Sam gets it right but only for 55 minutes

AS we heard the team announcement prior to the match, our previous mood of quiet optimism dissipated.

Three at the back plus Southall and Gardner as wing backs, a three man midfield, Charlton, Warhurst and Frandsen all missing and with Ricketts dropped to the bench, the selection had an ominous similarity to the United (0-4) line up.

But hey, who are we to question the big man? In reality Sam's tactics proved to be absolutely spot on until the 55th minute. Even in the eleven v eleven contest of the first 20 minutes, we were far superior to Rovers in every aspect, they were rubbish and we were great, the only surprise was that it took us 45 minutes to score. And the second half continued in the same vain with Friedel performing miracles in keeping us at bay on his own. Rovers looked a dispirited lot, waiting for the second goal to end their misery, but then the game turned on its head.

Off came the industrious Bobic (sorry Sam you shouldn't have done it), on came Ricketts and the knock downs to the enterprising midfield trio in which Djorkaeff excelled dried up and were replaced by the hoisted ball out of defence to a sadly out of touch MR. The midfield became redundant and Rovers visibly gained in confidence, a fact that was reinforced when Duff and Gillespie came on as subs and gave our defence a torrid time. Their goal when it came was a super strike and subsequently we had Jussi to thank for saving us from the humiliation of a ten man beating.

While acknowledging that the game had been there for the taking, I feel that good points emerged from the contest. Djorkaeff is still the talent that we hoped he was, Bobic had a very promising partnership with Wallace and Gardner and N'Gotty were immense.

And finally and most importantly, Rovers despite their millions, ain't any better than us !

MOM Gardner and N'Gotty