A few points on today - trying hard not to criticise every aspect of it

Well, what about the positives? Er.... no, I'll come back to that bit. Once I think of something.

I should have known better once I saw the snow coming down this morning (in Harrogate). It was proper, don't go out stuff, and I should have ignored weather forecasts for South Yorkshire which said cold but no snow, or words to that effect. Unfortunately, it stopped around dinner time and there didn't seem to be any reason why I should NOT shoot down the A1 to have another look at our exciting, young team. So off I went.

Feeling all optimistic (unreasonably so, maybe) I pitched up early to make sure I got a ticket and then looked forward to the game. I don't normally get in early enough to watch them warming up but I couldn't help thinking how fit they all looked, so all would be well. Then we kicked off.

I lost count of the number of times Doncaster ripped through us, missing chance after chance. I was thinking "good job this lot can't score", as evidenced by their poor "goals for" record. Couldn't see much going on at the other end apart from one good break by George Smith which may have been stopped with a foul in the box, but it was too far away to be sure. The fact is though that we didn't really look like scoring and that pattern continued all the way through.

We could blame the unbalanced set up I suppose - too many young, inexperienced players on the pitch at the same time. Needs must, I know, but I fear for the confidence of some of them if they are on the end of a load of defeats in the next few weeks. People might argue that they are footballers so should just get on with it, but look at what we had today. Players signed from non-league, Fourth Division, etc etc. There's no leadership there, but then again, we haven't had that for some time.

I'm not going to have a go at individuals today - the team were poor. We all saw that. I hope these aren't the last days of the Second Wilson Era, but a lot of people are saying that it should be. I hope Sam Winnall comes back soon and starts firing in the goals again but I think the rest of this season is just damage limitation. I was so optimistic last Saturday, seeing our youth team players (and those on loan) playing so well. Tonight it's back to square one, or maybe even further back than that.

Doncaster were quick, physical and just a bit dirty on occasions. That was all they needed to win. It was a 0-0 draw all day long but we managed to let them in near the end to pinch all three points. They should have scored earlier on but the longer it went I thought we would limp home with a point. Very disappointing, all of it. No one deserves a positive mention.

 

fair assesment that Prince,like you say,we lacked leadership,but for me that means both on and off the pitch.I'm gutted things are panning out like they are.

 

We don't seem to be able to change things mid-game either. Putting Phenix on for Jennings made no difference whatsoever, but it was his first league game EVER. Lita coming on was also a waste of time - he just can't (or won't) do it any more.

But the main thing for me was inexperience. All through the team. We might get away with it enough times this season for a 16th place finish, or something. But I think we were all hoping for a bit more than that.

 

I'd bite your hand off for 16th this season if we attempt to organise and play as we have recently.

 

Somewhere around 16th or 17th is easily achievable with the assets we have. I know we are all crushed today after such an abject performance but they can do better, and they will.

I somehow think we have not seen the last of the comings and goings so let's see where we are next month. I think mid table obscurity beckons.