive.