Bristol Rovers - a match report

[The Post Master General]

Right, I'll make this as brief as I can as this is really a match best forgotten.

City started slowly, as did Bristol to be fair. However before long, City found themselves 1-0 down, as Williams wasn't closed down and fired a great effort into the corner.

Within 2 minutes City conceded a second, as a bizarre decision from the referee gave Rovers a free kick, which was fired over to the back post. The City marking was very poor, as was Porter's lack of command of his area, and Barrett stole in at the back post for 2-0.

City were conceding too much of the ball, which didn't change all afternoon, as a return to "hoof it" D*lan football was evident for all of the game.

However any hopes of a second half comeback were completely over within a minute of the second half starting - Gibb fired a cross shot and the ball took a wicked deflection to fool Porter.

Not much to note after that, except a poor miss from Offiong, and a okay debut by Newby. Offiong looked off the pace and not up for the game today - I'd pick Newby instead next week.

Porter 4 - Poor performance. His haircut is awful too. Not even the Porter fan club managed to be able to defend his performance today.

Wood 3 - Out of his depth as a right wing back basically. Can't tackle or cross.

Smith 4 - Not his usual self today. Poor. Also the only ball forward he seemed to play was an aimless hoof all day.

Wise 3 - Slow and useless performance today. Also only hoofs the ball forward.

Hope 4 - Poor.

Dunning 4 - Failed to get a grip on the midfield throughout.

Cooper 5 - Commitment but not much ability.

Nogan 4 - Tried hard as usual but lacks pace to trouble defenders.

Offiong 3 - Looked off the pace today and was deservedly replaced by Newby.

Bell 5 - No service today - not one good cross or even half chance created. Also, why do we hoof it up to him all the time?

Subs:

Newby 6 - Looked a more threatening prospect to the Rovers defence.

Coad 6 - Didn't enter the game with enough time to make much of an impact.

Yalcin 6 - Same as Coad.