Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa (F.A. Cup 3rd round): Post-Match Thread

[nigel]

Take it and move on but didn't fill me with any confidence at all.

nothing to do with building confidence playing a 4th division team. This could have been tricky. We are in the next round.

Totally agree, lower league teams, away from home, are always a tough nut to crack, especially on a pitch like that.
To be honest I thought we controlled the game and never looked in trouble, even when Webb tried to give them help.

[garyshawsknee]

We won the game. Didn't play the well, and the pitch certainly didn't help. Playing Heskey makes us play a certain way. I don't dislike Heskey, but I'll be glad to see the back of him and Collins so that we can permanently evolve to hopefully a better style of play. Lovely goals though and that should be commended.

It's no coincedence that we play better when he's not there,not all his fault,but without him the defenders don't seem to launch it up field so much.

[Matt Collins]

I agree with all of the above. Clark the biggest plus for me. Very composed young man. if he can beef up and toughen up, he could be a top quality centre back, but better in centre midfield for me at the moment.

[Mister E]

Much better second half. Personally, would have wanted to see N'Z come on when Heskey went off, but no matter.
MOTM for me was Clark - he does the simple things well and his goal from CB was pure class.
Other highlights:
- GG looked composed and assured - he is Petrov's replacement and he will eclipse him within a couple of seasons.
- But Petrov really is currently the team's heartbeat.
- Albie is looking better with every game - confidence re-found and a greater maturity to his game.
- I really liked seeing Guzan in decisive mode: his movement off the line was great.
- Hutton, not faced by much threat, played well.

What can be said about Warnock?! - I raved about him after the Chelsea game but since then he has been shocking. I seriously think AmcL should be looking to Stevens and Delph as short-term replacements for him.
Collins and Heskey go off - the hoofing stops. Hmmm: spot the connection.

[dingo]

 With a mind set to pass back all the time thats what you will get from our defence, Manchester next round ?

[olaftab]

3 away wins on the bounce

Arse! I forgot about the Stoke game.... 3 away wins and a draw.

Unbeaten away from home for nearly 2 months. Only 2 defeats in 11 away games this  season so far.

[Matt Collins]

keegan: hold on, clark could maybe play in midfield.

erm, do you mean where he played today kevin?

[lovejoy]

Nice easy home tie would be nice.

And a couple of new defenders too.

Name a team still in who would be a "nice easy" opponent?

[Toronto Villa]

3 away wins on the bounce

Arse! I forgot about the Stoke game.... 3 away wins and a draw.

Unbeaten away from home for nearly 2 months. Only 2 defeats in 11 away games this  season so far.

Which makes it all the more frustrating that our home form has been so dire.

[luke25]

3 away wins on the bounce

Arse! I forgot about the Stoke game.... 3 away wins and a draw.

Unbeaten away from home for nearly 2 months. Only 2 defeats in 11 away games this  season so far.

anybody away from home in the next round then please.

[nigel]

Warnock's deterioration as a footballer is getting worse every minute he plays on the pitch.
 
Positives - Nice to see Gardner get some action,
                 Gabby getting a goal
                 Clark's finish
                 Ireland when he comes inside
                 Guzans penalty save

Negatives - We struggled to create anything for Bent against a really poor side
                   Heskey - when he plays, we hoof
                   Ireland - he looks good when he plays centrally - he's not a wide man
                   What the fuck was Dunne doing at the end?
                 

If you replace Heskey with Collins, I'll agree.
I think it took me 80 minutes to realise Bent was playing!

[Matt Collins]

i dont think the atmosphere at home has helped, it's been terribly low key for the most part. our away fans are brilliant.

[Legion]

When is the draw for the 4th round being made?

[Ryu]

Was Kevin keegan watching the game?  Did he do any sort of research?  He just said Gabby was 22 and that Villa fans were confused as to why he hasn't been in the team!  Then he said that after his goal Mcleish might think about playing Clark in midfield.  He gets paid to talk this rubbish, unbelievable.

[Toronto Villa]

Was Kevin keegan watching the game?  Did he do any sort of research?  He just said Gabby was 22 and that Villa fans were confused as to why he hasn't been in the team!  Then he said that after his goal Mcleish might think about playing Clark in midfield.  He gets paid to talk this rubbish, unbelievable.

I see Keegan's been sniffing petrol again