Excellent Performance

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Not much more to be said, plenty of shots and on target, good football and in fairness pretty solid defensively.  Also, Woods has taken some flack but excellent goalkeeping when Leeds nearly nicked a 3rd late on.

AMazed me how Leeds couldn't live with us tonight all over the place yet we've lost.  Keep the faith and we'll do ok.  Great to see Hayter back he was fantastic as the lone striker and Stock was straight back in with quick passing too.  Muzzy as a winger?  Well he started well then tired but actually looked more comfortable there I thought.  HAve to say wing backs with 5 accross the back suited us much more.

[mushRTID]

Agree with that really enjoyed the game and was hoping for more in extra time.

Thought we should have had a penalty and Bennett should have scored his 1 on 1.

Grayson must not believe they won that.

Can someone also tell George Friend to let Mr Keogh out of his pocket....absolute rock.

[hoolahoop]

Not much more to be said, plenty of shots and on target, good football and in fairness pretty solid defensively.  Also, Woods has taken some flack but excellent goalkeeping when Leeds nearly nicked a 3rd late on.

AMazed me how Leeds couldn't live with us tonight all over the place yet we've lost.  Keep the faith and we'll do ok.  Great to see Hayter back he was fantastic as the lone striker and Stock was straight back in with quick passing too.  Muzzy as a winger?  Well he started well then tired but actually looked more comfortable there I thought.  HAve to say wing backs with 5 accross the back suited us much more.

Absolutely, we played them off the park. I have no concerns about the defeat and look forward to the fresh blood that's coming back in bit by bit.
Loved it , well done Rovers........you were extremely unlucky. Bennett was a different class apart on that pitch tonight not one of the players from either team could live with him.
Those that chose not to go tonight missed a great game.

[Filo]

Not much more to be said, plenty of shots and on target, good football and in fairness pretty solid defensively.  Also, Woods has taken some flack but excellent goalkeeping when Leeds nearly nicked a 3rd late on.

AMazed me how Leeds couldn't live with us tonight all over the place yet we've lost.  Keep the faith and we'll do ok.  Great to see Hayter back he was fantastic as the lone striker and Stock was straight back in with quick passing too.  Muzzy as a winger?  Well he started well then tired but actually looked more comfortable there I thought.  HAve to say wing backs with 5 accross the back suited us much more.

Should have been out of sight after 25 minutes, Naylor missed a free header at the back stick and Bennet, hitting the post with only the keeper to beat, Leeds scored with probably there only meaningful attempts on goal, same old story for us, missed chances costing us. But I`m not downbeat, I saw enough tonight to show we`ve got some fight in us, great to see the injured players making a return, and also to see Billy before the game walking across the pitch without his crutches, he still had the boot on mind! Also Giles Barnes showed alot of quality tonight

[atick45]

Really enjoyed game tonight well worth the money just to see the efforts of kyle Bennett what a find he is.Lets get some points on the table on sat and stop all these moaners who dont even go to matches and yet all they say is how cr p Rovers are from their seats at home.

[VikingJames]

I quite enjoyed tonight as well. Encouraging performance.

Only real mistake was giving Nunez so much space for the two goals, other than that I can't fault the guys tonight.

Early goal definitely gave us a boost, and we were flying in the first 25 minutes. We probably should've been 2 or 3-0 up by the time Nunez scored with Leeds' first real effort on goal. Best chance was Kyle Bennett through on goal at 1-0, so unlucky to hit the inside of the post. It was inches from doubling our lead.

Maybe took our foot off the gas a bit, but we still kept them at arms length for pretty much the whole game. It was clear from Sean's substitutions that tonight was more about getting people like JOC and Stocky back into the fold. If we were hell bent on staying in the competition we would've kept those guys on the bench.

Not too bothered by going out of the Carling Cup. I suppose it's easy to say after the event, but it's not a competition I'm particularly bothered about. It served us well in 2005, but with the priority being survival these days, it can take a back seat for me.

Main positives were Kyle Bennett who was excellent again, and James Hayter whose work rate made a real difference, and gave us a focal point in attack. Also thought Muzzy fared much better on the wing - we should look at playing him there in future with Sam/JOC at right back.

[Chris Black come back]

Really enjoyed game tonight well worth the money just to see the efforts of kyle Bennett what a find he is.Lets get some points on the table on sat and stop all these moaners who dont even go to matches and yet all they say is how cr p Rovers are from their seats at home.

Bennett is sadly; talented, on form, elusive and quick = due a knobbling by some talentless oaf.

[Akinfenwa]

We did OK, much better than on Saturday. We played some exciting football and actually created chances, probably more tonight than in all 4 league games put together. I think Hayter being back helped to put more pressure on the Leeds defence too. We were unlucky to lose in the end to two long shots from Nunez however this highlights where we need to improve for Saturday.

Firstly we need to take our chances, we had probably about 3 good chances to score and we could have been 2-0 up before they came back into the game.

Secondly they created bugger all apart from Gradel's 1 on 1 (caused by a mistake towards the end when we were pressing) which was well saved by Woods. However for the goals we just allowed Nunez way too much time at the edge of the box twice to shoot. Do this against Maynard on Saturday and he will punish us too as he scores a fair few goals from range.

Thirdly I felt that we took our foot off the gas at 1-0 when we had Leeds for the taking which allowed them back into the game a bit shortly before they scored their first, this along with not taking our chances was our downfall in the end.

Overall though the performance was encouraging, as was the return of a number of key players to the squad after injury. I felt that O'Driscoll got his tactics spot on today, we seemed to have a back 5 without the ball which helped us nullify their known threats out wide as there was always an extra man to cover. Play like this on Saturday against Bristol and we have a great chance of getting a win providing we learn from tonight's minor mistakes.

[steve@dcfd]

Muzzy has to learn his pace is good, crossing is poor when in good positions. His decision making in the final third needs to improve to be a good winger. Also his first touch when controlling the ball is poor and allows defenders to get the ball. He is young man who will have to continue learning. Let's not make him better than he really is.


Akinfenwa the players got tired and could not keep playing at the initial pace. The difference on Saturday if we are allowed to play like that the players on the field must take more than one goal when we have had 17 shots towards goal. These players have to prove we are not a one man strike force and get the goals.

[Serring]

Being new on here it's so nice to read such positive and accurate statements.
I was at the game and couldn't believe the chances we had.
This game tonight was entertaining and showcased our talent and extremely good value for money.
L**ds had a couple of chances... took them and they paid off.

Would have been nice to have come away with the win.
However, surely we can now see that our strengthened squad is now about to turn the corner with the addition of our other previously injured returning players.

I'm sure that was Greenie in the press rooms at the back of the West Stand.
Think he \"Came to watch the Rovers\"... or maybe something else.

[Chrisd_123]

That right wing is where dumbuya needs to be. He's not solid enough with his defending to be at right back and with JOC coming back and Hird playing well when he plays right back we should really look at improving muzzy as a winger. Their left back couldn't live with him tonight. Was a close motm after the first half but faded out whereas Bennett was outstanding all night. Bit more luck and shooting practice he'll get a fair few goals this season.

[DonnyOsmond]

Hayter and Lalkovic v Bristol City please!

[Easy for Dennis]

Sorry did i watch the same match two poor teams both will be fighting relegation if tonight is anything to go by

[bobjimwilly]

Sorry did i watch the same match two poor teams both will be fighting relegation if tonight is anything to go by

What have you been smoking my friend?

[Lesonthewest]

Excellent performance tonight, every single player deserves credit. great to see players returning too. It made a real change to watch us actually create numerous chances, the system looked good & is surely worth sticking with at home. On another night those chances go in & we win at a canter, sadly at the moment nothing is going for us. The trick is now keeping up that level of performance consistently, if we can manage that then results will improve. Not heard Seans comments but he must be very pleased with his players. A special mention for James Hayter, put a real shift in tonight. Well played lads, more of the same on Saturday please.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Just a question. Do you think we have an issue with fitness? I don't mean with players back from injury etc., but with going at teams with the same pace throughout the game.

One thing about the good teams is the work rate and running the legs off teams and no  coincidence that late goals are scored. We heard Ross Burberry commenting about conditioning, being stronger but may be we need to up the stamina level?

[MrFrost]

Did Leeds make a lot of changes for this game? Reading some of what their fans have posted around, it was their 2nd 11 and we were a joke.

[albie]

The goals for those not at the game;
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkoobe_doncaster-1-leeds-2-carling-cup-23-08-2011_sport#from=embed

Good strikes from Nunez, needed closing early.

Onward and upward for Brizzle on sat!

[VikingJames]

Really enjoyed game tonight well worth the money just to see the efforts of kyle Bennett what a find he is.Lets get some points on the table on sat and stop all these moaners who dont even go to matches and yet all they say is how cr p Rovers are from their seats at home.

Bennett is sadly; talented, on form, elusive and quick = due a knobbling by some talentless oaf.

It's okay, we don't face Lewis Dunk until March! :dry:

[Viking Don]

Couldn't make it tonight but listened in to RS after visiting hours at DRI (just after 8) and they were raving about Rovers. Just after Kyle had hit the post so I'd missed the best bit!

Anyway, I expected a reaction and it seems you lot got to see it.

Not too bothered about the result, until Leeds get Man U again in the next round, but I think we'll av em next time.

Looking forward to seeing us on Saturday, just need to keep their heads up and that first win is there for the taking.

[ravenrover]

Did Leeds make a lot of changes for this game? Reading some of what their fans have posted around, it was their 2nd 11 and we were a joke.

Try getting the wad out and actually coming to a game or 2. Reading the Leeds comments and you call yourself a Rovers supporter? Of course they will say it was their 2nd 11, didn't seem a lot of changes to Sundays team, 1 or 2 missing but lets face it we didn't play all the stars last night.\"We were a joke\"? just look at the stats and that should tell you all you need to know, we battered them Wood did 2 things aprart from the Gradel saves, and that was pick the ball out of the net twice from 2 excellent strikes from Nunes. We could and should have won by a couple of goals and on another night we would have. I assume you live in Doncaster, perhaps you should make a little bit of an effort to get to the KM a bit more, but I forgot that if you don't have your vouchers from the local FREE paper or are using someone elses ticket you don't seem to bother that much. If you'd sooner read the Leeds boards why don't you do us all a favour and make your way up to Elland Road to watch your football? it would save us all having to read the drivel you post. Oh and don't forget there is \"no recession\" so not being able to afford to go to the KM is no excuse, in your case

[hoolahoop]

Frosty I think you've wound someone up and quite badly. I can say that I too agree with RR's comments.
You are forever looking for freebies, negatives and excuses......pull yourself together man and stop reading the drivel on the Leeds boards ffs . You will end up delusional like them. hmmmm just had a thought.......

[benaldo]

It's like the club is cursed.

Barring about 5/10 minutes of last nights game I thought Rovers were pretty much on top. And in some periods of the match - like the first 10 minutes - I thought Rovers were playing Premier league football.

Which leads me to think \"Are the injuries an excuse anymore or a reason for losing games now?\"

I have to say, for me, the answer is an emphatic \"NO!\".

Woods was Woods

Spurr was excellent, and seemed a little fitter and faster for some reason.
Friend was great, I just think his passing to Woods is going to get caught out in an unforgivable way sooner or later.
Naylor was solid, calm, and I think he's a really good signing for this season.
Hird....lot's of missed passes and mistakes. But he wasn't as bad as usual.

Dumbuya was much better without having to be the last man defending. There is not one ounce of defender in that man. He's a great speed merchant, and I loved the way he took on and beat Leeds players last night without leaving a gaping hole at the back. He's prossibly not going to be seen at right back too often from now on I guess?
Oster - well he's just upped his game to another level to last season. I honestly thought he was finished, but putting him that position just in front of the centre backs was a stroke of genius. He's too good on the ball. Brilliant last night again.
Gillett was kind of absent and I couldn't work out if that meant he was \"doing the dirty jobs\" or other such manager speil? I didn't think he had a bad game, just didn't do a hell of a lot that my uneducated eyes could see.
Bennett is a genius. That kid is something special. Last night was the first time I've seen him defending as well as he goes forward. He's actually a solid tackler which is surprising for his size. And going forward......he's the best attacking midfielder I think I've ever seen at the club!
Barnes isn't fit. He's just not fit. My Derby supporting friends saw him on Saturday and all said he looked fat and slow compared to a couple of years ago when he was the star in their route to the premiership. Last night, and at Derby on Sat, he showed some touches of brilliance. Remember last night when he took on, and beat, 5 Leeds players, who were all shitting themselves when he had the ball. I hope he's not terminally crocked - as rumoured - and that he regains his physical fitness as he's a great player and could do a lot for Rovers.
Hayter was Hayter. I like him as a player, but playing him alone up front isn't what he's best at, he's a holding player and grafter, a bit like Brown, just shrunk in the wash. I just wish SOD would play 442 because with this team of players I think Rovers could do a lot more than just survive!!

Forget the injury excuses, those players playing right now are the best load of players this club has ever seen. No disrespect to Woods, Stock, et al, but I think SOD really did bring in players better than what we've got. Especially in Bennett, Barnes, Naylor, Spurr.

I should be really angry at the results, but I'm not. This team is going places. I just wonder why the people calling for SODs head can't see it too?? Even I can see that this is starting to work.

[Superspy]

Benaldo has been on the happy pills again. :D

[Spankster]

good post Benaldo, agree with all of that, onwards & upwards

RTID