That’s two games in a row where Stockley has missed simple headed chances. Last season he scored with his head from ridiculous angles - every time he headed the ball he seemed to score!
Hopefully he’ll have got those misses out of his system now. I wonder if JJ will start Davison on Tuesday to rest Stockley?
The issue I have with resting Stockley Tuesday is the defensive headers he makes in our box against set pieces. Rotherham’s in form CF Smith is a big unit at 6’3”and we need to match up.
As an ex Charlton player Michael Smith will be up for it too.
Didn’t realise we’ve had any players called Smith?
Jason Pearce asskipper just seems to bring it all together, he makes sure everybody is involved (if you watch closely). Granted it is much easier when we are playing well.
Pearce did his usual of dropping deep near to Macgillivray to receive the throw. JJ instructed him to push up past the thrower, else we're inviting pressure. Pearcy held his hands up in apology and moved up. We saw the half out without our usual self-imposed mistakes.
It's not only me then always yelling at Pearcey to push up and not to drop unnecessarily deep.
Definitely one to watch but I’m sure Pearce will be up for the battle as long as his legs can manage another 90 minutes and he does any grappling outside the box 😈.
Definitely one to watch but I’m sure Pearce will be up for the battle as long as his legs can manage another 90 minutes and he does any grappling outside the box 😈.
He wasn’t given any sort of test y’day. Their front line was anonymous. Not taking anything away from his performance, it was very solid. He will be put under a lot more pressure on Tuesday.
I think all the back line benefit from Dobson’s presence in front of them. I think it was a big part of what led to them not having that much to deal with overall. Very excited about this set up Jackson seems to have come up with. Reminds me of what Bowyer did with his diamond when he first came in. Plus 2 up top is great to see. You can tell it’s helping Stockley all ready.
I have nothing against NA personally, but bloody hell, he was miles off based on the last 2 games. Miles.
It's the wrong game to over analyse every single facet. Some players couldn't have had it easier. Playing against a lone striker with the quality of Doodoo should not be overly testing.
Best to look forwards as several challenges ahead.
Jason Pearce asskipper just seems to bring it all together, he makes sure everybody is involved (if you watch closely). Granted it is much easier when we are playing well.
What a difference to how we played under Adkins. Give the job to Jacko permanently now.
Adkins never really has Gilbey this season due to Covid and unfitness because of that. Dobson reminds me so much of Peter Hunt in the 70's. Played exactly like that and had ruthless tackle. When he was out it was noticed .
I remember Peter Hunt. In our successful promotion year 1974-75, the unsung hero who did all the disciplined grunt work in the engine room - and provided the platform for creative players to do their thing.
At the time I remember talking with Paddy Powell post match in the Valley Club; he told me that Hunty could be quite the flair player and often unplayable in training! That taught me players may have more in their locker than defined by their role in the team.
Excellent performance, everyone played well, we could have had 6 or 7. Dobson was everywhere and just edges MOM for me.
The thing was Dobson wasn't everywhere - Jackson has instilled some discipline in him so that he sticks to his job and doesn't go chasing after everything as he was doing at the start of the season under Adkins.
I got a sort of sadistic pleasure from reading the player's ratings in the Doncaster free press.
1. Pontus Dahlberg 5
Pulled off a trio of good saves late in the game but it did not make up for errors that saw Rovers concede. Not decisive enough from Lee’s free kick that ended up in the back of the net as he appeared to be relying on his defence to react. And he bundled his collection from a free kick allowing Stockley to score.
2. Kyle Knoyle 3
Struggled against Purrington, both on and off the ball. A reckless challenge led to the free kick for the first goal. He was nullified by the wing back which prevented him getting forward. Sacrificed to get Rowe onto the pitch in the second half.
3. Ro-Shaun Williams 4
Shaky throughout the game and struggled to keep a track on Charlton’s forwards. Easily beaten and rushed clearances.
4. Tom Anderson 4
No qualms with the penalty that he conceded as he was caught a little flat footed on the turn by Gilbey. He struggled to track Stockley throughout the game and was easily turned.
5. Joseph Olowu 3
Struggled defensively throughout and appeared to have been targeted by Charlton’s pacy wide men. Offered nothing going the other way and tried to do too much at times when the situation called for simple stuff.
6. John Bostock 3
Played some awful passes back that put team mates into danger during the first half. He needed to be the composed head to slow things down but wasn’t.
7. Ethan Galbraith 4
Lacked his usual quality on the ball, with plenty of passes forward aimless rather than accurate. He also struggled to break things up as he typically would. Completely lost Purrington for the fourth goal.
8. Rodrigo Vilca 3
Offered very little throughout the game. He gave little cover against Purrington and struggled for any meaningful possession on the ball. He rushed his one chance
9. Matt Smith 5
Typically energetic and was the only player to really rush or harry the opposition until the introduction of the substitutes.
10. Jordy Hiwula 3
Struggled to get into the game at all - disappointing given this pace against the opposition defence would certainly have caused problems.
11. Joe Dodoo 5
Completely isolated up front with a lack of sensible service. Tried to put himself about but couldn’t make an impact.
Christ I thought Bostock was there only player with a footballing brain.
Jason Pearce asskipper just seems to bring it all together, he makes sure everybody is involved (if you watch closely). Granted it is much easier when we are playing well.
Loving JJ’s high pressing all out strategy and his weird formation. It just seems to fit the skills of Stockley and Washington as they do better with two up front instead of in isolation. It gives Lee a free floating role to find pockets between the opposing teams defense and midfield. However, it heavily relies on Dobson and Gilbey to cover a lot of ground defensively in order for the “wingbacks” to get forward so we need to keep them fit. I am still a little skeptical that the back 3 with some sort of combination of Famewo, Pearce, Gunter, Matthews will be good enough against better teams in the league. We will see.
Bigger tests to come but what a turn around from performances under Adkins. We’ve gone from a side who were poor in so every area to one running non-stop, defending well, pressing high, playing with more aggression, creating chances and scoring goals.
We’re seeing lots of small changes adding up to make a big difference.
Out with the players who lack that energy, aggression, pace or mentality to track back in Watson, Kirk, Arter, Morgan and CBT.
Matthews and Gunter both better off in a more defensive role where they don’t need to add drive in attack. Along with Pearce it shows if the players in front of them get it right they’re not so exposed, we don’t have to have a back 3/4/5 of stars to do well.
JJ putting faith in Dobson who has been very impressive and ended all talk about missing Pratley.
Washington up front rather than out wide, a player who can press well and offers movement. Stockley’s benefited as he has close support.
Replacements and subs hungry to impress with DJ doing well and Gunter slotting in comfortably. I’m sure Davison and Clare will show the same attitude if/when they get more of a run.
Plenty of our players getting in both boxes.
Tuesday will be interesting. No doubt we have a team who will compete but it’ll be a different challenge for JJ and the team if we go a goal down or get a set back like a red card or a couple of injuries. The way they’re playing for him I can see us finding ways to deal with that.
This team have shown again they have ability and fight, come the end of the season I’m sure they'll be nowhere near being considered our worst ever team. Hopefully we’ll also have something to play for - the top six is still in our hands despite our poor start making it a lot harder than it should have been.
I'm still fascinated by our defensive shape, and the amount it relies on players subtly changing roles, especially Ben Purrington.
At the end of the 2018/19 when he would get forward a lot - something Jacko cleared remembered - yet so far we haven't been caught out on our left defensively, with Purrington stranded up field.
I'm still fascinated by our defensive shape, and the amount it relies on players subtly changing roles, especially Ben Purrington.
At the end of the 2018/19 when he would get forward a lot - something Jacko cleared remembered - yet so far we haven't been caught out on our left defensively, with Purrington stranded up field.
Three CBs, a DM, players who track back and our higher more aggressive press are all playing a part.
Replace Purrington, Gilbey and Dobson with Soaure, Morgan and Watson then it’s not going to be so effective.
I’d be looking to bring in more fit, energetic and mobile players in January if we can move a few on. Got to avoid bringing in more Watson’s, Arter’s and Gunter’s, too many in a team especially in more attacking roles limits us so much.
Great eat team performance. Completely unrecognisable from recent games. JJ has done a fantastic job so far and has them playing good, attacking football. This was a particularly important game because we needed to play OUR game and challenge Donny to come and get us. We passed that test with flying colours and should have scored a hatful but the pleasing part was it was a performance that will make a few teams sit-up and notice. A few more wins and we are absolutely back
I'm still fascinated by our defensive shape, and the amount it relies on players subtly changing roles, especially Ben Purrington.
At the end of the 2018/19 when he would get forward a lot - something Jacko cleared remembered - yet so far we haven't been caught out on our left defensively, with Purrington stranded up field.
We were caught out under NA because we were set up to play the game in our own half, not the opposition’s. It didn’t work because the players didn’t get too much opportunity in real matches to get used to each other and when we did leave our own half (not often) the gap wasn’t dealt with. In theory it should not be a problem under Jackson if we are set up to attack because that pushes the opposition onto the back foot, plays more of the game in their half and makes it a further distance for them to get to our goal, which in turn gives the back 3 more time to move to deal with the threat. Pearce was in his element yesterday. Famewo, who I think switches off sometimes and I would rather not see him playing because if it, had his best game imo and it’s a game plan that seems to suit his considerable talent. .
There was clearly a large element of Doncaster allowing us to play, but what an excellent performance, all the same. Really, I think we just picked up where we left off after Sunderland, but Doncaster were a softer touch than Sunderland.
Two up front makes a huge difference - it supports Stockley who may be be more war hammer than rapier but he’s real weapon nonetheless when used well. There defence couldn’t handle him today. Dobson has fully justified those of us who wanted him in the team weeks ago but it’s also about the balance in the team and particularly the midfield now. With Stockley, Washington, Gilbey, Lee and even Leko/DJ, at the moment, you have players who can and will go and press high and with intensity, but with Dobson behind plus the back 3 and Purrington there is cover if the opposition manages to play round the press. I’ve always felt, however, that if you can get the press right, at this level, 90% of the time the opposition will not be able to deal with it. Defenders at this level don’t have the skill and touch to play passing football under real pressure. That goes for our’s too, although someone like Famewo can deal with it better than most.
With the ball the balance is good too, Dobson is more than just a spoiler, he can see a pass and carry the ball a bit, Gilbey is all action and can drive at teams with the ball, and Lee buzzes around with a knack for finding space. I really like Lee, he’s a little bit reminiscent of how Andy Reid used to play - not got the wand of a left foot but he wants the ball all the time and goes looking for it. He makes good decisions when he has it as well. Down the right we seem to have finally found some wingers who can actually cross (DJ swung in some peaches today) and on the left Purrington is doing a great job of getting into the box. It’s no wonder we are getting more chances because we are putting the ball into the right areas and getting bodies in there too. At times we have Washington, Stockley, Lee, Gilbey, and Purrington in there and during open play as well. I wouldn’t mind a fiver on Purrington making double figures this season if we keep this up. At the root of us being able to do that, though, is George “Insurance” Dobson, again, because when attacks have broken down he’s still been a barrier stopping the opposition getting straight onto the back three/four within two or three passes off the turnover.
It’d be churlish to grumble we didn’t score more so, really, in the last two games, there has been almost nothing to pick holes in.
Would be fantastic if they can keep it up again on Tuesday.
Thoroughly well done Jacko and the boys!
Think I've read it all now. I'll take your fiver if you really think Purrington is going to get into double figures this season. He's missed 2 sitters in 2 games & will be lucky to get half your prediction.
Maybe Purrington will or maybe he won't.
But that's not really the issue right now. The fact is, he's regularly getting in these goalscoring positions, right place at the right time. The law of averages will ensure he scores some of these - like yesterday.
Remember Nicky Bailey, remember the master of the late run himself, Jacko? No surprise then that Jacko has instructed Big Ben to make a late run, ghosting into the box unmarked.
I can't buy in to JJ the savior yet, or any time soon. We saw the same impact when Adkins took over, and look what happened.
Let's wait until JJ has to deal with adversity, injury crises, other managers working out our tactics, etc. That's when you can judge a manager, anything before that can just be the 'bounce'.
I can't buy in to JJ the savior yet, or any time soon. We saw the same impact when Adkins took over, and look what happened.
Let's wait until JJ has to deal with adversity, injury crises, other managers working out our tactics, etc. That's when you can judge a manager, anything before that can just be the 'bounce'.
Wasn’t Jackson in charge for NA’s ‘first’ game ?. NA also inherited a squad of players who, by that time in the season, knew each other really well and could adapt to switches in game plans because they knew where a pass would go, who would cover a gap etc
If you take a look at the match reports (even BBC) of Rotherham v Sunderland. They show Rotherham's formation as 3-1-4-2. Sounds familiar right?
Another interesting point is that Rotherham's official site says since moving to 3 at the back "saw the 'Wrecking Ball' take up a role as the organiser at the heart of the defence and he thrived in it". The player being our 1-season old boy Richard Wood who is now 36. Lets hope the same can be seen with Pearcy!
Fantastic match, what a turn around since JJ took over. Everyone played a part a it all came together as a team. As others have said, Dobson was immense. I suspect though the biggest difference in his play was actually what was going on around him. In early games he looked great at defending, but awful in possession. He looked like the proverbial bunny in the headlights not knowing what to do with the ball. Yesterday was different completely, time an again he won the ball cleanly and within a couple of touches laid it off to someone else starting another attack. The big difference for me was that under Jackson's 'play for the shirt' ethos, the others were putting themselves into great positions to receive the ball; in upping their game the rest of the team gave Dobson the opportunities he needed to improve his game. Can't wait 'til Tuesday now.
Great team performance - Dobson superb and clear MOTM, Stockley bullied their defence, everyone on it and working hard, created bundles of chances - feel confident we will beat Rotherham - i'd give Jacko the job today.
Great team performance - Dobson superb and clear MOTM, Stockley bullied their defence, everyone on it and working hard, created bundles of chances - feel confident we will beat Rotherham - i'd give Jacko the job today.
No. Wait until he’s had time to settle in and, inevitably, lost a few games as well. That will take some of the pressure away from him and TS that would arise if there is a knee-jerk contract on the back of two wins…and counting
I got a sort of sadistic pleasure from reading the player's ratings in the Doncaster free press.
1. Pontus Dahlberg 5
Pulled off a trio of good saves late in the game but it did not make up for errors that saw Rovers concede. Not decisive enough from Lee’s free kick that ended up in the back of the net as he appeared to be relying on his defence to react. And he bundled his collection from a free kick allowing Stockley to score.
2. Kyle Knoyle 3
Struggled against Purrington, both on and off the ball. A reckless challenge led to the free kick for the first goal. He was nullified by the wing back which prevented him getting forward. Sacrificed to get Rowe onto the pitch in the second half.
3. Ro-Shaun Williams 4
Shaky throughout the game and struggled to keep a track on Charlton’s forwards. Easily beaten and rushed clearances.
4. Tom Anderson 4
No qualms with the penalty that he conceded as he was caught a little flat footed on the turn by Gilbey. He struggled to track Stockley throughout the game and was easily turned.
5. Joseph Olowu 3
Struggled defensively throughout and appeared to have been targeted by Charlton’s pacy wide men. Offered nothing going the other way and tried to do too much at times when the situation called for simple stuff.
6. John Bostock 3
Played some awful passes back that put team mates into danger during the first half. He needed to be the composed head to slow things down but wasn’t.
7. Ethan Galbraith 4
Lacked his usual quality on the ball, with plenty of passes forward aimless rather than accurate. He also struggled to break things up as he typically would. Completely lost Purrington for the fourth goal.
8. Rodrigo Vilca 3
Offered very little throughout the game. He gave little cover against Purrington and struggled for any meaningful possession on the ball. He rushed his one chance
9. Matt Smith 5
Typically energetic and was the only player to really rush or harry the opposition until the introduction of the substitutes.
10. Jordy Hiwula 3
Struggled to get into the game at all - disappointing given this pace against the opposition defence would certainly have caused problems.
11. Joe Dodoo 5
Completely isolated up front with a lack of sensible service. Tried to put himself about but couldn’t make an impact.
Comments
Thank God Jacko's now on the case!
We will need Stockley & Pearce on Tuesday so no testing them and some real disabling to not concede free kicks
I think all the back line benefit from Dobson’s presence in front of them. I think it was a big part of what led to them not having that much to deal with overall. Very excited about this set up Jackson seems to have come up with. Reminds me of what Bowyer did with his diamond when he first came in. Plus 2 up top is great to see. You can tell it’s helping Stockley all ready.
I have nothing against NA personally, but bloody hell, he was miles off based on the last 2 games. Miles.
Best to look forwards as several challenges ahead.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Also hope we get some better extended highlights.
and provided the platform for creative players to do their thing.
At the time I remember talking with Paddy Powell post match in the Valley Club; he told me that Hunty could be quite the flair player and often unplayable in training!
That taught me players may have more in their locker than defined by their role in the team.
We’re seeing lots of small changes adding up to make a big difference.
Out with the players who lack that energy, aggression, pace or mentality to track back in Watson, Kirk, Arter, Morgan and CBT.
Matthews and Gunter both better off in a more defensive role where they don’t need to add drive in attack. Along with Pearce it shows if the players in front of them get it right they’re not so exposed, we don’t have to have a back 3/4/5 of stars to do well.
JJ putting faith in Dobson who has been very impressive and ended all talk about missing Pratley.
Washington up front rather than out wide, a player who can press well and offers movement. Stockley’s benefited as he has close support.
Replacements and subs hungry to impress with DJ doing well and Gunter slotting in comfortably. I’m sure Davison and Clare will show the same attitude if/when they get more of a run.
Plenty of our players getting in both boxes.
Tuesday will be interesting. No doubt we have a team who will compete but it’ll be a different challenge for JJ and the team if we go a goal down or get a set back like a red card or a couple of injuries. The way they’re playing for him I can see us finding ways to deal with that.
This team have shown again they have ability and fight, come the end of the season I’m sure they'll be nowhere near being considered our worst ever team. Hopefully we’ll also have something to play for - the top six is still in our hands despite our poor start making it a lot harder than it should have been.
At the end of the 2018/19 when he would get forward a lot - something Jacko cleared remembered - yet so far we haven't been caught out on our left defensively, with Purrington stranded up field.
Replace Purrington, Gilbey and Dobson with Soaure, Morgan and Watson then it’s not going to be so effective.
I’d be looking to bring in more fit, energetic and mobile players in January if we can move a few on. Got to avoid bringing in more Watson’s, Arter’s and Gunter’s, too many in a team especially in more attacking roles limits us so much.
.
But that's not really the issue right now. The fact is, he's regularly getting in these goalscoring positions, right place at the right time.
The law of averages will ensure he scores some of these - like yesterday.
Remember Nicky Bailey, remember the master of the late run himself, Jacko?
No surprise then that Jacko has instructed Big Ben to make a late run, ghosting into the box unmarked.
There's more goals to come from Ben Purr.
Let's wait until JJ has to deal with adversity, injury crises, other managers working out our tactics, etc. That's when you can judge a manager, anything before that can just be the 'bounce'.
Another interesting point is that Rotherham's official site says since moving to 3 at the back "saw the 'Wrecking Ball' take up a role as the organiser at the heart of the defence and he thrived in it". The player being our 1-season old boy Richard Wood who is now 36. Lets hope the same can be seen with Pearcy!