Sky Bet League One
Wednesday 1st January 2020
Firstly, a very warm 'Happy New Year' to anyone who stumbles across this blog post.
What a way it was for Doncaster Rovers to begin the new year (and decade), too, with an excellent win over an Oxford United side which are as good as anything that I've seen in this division this term and will quite likely win promotion.
Reece James, back in the team at left-back, provided what proved to be the match-winning goal; striking just after the half-hour mark to round off a sweeping, free-flowing move that was somewhat against the run of play.
The best thing about the result (and even aspects of the performance) is that it eradicates the sh*t that was served up in the previous home match against Sunderland. Quite clearly, the private 'kick up the backside' from manager Darren Moore to his players had the desired effect - so much so that the 'doom merchants' who were talking about relegation at the start of the week have now been quietened by the 'eternal optimists' who now suddenly believe the play-offs are realistic.
Nevertheless, with an overall record of Won 8, Drew 7 and Lost 6, there's still more consistency required and plenty of things which need to happen in the transfer window, before anyone should get too carried away with their expectations.
Two further reasons why this was an excellent result are firstly; it was revenge on opponents who pretty much turned Rovers over in the reverse fixture at the Kassam Stadium and secondly, it was a clean-sheet against the team with the second-best attacking record in the division (ahead of the game at least, anyway).
Yes, Oxford had more possession and looked very dangerous, but when Rovers players needed to put their bodies on the line, they did it - evidence would be Tom Anderson's heroic goal-line block to prevent a near-certain equaliser in the closing stages or an earlier defensive clearance following a goalmouth scramble around the hour mark.
Donny, almost subconsciously, sat back too deep at times when there was a second phase of play, didn't always win the second ball, and were desperately trying to run precious seconds down by the end (who can blame them for that) - but, above everything else, the overall performance was a lot more committed and 'ballsy' than anything which was on show against Sunderland.
After recent appearances off the substitutes bench, Max Watters got another half-hour on the pitch and certainly made his best impression in a first team, stadium-environment, to date. He was direct, quick, provided a dangerous ball across the goal which nearly led to an unlikely second goal, posed the viistors' defence a few problems, and also tested the 'keeper with a shot on target.
It was all very positive and without becoming cliched or going overboard, if he just continues to do what he's done over the past few months, then I'm positive he'll earn himself more first team chances as the season progresses.
Another of the main talking points in the aftermath has been the performance of referee Sebastian Stockbridge.
All things considered, I don't think Mr Stockbridge had a dreadful game. What's for sure is that he got most decisions right, let things flow and didn't make my blood boil anywhere near as much as some other referees would do. Granted, nevertheless, he couldn't count; his 'marking out' of the defensive wall at a set-piece (which has since gone viral) was utterly ridiculous and he deserves all the criticism he gets for that one. Granted too, and perhaps somewhat conveniently less-remembered by home supporters, is that he could easily have caved in at Oxford's protests when they wanted a penalty after Watters maybe handled a cross inside his own area.
It's not difficult to understand why Oxford's contingent felt aggrieved, though why some Rovers fans in the West Stand were shouting, swearing and heckling him as he left the pitch was beyond comprehension. There were many positives to revel in after this performance, rather than turning focus (sadly but predictably as some folk just like moaning) towards the officials.
Even though they didn't get result they wanted, Oxford's performance was decent. Their goal difference (better than most, if not all others) underlines their capability and I've no doubts that they'll be right up at the top end of the table come the end of the season.
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