Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,901
|
Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 3, 2023 13:26:39 GMT
Thoughts on our tough game tomorrow against an in form team - 4 wins, 1 draw out of last 5 games. Who will mark Devante Cole - 2 against a strong Derby team last time out. Barnsley in the Top 6 teams who appear to be pulling clear from the rest of the pack. Will be interesting to see how we set up. Also note that their scoring accuracy is actually worse than ours [41.90% against our 48.30%] and have only scored 2 more goals than the Gas although played 2 games less.
Going for a 1-1 draw. Hope the Mem is in fine form tomorrow!! UTG
|
|
|
Post by baselswh on Mar 3, 2023 14:08:52 GMT
This ones a great challenge for us.As Chesh pointed out,there are many 'W's in Barnsleys recent form list.They spanked Derby County last Saturday eg.
Before JB ( and other Gas managers ) were hired,I proposed we try and entice Michael Duff away from his great work at the Robins of Glos.Perhaps there are a few about that wish WAQ had seconded my suggestion. š
Duffy appears to have 'it',that being whatever it takes to be a very good football manager.
In the perfect scenario this game may of ( I only say possibly ) arrived abit early,but really,how often is the fixture list so kind?
Fantastic opportunity for our youngsters and I think they are definitely good enough to do themselves proud.
The balance of youth and experience Joe had from his team at Oxford, will be needed again.
Hopefully Aaron will have his scoring boots on and it was good to hear Joe tell us AC has been mentioned on Welsh tv lately,as a potential new international player.Not to mention the Ā£s a Welsh Cap would put on his value.
John Marquis has done well lately.That brilliant diving header at the last Mem game!
Lucca will imo now become a real threat for us from dead ball situations. His goal at Ox was no fluke.His timing,technique and guts, equall great football!
With a roaring Mem crowd behind them we can give Barnsley a game.
Our talented players,if playing as a team can beat Barnsley.
I'm looking forward to it!
Come on Rovers!
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,445
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 3, 2023 15:16:46 GMT
We have played Barnsley 33 times since 1910, W12, D9, L12, Biggest win 0-4, Loss 1-5 and there was a 3-3 draw.
Barnsley were founded in 1887, they are known as The Tykes or the Colliers, home ground Oakwell has a capacity of 23,287.
Manager Michael Duff is 45, played all his 746 career games for Cheltenham, Burnley and Northern Ireland.
According to a survey, 'The League of Love and Hate' conducted in August 2019, Barnsley supporters named fellow Yorkshire clubs Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Leeds United as their biggest rivals, with Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United following.
Ex-Gas players Bobby Thomas and Luke Thomas will be back on old stomping ground after loan spells at the Mem.
Previous managers have been Allan Clarke, Norman Hunter, Danny Wilson, Mel Machin & Angus Seed 1937-1953 (his death)
Past players of the season inc, Mick Mcarthy, Paul Futcher, Luke Steele, Neil Redfearn and Kevin Miller.
They have been FA Cup winners in 1911-12 and runners-up in 1909-10.
Barnsley are currently in 6th place having won 6 and drawn 1 in their last 7 games, we are in 15th place.
Very tough task on saturday and will take quite an effort to gouge out a point from those stubborn Yorkshiremen.
|
|
|
Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Mar 4, 2023 7:41:34 GMT
I hope Thomas plays a blinder so our illustrious manager can bask in reflected glory over having sorted him out.
|
|
|
Post by baselswh on Mar 4, 2023 9:15:17 GMT
Not our match day related,but quickly Porchester FC,top of Wessex League,tier 9 with top scorer Brett Pitman 45 goals in 35 games.
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 4, 2023 9:50:37 GMT
In another galaxy, far far away, in the land where horses born with eagle wings and honey bees have lost their stings they were singing forever, Dick's out..... and the Tote End complied.
In an updated, digital world, with a modern twist both Luke and Dom have been ousted.....so get your John Thomas out?
...as long as you don't push anyone. You can push drugs, but no people.
Today's enjoyment being curtailed is the toughest of the season, so I predict a pleasant defeat, as pleasant as my username! 0-2.
.... after the defensive display v Burton, can the club really complain at their paying fanbase pushing to get out? And/or pretending they're women and children to exit quicker?
See some of you later to debate this, and other things over a measure of alcohol of your choice.
|
|
Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,901
|
Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 4, 2023 12:59:41 GMT
www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/march/match-preview-rovers-barnsley/Opposition View BARNSLEY head coach Michael Duff says he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with former Burnley team-mate Joey Barton on Saturday afternoon - and is expecting his Bristol Rovers side to possess traits that the midfielder possessed in his playing days. Duff and Rovers chief Barton were team-mates during the Clarets' Championship title-winning season of 2015-16 and has nothing but kind words to say about him and his work. Duff said: "I played with Joey for a year and he was brilliant. It was the year we won the league. I think if you asked Joey, he absolutely loved his time at Burnley because the culture was set and he did what he does, he was a very good player, a leader who was tough and demanding. "I get on well with Joey. He's gone down there and they have a way of playing and he seems to have the support of everyone at Rovers. "It was a bit of a mess and disruptive when he first went in, but he seems to have brought it all together." Form Guide The latest five results for both sides: Rovers: L L D L W Barnsley: D W W W W
|
|
|
Post by Bamber Gashead on Mar 4, 2023 14:04:41 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Bamber Gashead on Mar 4, 2023 15:52:24 GMT
HT 0-0
|
|
|
Post by Bamber Gashead on Mar 4, 2023 16:57:00 GMT
FT 0-0 happy with that against 12 men!
|
|
|
Post by baselswh on Mar 4, 2023 17:37:42 GMT
We got at them and rattled a couple of cages.Organised and tenacious.A good individual example of those qualities was John Marquis's battle upfront.
Good solid performances alround with Bellshaw, Bogarde,Finley and Quansah mentioned in dispatches.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,445
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 4, 2023 18:35:39 GMT
Stats: BRFC 0 Barnsley 0 - 47% - 53% - Shots 7-10 - On Target 2-3 - Corners 3-7 - Referee: Thomas Parsons & Attendance: 8,816 (789 away fans) Bristol Rovers held play-off chasing Barnsley to a 0-0 draw with a gutsy, battling performance. The Gas made one change to the starting line-up from last week's 3-0 win at Oxford, with Grant Ward replacing Paul Coutts. The game's first moment of note was a yellow card in the 10th for skipper Sam Finley for a late challenge on Cadden. A minute later, Marquis joined him in the book for a foul on Kitching as referee Parsons was struggling to control a lively start from both sides. The Gas forced a corner after 22 minutes, after good work by Gordon. Quansah met it, but his header was straight at Isted in the Barnsley goal. Ward was harshly adjudged to have fouled Kane to give the visitors a free-kick thirty yards from goal in the 26th minute. However, Cadden's kick went straight into the Rovers' wall and Finley was able to race away up the other end and tee up Sinclair. Unfortunately, the winger's shot was sliced wide. Finley and Marquis were instrumental in Rovers taking the game to Barnsley and, with half an hour gone, there was precious little to separate the sides, albeit without a meaningful effort on target. Barnsley's Russell was booked in the 37th minute for a late tackle on Ward. Tykes captain Andersen joined him in the book seconds later for one foul too many on Marquis. The visitors could have gone ahead in the 42nd minute but Belshaw pulled off a spectacular flying save from a close-range Kitching header. At the start of the second half, Finley's free-kick found Quansah but Isted somehow kept out his volleyed effort. Rovers continued to press and Hoole's low cross had to be cleared behind for a corner. Belshaw palmed away a Cadden cross and away for a corner in the 60th minute, with Barnsley appealing for a penalty. Parsons waved away the protests and the Gas cleared the corner through Finley. Collins had a good chance as the ball found him in space on the edge of the box in the 65th minute. The striker opened up his body and curled narrowly wide of the far post. www.bristolrovers.co.uk/contentassets/7d51496fbd994d64b72c068211071754/jmp29_bristol_rovers_v_barnsley_ic.jpgThe visitors made four changes in the 73rd minute, including a return to The Mem for Luke Thomas.A misplaced Gordon pass after 77 minutes almost handed Barnsley the opener, but Finley raced back to divert the cross away, via the top of Belshaw's bar. Phillips tested Belshaw in the 82nd minute but the Gas goalkeeper was right behind his strike from the edge of the box. Marquis was replaced by Coburn in the 82nd minute. Ward threw himself at a fierce shot to bravely block with his head as the visitors pushed for a late winner. Rovers made two further substitutions, with Loft and Gibbons replacing Collins and Sinclair in the 88th minute. Gibson saw yellow a minute later for time-wasting at a throw-in. Loft chased a lost cause in the first of five added minutes but former Rover Bobby Thomas just did enough to clear. Next up for the Gas is the short trip to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday 11th March for a Sky Bet League One game. Rovers: Belshaw, Gordon, Quansah, Finley (c), Sinclair (Gibbons 88), Ward, Marquis (Coburn 82), Collins (Loft 88), Gibson, Bogarde, Hoole. Subs: Balcombe, Connolly, Evans, Coburn, Loft, Gibbons, McCormick. Barnsley: Isted, Williams, Russell, Kitching, Andersen (c), Cadden, Kane, Norwood, B.Thomas, Phillips, Cole. Subs: Searle, Benson, L.Thomas, Cotter, Larkeche, Tedic, Watters.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,445
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 4, 2023 18:50:46 GMT
Joey Barton speaks with pride as Bristol Rovers come through his 'acid test' against Barnsley..by Sam Frost
Joey Barton was pleased to see his Bristol Rovers players take "steps in the right direction" after taking a deserved point from a hard-fought battle with promotion-chasing Barnsley at the Mem on Saturday.
Neither side could find the back of the net, but this was an entertaining contest as the Gas gave as good as they got against Michael Duff's Tykes, who had won their previous four games before turning up at the Mem.
Rovers' defensive record has held them back all season, but they have kept three clean sheets in the past four games and they have a strong centre-back partnership developing in Jarell Quansah and Lewis Gibson, both of whom made big contributions in a commendable display.
Ahead of the game, Barton described Barnsley as the toughest matchup for them in League One with the direct, high-pressing style, but the Gas boss was delighted to see his side hold firm.
"It was a good game against the in-form team in the division and they have been free-scoring and with the evolution of this group, it was probably as tough a test at the junction we're at," he said.
"This was the true acid test for our progress in recent weeks and I thought the lads were outstanding. Iām really proud of a lot of performances out there and barring one moment in the first half, the lads were superb.
"Iām a bit disappointed we havenāt converted one of our chances and caused a bit of an upset.
"Three clean sheets in four, two against free-scoring teams in Ipswich and Barnsley today. Steps in the right direction.
"It would have been nice to win the game, but it was a good scrap, they are a really good side and I said to the boys before the game that it will be a good test for where we are at the moment."
Rovers remain 15th in League One with a welcome 10-point buffer to the relegation zone with 12 games remaining. Barnsley stayed in sixth.
Rovers' best chances fell to Quansah from set plays either side of half time. He has also had several chances to score in recent weeks that have not been converted, but Barton believes the goals will come and, most importantly, he is doing a fine job for the Gas defensively.
"Heās getting closer," Barton said with a smile. "Heās in there and making himself a nuisance and getting free. He could have had four goals in his league career in a short amount of games.
"His defensive performance and all-round performance would have warranted getting the winning goal in the match because you can see the quality operator he is.
"The other side of that is the player we lost in Bobby Thomas. Bob played well today and heās going to be a good player, but I donāt think heās in the same category as Jarell and I think history will prove me correct on that."
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,445
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 4, 2023 18:55:59 GMT
Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Barnsley: Belshaw, Bogarde and Marquis impress in decent draw..
James Belshaw - 8 Had very little to do in the first half until a late burst of action with the interval approaching, denying Herbie Kane after Barnsley evaded the offside trap. From the resulting corner, Belshaw made a superb relfex save at point-blank range to keep out Liam Kitching. Followed that up in the second half with a rock-steady palm to get in the way of a cross that was destined to find James Norwood for a tap-in. Deservedly won the sponsor's man of the match.
Luca Hoole - 7 The academy product goes from strength to strength. Commanded the right flank and got forward when he could. Got stuck into a war of words with Slobodan Tedic late on, showing his certainly up for a scrap.
Jarell Quansah - 7 A dominant defensive display, clearing so many corners to ensure it was back-to-back clean sheets for the Gas, but he will be kicking himself that he could not take Rovers' best chance at the other end.
Lewis Gibson - 8 Another fine display in the heart of the backline, marshalling the troops like a player in his early thirties, not early twenties. Made a hugely important block from Josh Benson in the closing stages.
Lewis Gordon - 7 Jordan Williams was a tricky opponent, but Gordon made sure he was never beaten and kept the ball out wide as much as he could. Continues to develop nicely.
Grant Ward - 7 Replaced Paul Coutts in the XI, but played in a more advanced role and he brought valuable legs to the team. Won his fair share of second balls and drove Rovers upfield.
Sam Finley (c) - 7
Picked up an early booking after a series of fouls, but he kept his cool and was very effective in midfield. The best contribution came in the first half when he stormed clear of the Barnsley midfield and played in Sinclair, but there were several good moments with and without the ball. There was similar intent with less success after the break, and he was relieved to see his header hit his own bar and go over, but he stayed diligent and screened the defence.
Lamare Bogarde - 8 Looks quite the prospect does the Aston Villa loanee. Does a bit of everything and does it well. Played in the Coutts role as the deepest midfielder and did it very well. He may not be the most spectacular player, be oozes effortless class.
Scott Sinclair - 6 Had Rovers' best chance of the first half when he was found unguarded on the right flank, but he could not get the ball under control as he closed in and sliced the shot well off target. That was a disappointing moment, but he grafted away and offered a useful outlet out wide.
Aaron Collins - 6 Posed a threat throughout, but nothing quite bounced his way when he looked to break free. Chose to cross in the first half when he perhaps should have driven into the box to shoot himself, and he went close in the second half with a low shot from the corner of the area. Ran his heart out for the team.
John Marquis - 8 Gave the Barnsley defence a nightmarish afternoon with his physical hold-up play, which brought his teammates into the game and got Rovers on the front foot. A scoring chance did not come his way, but this was a clinic in leading the line and linking up play.
Substitutes Josh Coburn (for Marquis on 82') - 7 Did not get a chance, but he worked incredibly hard to keep Barnsley at bay by pressuring the ball.
Ryan Loft (for Collins on 87') - N/A James Gibbons (for Sinclair on 87') - N/A Not used: Ellery Balcombe, James Connolly, Antony Evans, Luke McCormick.
|
|
oldie
Joined: September 2021
Posts: 7,260
Member is Online
|
Post by oldie on Mar 4, 2023 19:01:19 GMT
We got at them and rattled a couple of cages.Organised and tenacious.A good individual example of those qualities was John Marquis's battle upfront. Good solid performances alround with Bellshaw, Bogarde,Finley and Quansah mentioned in dispatches. I agree with you. After the shambles of the last two months that was thoroughly professional performance and I enjoyed watching it
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 5, 2023 10:24:18 GMT
Just got back..
Wow a heavy one this time ... On tour! So.... isn't it nice that not just the Gloucester Road holds a bounty, but so does Filton Ave. Cheaper, accepting cash, glass receptacles and faces...
Anyhoos...... anyone spot (when teams came out and settled into dug outs) the Barnsley sub spit out his chewie, do a couple of keepy uppies, then aim for it back in the gob? Right by the dug out? I didn't see if it made it's way back as someone moved ahead of me....
Onto less important things. For me this one was performance was more important than result. Another clean sheet, a starting of a stable central defence partnership and structural off ball set up play was essential to get right.
Excellent defence set up and pairing of Quansah and Gibs. Two players playing for one team from rival clubs! How that has helped galvanised our whole structure and set up....the flanks of Hoole and Gordon had mixed games, because Gordon gave the ball away that almost led to a goal but actually defended adequately.... Hoole marginally better but reluctant to cross into the box. But, Gibson and especially Quansah looked class. Devante S Head Cole who??
Belly..... enough said! Simply kept us in the game. While JAB might claim some credit for this, I still maintain what he done was admirable, but the way he done it was less than palatable.
A great defensive forging and performance.
I take it back with John Marquis. The last few matches have shown his silky class and hard work rate he provides for the team. I get it now. Some absolute smooth movements and touches there... More, please?!
Barnsley....a team we set up much like Ipswich against because we recognise their threat and technical ability. I thought they were at times stronger than us but when got to the final ball made the wrong decision, sometimes we forced them into that. Surprise they had to use the gamesmanship of 'going down as if they weren't getting back up, then miraculously did..' chestnut, but you can tell they are going to be up there somewhere come May, so I see this as a point gained and a fair result.
They may moan about a lack of penalty. They may be right, I didn't see it but everyone around me did, but I would retort that an inconsistent ref was consistent with his poor judgements....how Aaron (whom had a quiet match as couldn't break through their massive defence) was elbowed in the face in front of everyone on East Side whilst challenging for a ball that would have set him free on 1 on 1 and nothing given, among countless others, means he was poor for and against both of us.
To conclude... A decent performance. A decent result. A decent run of 4 points in 2 matches with a visit to bottom club away, what could possibly go wrong?
|
|
|
Post by The Concept on Mar 5, 2023 11:03:00 GMT
What surprised me was that AC was one of the least effective on the pitch.
When I saw him lined up against BT I thought he'd give him the runaround all game, and that Thomas would end up on his backside every time Collins approached with the ball at his feet.
Didn't see an elbow on Collins; if it's the same incident where he was down for ages, holding his head, then from the East Stand it was more a barge and arm-off (like a rugby hand-off) than an elbow, and it looked nowhere near his head. All this rolling around on the floor, by players of both sides, is just spoiling the game. And it's no wonder the officials have such a hard time.
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 5, 2023 11:12:57 GMT
What surprised me was that AC was one of the least effective on the pitch. When I saw him lined up against BT I thought he'd give him the runaround all game, and that Thomas would end up on his backside every time Collins approached with the ball at his feet. Didn't see an elbow on Collins; if it's the same incident where he was down for ages, holding his head, then from the East Stand it was more a barge and arm-off (like a rugby hand-off) than an elbow, and it looked nowhere near his head. All this rolling around on the floor, by players of both sides, is just spoiling the game. And it's no wonder the officials have such a hard time. Nice post, c. I agree, but am old fashioned re gamesmanship I'm sure they're being coached into it. You don't see it at youth level, it's more an honest approach. Yea same incident where AC was down but your description far more accurate than my vague attempt. It looked from where I was a thinly disguised elbow by using other bit of arm as implements....but either way was a foul as no shoulder barge and he definitely played the man rather than the ball - all to no foul awarded! Again!?
|
|
|
Post by The Concept on Mar 5, 2023 11:19:26 GMT
What surprised me was that AC was one of the least effective on the pitch. When I saw him lined up against BT I thought he'd give him the runaround all game, and that Thomas would end up on his backside every time Collins approached with the ball at his feet. Didn't see an elbow on Collins; if it's the same incident where he was down for ages, holding his head, then from the East Stand it was more a barge and arm-off (like a rugby hand-off) than an elbow, and it looked nowhere near his head. All this rolling around on the floor, by players of both sides, is just spoiling the game. And it's no wonder the officials have such a hard time. Nice post, c. I agree, but am old fashioned re gamesmanship I'm sure they're being coached into it. You don't see it at youth level, it's more an honest approach. Yea same incident where AC was down but your description far more accurate than my vague attempt. It looked from where I was a thinly disguised elbow by using other bit of arm as implements....but either way was a foul as no shoulder barge and he definitely played the man rather than the ball - all to no foul awarded! Again!? Yes, definitely a foul and yellow card. I meant to add that when started typing, but forgot!
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,445
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 6, 2023 8:52:26 GMT
Barnsley's Michael Duff rues penalty pain and Belshaw brilliance as Bristol Rovers turn corner.. by James Piercy
Barnsley manager Michael Duff insists his side were denied two penalties in their 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers and that the Gas were indebted to the performance of goalkeeper James Belshaw.
Rovers frustrated the in-form Tykes to claim a third clean sheet in their last four matches, delivering further evidence that Joey Barton and his coaches have started to fix the defensive issues that have held them back for much of this season.
It was a fine rear-guard effort, with Belshaw making fine saves from Liam Kitching and Herbie Kane, Jarell Quansah and Lewis Gibson once again impressed as a centre-back pairing and the rest of the team were organised and disciplined in their work.
Barnsley had scored 13 goals in their previous four games leading into this fixture, winning all of them, but their promotion hopes were kept in check, although Duff was adamant they were denied two big decisions by referee Thomas Parsons.
The first occurred as Belshaw did especially well to parry away a Nicky Cadden cross destined for an unmarked James Norwood at the far post and as the loose ball fell to Devante Cole, Duff believed Gibson pulled the striker back as he shaped to shoot.
The second incident was towards the end of the game as Barnsley set about bombarding the Rovers penalty area and their manager insisted a hand helped the Gas in repelling the threat - although there were no clear signs of an infringement.
āYou value the point and the clean sheet,ā Duff told BBC Radio Sheffield. āWe werenāt quite at our best, first half particularly, but ultimately, weāve had two penalties not given and their goalkeeperās got man of the match.
āWe canāt be brilliant every week, weāve come away to a difficult place and weāll respect the point. We werenāt quite at it, we didnāt connect, we went long too quick, but you have got to give the opposition credit for stopping us.
āBut within that, Herbieās had an unbelievable chance and the goalkeeper, I have no idea how he has made the save in the first half, heās come from nowhere.
āIn the second half he has made a couple of good saves and I think weāve fallen the wrong side of refereeing decisions again. Playersā reactions tell you everything, you donāt need to ask my opinion.
āDevante is about to pass the ball into the net from a yard out and there is a reason why heās been pulled backwards. Heās not fallen over, the wind hasnāt blown him over.
āThe referee says there is contact but not enough. Well, there is enough to knock him over so in my opinion, itās a penalty.
āIt is what it is. We canāt control the referee. Heās not the reason we drew, their goalkeeper was good, we werenāt clinical enough in moments, but big decisions in games this tight, you need to get that one right.
āThe handball, I canāt see clearly but my players are telling me and there is no need for them to lie after the game. Their reaction tells you he has scooped the ball with his arm. It is what it is, itās a good point away from home.ā
With successive goalless draws against two promotion-contending sides and top-half teams Wycombe Wanderers, Shrewsbury Town, Portsmouth, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday still to visit the Mem, Barton is confident Rovers have developed the necessary steel to deny the divisionās best attacks.
Having gone 11 games without a clean sheet between December 13th and February 14th, theyāre recorded three shutouts in a short period of time, part of which has coincided with the return of Belshaw between the posts but, as the manager highlighted Ellery Balcombe was in goal against Ipswich, and itās been about honing the Gasā collective defensive mentality and application.
āI donāt mean to take the shine off Bellyās performance but thatās three clean sheets in four games, and Ellery Balcombe was responsible for one of them against Ipswich,ā Barton added, with Belshaw named man of the match.
āCompetition for places and I know everyone didnāt understand why we did it but itās got the desired result. Weāve now become a team capable of playing the better teams in the division and shutting them out.
āIf we do that, with the potency and the attacking quality weāve got, and the chance creation we have, it gives us a right platform to be successful.ā
|
|