Doncaster Rovers (U23s) 1-0 Portsmouth (U23s)

Doncaster Rovers (U23s) 1-0 Portsmouth (U23s)
Premier League Cup
Tuesday 24th September 2019

The Premier League Cup might not be the most well-known competition in existence at present, but it's one which aims to bridge the gap between 'youth' and 'senior' football.

Despite it's name, clubs from outside the top tier are allowed to enter - hence both Doncaster Rovers and Portsmouth's participation. The format of the competition sees four clubs compete in a six-game group with the group winners (and maybe even runners up, who knows) qualifying for the knockout rounds.

If you're confused think of the UEFA Champions League - albeit without the glitz, glamour and wall-to-wall worldwide TV coverage!

Although it's predominantly an Under 23s competition, sides are allowed to field up to four 'senior' players (including the goalkeeper).

Aston Villa and Exeter City, who came through the qualifying stages, are the other teams which make up this particular group and as you may have guessed, groups aren't regionalised so there are some bloody long trips involved which definitely aren't for the faint-hearted.

On a wet night in South Yorkshire, Rovers emerged victorious in this, their opening group game (and first 'proper' Under 23s game of the campaign) thanks to Joe Wright's early headed goal.

Despite not being able to add a second goal, there were a handful of decent individual performances which means certain players have now set a precedent for the rest of the season.

Rovers started quite positively; signalling their intentions to get forward and create problems and second-year youth team right-back Elliott Walker went close to an opener with a free-kick after the lively Will Longbottom drew a foul.

In a separate move, Longbottom also played an inviting ball across the goalmouth but Alex Kiwomya was unable to get a crucial touch to turn the ball goalwards.

The hosts' pressure soon paid off as they took the lead on the quarter-hour mark when AJ Greaves was fouled on the inside-right and Amos played a terrific set-piece delivery into the danger zone where Wright connected and sent his firm header beyond the stranded 'keeper.

Nevertheless, just a few minutes later, the visitors were almost back on level terms as there was a miscommunication between Shane Blaney and Ian Lawlor which resulted in a Pompey player having a shot blocked on the line. If apportioning blame, then the Rovers goalkeeper should have come and collected a loose ball but he didn't and it was a significant let off.

Lawlor, however, played a key role in Doncaster's next attack as his long downfield ball released Kiwomya but after being forced wide by Pompey's advancing 'keeper, Kiwomya could only cut the ball back towards the trialist who saw his effort tipped over.

Amos then delivered a couple more terrific deliveries towards the edge of the six-yard box from corners, but Portsmouth's defence held firm against the pressure.

Rovers kept their foot on the gas though and Longbottom, working his socks off in attack, was unfortunate when his driving run forward and subsequent snap-shot ended with the ball just clearing the upright. Moments later, visiting shot-stopper Luke McGee again proved his worth with a sublime save to deny Wright a second goal after yet another fine set-piece delivery by Amos.

Pompey's threat was sporadic and their youthful side was frequently being stopped in their tracks thanks to some excellent work by Cody Prior and a defensive back-line which always kept shape and was commanded well by Wright.

They did nearly muster up an opening though when Lawlor and Walker mis-communicated inside their own box, but the danger was over pretty much as quickly as it had emerged.

Rovers continued to keep pressing forward up to half-time though Kiwomya couldn't effectively release Longbottom after seizing upon a sloppy pass by a Pompey defender on the edge of his own box. Then, a few minutes later, the trialist fired over after some good play.

After the re-start, the hosts continued to push Pompey back.

Greaves grew into things more and more as the game went on and was twice unfortunate in quick succession; firstly as he weaved into the box and flashed a low shot narrowly wide after a corner-kick was partially cleared to him, then as he pressed Pompey's 'keeper into a mistake, albeit to no avail as the ball drifted away from goal.

Longbottom continued to show hard-work and desire and nearly set-up 'Trialist' when he drifted out to the outside-left and played a superb ball across the goalmouth. However, a covering defender did just about enough to distract the attacker and it remained 1-0.

Longbottom then had a couple of attempts himself and though he deserved a goal through his sheer hard-work and effort, one went a whisker wide of the target whilst the other caught a deflection which took it behind for a corner.

At the other end, Prior showed a great bit of understanding to foil the visitors when they looked to spring forward on the counter-attack and had players in dangerous positions.

Rovers then had a plethora of further opportunities with Max Watters having an attempt deflected behind, whilst fellow substitute Rian McLean couldn't convert with a header. Amos and Longbottom (who else) had shots in a sustained spell of pressure but Pompey survived.

In the closing stages, Rovers kept their shape well and battled through four minutes of stoppage-time to ensure there would be no comeback from the visitors - and, pretty much in keeping with the rest of the game, squandered another opening when Kiwomya couldn't get in an effective enough position to meet a low left-sided ball into the area.

So, all in all, it was a good win - yet it could have been much more!

Given Pompey's first team were also in action against Southampton in the Carabao Cup tonight, it's probably worth remembering that their side possibly wasn't as strong as it otherwise may have been and this win needs taking with a proverbial pinch of salt.

Rovers will undoubtedly face much sterner challenges when they face Aston Villa and even Exeter City, who have always had a strong youth set-up due to the large catchment area which they have to attract good young players.

But three points are three points and with that nobody can have any complaints.

In terms of individual performances, goalkeeper Ian Lawlor had a couple of shaky moments early on and was fortunate that one (where Joe Wright cleared off the line) didn't result in a goal. However, despite his 'naff' start, he recovered and eventually showed the composure and confidence that you'd expect from a senior shot-stopper.

Defensively, although it wasn't the toughest test ever, Joe Wright marshalled things during his hour on the pitch and with minutes under his belt, you'd expect that he may now be in contention for the first team's trip to Coventry City at the weekend. Alongside him, Shane Blaney was solid enough with some composed left-foot touches 'here and there' whilst Donervon Daniels offered assurance and it was an impressive enough first showing from him. Rian McLean, in his half-hour appearance, didn't do anything wrong or out of place and also went close with a header - had he better connected to it then maybe it'd have gone in?

At right-wing-back, Elliott Walker did okay, though there were a couple of occasions when he got into promising 'attacking' positions in open play yet held onto the ball for a second or two too long, which resulted in a 'crossing opportunity' being lost. Nevertheless, his deliveries from corner-kicks were fine and he definitely possesses certain ingredients/characteristics which make me think he's more than capable of holding down a place in this team.

Danny Amos, at left-wing-back, produced a typically decent performance - not for the first time, either! As well as his work on defensive duties, there were four or five sublime set-piece deliveries from him during the opening half-hour and he was unlucky not to get a goal off one which dipped right under the 'keepers crossbar and had to be palmed over.

Cody Prior showed good understanding and intelligence in midfield and despite being diminutive in stature, the best example of his qualities was demonstrated when he foiled a counter-attack towards the final quarter-hour of the game. Having seen him a few times, including one impressive display in a reserve game last season, he's certainly capable in a midfield role.

AJ Greaves, alongside him, grew in stature as the game progressed and was having quite an impact towards the end which was around the time when he was booked in a classic case of 'taking one for the team' to stop a potential counter-attack. He's got leadership qualities, evident last year in being the skipper in a successful youth team, and it'll be interesting to see how he progresses as the season goes on.

The Trialist (whose name is out there) had a couple of efforts and lasted an hour and he certainly didn't disgrace himself - nor did Max Watters when he came on.

Alex Kiwomya had a disappointing individual game, in my opinion, and it's hard to pinpoint what exactly went wrong, or why it went wrong for him tonight. There were times when he was heavily involved in the play (especially in the first 45 minutes) yet his touch/technique let him down in at least one attack where he played a sloppy pass to Will Longbottom who then couldn't then get a shot away due to that. In the second half, whether it was fatigue/injury, who knows, but he almost let the game bypass him and didn't influence it as much as he should have done.

Compare and contrast Kiwomya's display to that of Will Longbottom's and they were at opposite ends of a spectrum with Longbottom working relentlessly, applying himself, showing bravery, taking things on, having shots on goal and being a real 'key player' who deserved a goal. He's probably a bit disappointed that he didn't find the target, but if he applies himself in the same way in future games then goals will come and he'll maintain a place in and around the first team.

Kiwomya obviously has tools in his locker to have got to where he's got in professional football - and tonight might just have been a disappointing display for any number of reasons, but there's surely so much more that he has to offer and hopefully he'll be able to influence a game in a much greater capacity at some point in the near future.

A special mention to Will McGowan who came on for the final 10 minutes and showed persistence to nip the ball off a Portsmouth player and play a pass, when his opponent was trying to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick.

Team: Ian Lawlor, Danny Amos, Shane Blaney, Joe Wright (Rian McLean), Donervon Daniels, Elliott Walker, Cody Prior, AJ Greaves, Will Longbottom (Will McGowan), Trialist (Max Watters), Alex Kiwomya. Unused Subs: Louis Jones, Myron Gibbons.

Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Peterborough United

Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Peterborough United
Sky Bet League One
Saturday 21st September 2019

As games go, this was as comfortable as they come and the direction of the three points were never in doubt at any point after the goals.

Rovers rode their luck early on before James Coppinger and Kieran Sadlier netted in the space of less than 10 minutes towards the end of the first half. Darren Moore's side then collectively delivered a dominant and professional second half display where they 'shut up shop' and didn't seriously allow Peterborough to find a way back into proceedings.

If anything, by the end, Donny can probably count themselves unfortunate that they didn't add a third goal on a couple of occasions after the re-start.

So it was very comfortable - albeit without an emphatic scoreline!

It was a pleasant enough day in South Yorkshire and with Doncaster and Peterborough being just an hour apart thanks to the excellent LNER train service, the visitors had a decent following with around 2,000 of them packed into the North Stand.

Rovers created the first opening of the afternoon when Coppinger was afforded time and space inside the area and got on the end of a clever cut-back from Jon Taylor, but the eventual effort from the veteran was harmless and easy work for Posh 'keeper Christy Pym.

Ex-Posh men Sadlier and Taylor went close with speculative efforts as Donny continued to play on the front foot in the early minutes before Ivan Toney (who used to live in Doncaster) squandered a glorious opening when he hit the bar with a glancing header after Marcus Maddison's cross, before doing exactly the same from the rebound which fell kindly for him.

Toney soon went close again with a separate attempt and it has to be said that, despite looking promising going forward, Rovers were living dangerously at the back.

What was needed was a game-changing goal and it arrived on the half-hour mark when Coppinger got on the end of a cross and flicked a header into the net before running off to celebrate infront of the visiting fans.

Peterborough looked shell-shocked and offered very little over the next few minutes as boss Darren Ferguson frantically chewed gum and looked like a scalded cat on the sidelines - barking instructions to his players with a look of disappointment on his face.

Though Pym denied Taylor with a superb save, things got a whole lot worse for Ferguson's side as Sadlier doubled Rovers' advantage before the interval; escaping down the inside-right and eventually placing a shot into the bottom corner.

With Peterborough threatening to collapse, all Rovers needed to do was deliver a good defensive performance and they knew they'd get the points.

That's exactly what happened for the vast majority of the second half and had attempts by Coppinger, Ben Sheaf or Brad Halliday found the target, then Peterborough would have been completely out of sight.

Posh were having no joy - struggling to create inroads as good as Rovers were defending, and in spite of making all three changes (one of which saw Niall Mason subbed after a pretty drab individual display) and employing a 4-2-4 formation, the visitors rarely looked like they would ever find a goal to even give them a glimmer of hope.

The Posh did eventually get the ball in the net, though it was immediately ruled out due to offside, and despite Ferguson screaming for a spot-kick in injury-time, one (correctly) wasn't given - as was pointed out to the Scotsman by the visitors' match analyst, pitch-side, immediately after the final whistle.

Rovers also did a great job of running the clock down in the closing minutes using all the old tricks that were necessary and it was a very good performance.

Having heard about a few snippets of Ferguson's post-match interviews, the stand out quote seems to be: 'We made Doncaster look like Barcelona'.

I don't quite know what 'Fergie' is on with here, because in my view, Posh weren't that bad and certainly if Toney had put one of the chances away early on, then an altogether different game would have materialised. However, they didn't and the reality is once Coppinger and Sadlier had banged in the goals, Rovers made Peterborough look decidedly average.

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 0-1 Mansfield Town (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 0-1 Mansfield Town (U18s)
Football League Youth Alliance
Saturday 21st September 2019

Jamie Chisholm's looping header ensured Mansfield Town went back to Nottinghamshire with all three points after a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers at Cantley Park.

The centre-back converted from a set-piece shortly after half-time, just a few moments after Rovers 'keeper Kian Johnson had got down well to his left to save Jimmy Knowles' penalty.

The lads did create a few opportunities to equalise; the best of which fell to Junior Smith with around a quarter-of-an-hour to go though he couldn't direct his free header towards goal. Elliott Walker also flashed an appetising ball across the goalmouth towards the back-post in the dying seconds of injury-time, but nobody was able to connect with it.

If Rovers had taken something from the game it would have been harsh on Mansfield.

For whatever reason, the lads' usual free-flowing, passing game just didn't materialise at all. Quite a few passes went astray and things didn't function in the midfield area as well as they've functioned in some previous games.

Mansfield's game plan; to stifle things (standing over the ball, kicking it away), not get run ragged by a 'total football' opposition, etc, was apparent and, given the scoreline, their tactics worked so you have to give credit where it's due - even though their style won't suit everyone!

The most noticeable difference between the sides was the organisation and leadership - best demonstrated by Chisholm who proved his effectiveness in one box with the winning goal, but more impressively was always marshalling the back-line at the other end, to help his side keep a clean-sheet. He never stopped talking, whether it be to offer encouragement or give a team-mate a kick up the backside to keep standards high. On an individual level, it was impressive!

Looking at the bigger picture, this defeat means the lads are now on a three-game losing streak and it's down to them to figure out how they 'come out the other side' and stand up and be counted, so they can replicate the good performances which they delivered in August.

Every single one of the lads has footballing ability - obvious as, otherwise, they wouldn't have beaten so many others to earn a scholarship in the first instance.

Right now, however, what I feel is needed is certain players to step forward and show leadership qualities and be the 'Jamie Chisholm of Doncaster Rovers'; that voice on the pitch who offers encouragement or feedback, maintains standards, organises things, etc.

Even though I always felt Chisholm might make a defensive mistake, his individual qualities are worth more to a team than a player in the same position who might have more ability, but doesn't have the same leadership skills.

At times recently it's been too quiet on the pitch when the team has been either on the back-foot, trailing or struggling to get some rhythm in a game.

The first-year scholars may look to the second-year scholars for that leadership, etc, but there will come a point when Ben Blythe or Lirak Hasani (someone who may have been able to change things had he featured in this game) aren't playing. Therefore, out of the first-years, someone has to grow and become that figure who ultimately becomes invaluable to the team.

The lads' talent is never going to disappear and this losing streak could turn out to be a total blessing in disguise because it's when plenty will be learnt about character.

Looking towards next week's game at Scunthorpe United, in my opinion the result doesn't matter too much because wins will come again; whether that happens next time out or further down the line is irrelevant to me, the performance is more important!

If the lads can take the feedback on board, share the responsibility, help each other through any nerves and worry (which is also evident right now) and replicate how the opponents were in terms of organisation and leadership, then I'm sure they'll play better.

Ultimately, when the side is playing better, players will become more confident (as opposed to being worried or frustrated) and the positive results will come eventually.

Going back to the game, boss Paul Stancliffe made changes to the side which were beaten 6-3 by the same opponents in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup last week.

Ben Bottomley was replaced by Kian Johnson between the sticks, whilst Max Jemson, Lirak Hasani and Josh Clemitson all missed out with Lewis Cunningham, Liam Ravenhill and Luca Nelson being given a starting spot.

In the first quarter-hour, there wasn't a great deal to get too excited about and it was a tight, midfield battle with neither side really on top and nothing in the way of goalmouth action.

The first real action of any note came when a Mansfield player was forced off on a stretcher having landed awkwardly on his ankle, after an aerial challenge with Rovers' centre-back Nathan Dimou whom he flicked an elbow towards.

Dimou was left with a cut to his nose and there was a stoppage of around five minutes, but it was a great example of karma at it's absolute finest!

When the game did eventually re-start, the Stags enjoyed a period of dominance where they got on top and Johnson was forced into action with two or three smart saves, whilst he also had to claim a few crosses. Having been out of action for a few games, he showed good hands in dealing with everything.

At the other end, Elliott Walker had a free-kick in a central position but planted his shot high into the trees whilst Junior Smith latched onto a long clearance out of defence but couldn't navigate a path to goal - with a poor touch forcing him wide before the counter-attack fizzled out.

Dimou was replaced by Jemson in a central defensive change at half-time and in the early stages of the second half, Mansfield again enjoyed a period of pressure in which they were on top.

The Stags had already seen one penalty appeal waved away by the referee in a move where Johnson showed bravery to deal with some danger, when Cunningham was penalised for a foul inside the area after Jemson was dispossessed in a dangerous area. However, Knowles' subsequent spot-kick was expertly saved by Johnson - diving to his left - and the score remained goalless.

It didn't stay that way for very long though as Mansfield soon took the lead when a corner was floated in from the left towards Chisholm who connected with a looping header that eluded Johnson.

Mansfield remained generally on the front foot, without further opportunities, and they stifled the game very well, were organised and efficient and didn't give Rovers too much of an opportunity to get back into things.

Unusually, the lads went 'direct' as often as they tried to play 'through the middle' and very little came off for them. Walker, usually such an effective outlet and a danger for the opposition with his over-lapping runs on the right side, didn't get forward as much and therefore far fewer balls than usual were delivered into the box.

There was the odd, occasional long-range effort, but Rovers' best chance of an equaliser came with roughly a quarter-of-an-hour to go when Charlie Bell floated an inviting ball towards Junior Smith inside the area after his initial corner-kick was partially cleared, but the second-year was unable to get any power or accuracy on his connection.

Johnson prevented Rovers from going further behind with a smart double save when Mansfield sprung a counter-attack in the closing stages, before Rovers went agonisingly close in pretty much the final action of the game when Walker got the ball inside the area and hit a teasing ball towards the back-post which nobody could turn into the net.

On the whole though, there was too much play 'through the middle' and not enough out wide and Mansfield deserved their win which means they leapfrog the lads in the Football League Youth Alliance table.

Team: Kian Johnson, Elliott Walker, Nathan Dimou (Max Jemson), Ben Blythe (C), Lewis Cunningham (Josh Clemitson), Liam Ravenhill, Will McGowan, Charlie Bell, Luca Nelson (Owan Derrett), Jack Watson, Junior Smith. Unused Subs: Chadwick, Cole.

Rotherham United 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Rotherham United 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Carabao Cup Second Round
Wednesday 28th August 2019

A dull and dreary match with a dramatic finale - it's fair to say I've witnessed better over the many years now that I've been watching football!

According to my stats (because I'm one of them sad folk who keeps a list of every single game they've attended), this was my 900th competitive game just in England - or at least 'competitive games' which I include anyway!

Even though the Carabao Cup isn't a priority for either side, the game promised plenty on paper; a South Yorkshire 'derby' with the underdog at home and their noisy neighbours from down the road flying high in the Championship.

In reality, Rotherham were workmanlike, organised and difficult to break down but they struggled to muster up clear openings. Sheffield Wednesday, resting a few players, all too often lacked quality and for the neutral, it was more a case of enduring rather than enjoying the 90 minutes.

The highlight of the night was probably listening to some random Rotherham fan constantly barrack Wednesday's Italian star Fernando Forestieri whilst he was warming up. Being able to speak Italian (to an extent), I could translate and even FF saw the funny side of being called 'F**king sh*t' amongst a few other things in his own mother tongue.

That, and a rodent suddenly appearing from one of the advertising boards and scaring the crap out of a photographer sat nearby, were the genuine match highlights! Oh, and some fat bloke (a 'super' fan according to the Sheffield Star) got dragged out of the Wednesday end by several stewards, which brought about plenty of cheers and laughter.

Despite glorious sunshine over the Bank Holiday weekend, by the pre-game warm-up the weather had turned miserable with grey clouds lingering above and drizzle threatening to dampen the atmosphere.

It was a lively enough start with Wednesday immediately from kick-off surging forward and seeing a shot go wide from Joey Pelupessy. Rotherham responded as Ben Wiles got on the end of a cross, but saw his header routinely saved by the visiting 'keeper.

The Millers had more possession and dictated play early on - going close again when Freddie Ladapo flashed a shot wide from Dan Barlaser's corner. Otherwise though, Wednesday defended well, kept shape and numbers, and at no point were they bombarded with crosses or anything.

Wednesday should have done much better just shy of the half-hour mark when Paul Warne's side were caught sleeping at a corner. A ball was delivered deep to the back-post area towards Dominic Iorfa but he couldn't direct his header on target.

Matt Crooks blazed over with a speculative shot a few minutes later before the Owls' Jordan Rhodes saw a terrific diving header go straight at Daniel Iversen at the other end.

Without doubt, the best chance of the half came close to the interval when Freddie Ladapo broke clear having latched onto Michael Smith's knockdown but his effort agonisingly went wide of the target despite having beaten visiting 'keeper Cameron Dawson.

So, at half-time, it was goalless having all been a bit too predictable. Rotherham were a bit direct and Michael Ihiekwe had impressed me with a couple of decent interceptions.

In the second half, the Millers had a few early chances which they were unable to convert; one of which was very meaningful with Matt Crooks sliding a glorious ball towards Smith, who was unable to direct the ball into the net.

Wiles was then thwarted before Wednesday charged up the other end and had a chance of their own with Iversen denying Adthe Nuhiu, whilst a goalmouth scramble inside the Millers' six-yard box also came to pass with nobody converting.

Dawson then denied Wiles at his near-post as Rotherham went close again around the hour mark.

Though things had got better and more exciting since the interval, with minutes ticking by what the game really needed was a spark; a poor tackle, a red card or a goal (preferably) - just something to bring proceedings to life and get folk off their seats and more excited.

With Forestieri introduced, my suspicion was he could be the 'game changer' which was needed but instead, fellow substitute Kadeem Harris nearly provided a breakthrough on 81 minutes when his appetising cross was headed wide by Morgan Fox.

The deeper it got into the game, the deeper Rotherham got defensively and, unsurprisingly, they feigned injuries 'here and there' as the board went up to signal six minutes of stoppage-time. It was evident they were happy to settle for penalties.

However, a shoot-out never came to fruition as right at the death, the Owls made their superior late dominance count with a last-gasp goal from Nuhiu; stabbing home from a few yards out having initially done well to get on the end of a cross from Harris.

The Millers fans were gutted and, though the cup wasn't a priority and Wednesday only drew Everton in the next round draw - a few minutes after the final whistle, neither of those softened the blow to conceding in such dramatic circumstances to their bitter near neighbours.

The few minutes that saw the Third Round draw itself was actually more exciting than the game with a string of good ties including Portsmouth vs Southampton, Colchester vs Tottenham, Man United vs Rochdale and MK Dons vs Liverpool.

Personally though, I was more gutted that Oxford got a home tie against West Ham considering the League One side had performed a miraculous comeback to beat a certain team who play in blue from South London who don't like the Hammers an awful lot!