tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36431644174326913942024-03-13T01:14:26.726+00:00Life's a Gas...Welcome to my Bristol Rovers blog - Life from the point of view of a Gashead. Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-38546742564678115822013-10-18T22:37:00.000+01:002013-10-18T22:37:00.252+01:00Gill Moves To Exeter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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Matt Gill has today joined former club Exeter City on loan until the end of this year.<br />
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The midfielder had been advised by John Ward that he would not get the opportunity to play much first team football here and that a loan move may be a good idea. A move fell through last week with an unnamed club but Exeter have swooped for the central midfielder and he will remain with the Grecians until the end of December initially.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-40903768796144978432013-10-17T22:08:00.000+01:002013-10-18T22:33:49.663+01:00Packwood & Henshall JoinBirmingham City defender Will Packwood and Manchester City winger Alex Henshall have joined Rovers on initial one month loans today and go straight into the squad for Saturday's game with Wycombe Wanderers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will Packwood - Lifted from: bcfc.com</td></tr>
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Manager John Ward has been looking to strengthen his squad this week, with the left wing having been a long-time problem area and the defence looking threadbare given Mark McChrystal's knee injury. Packwood links up with Rovers after Birmingham were eventually persuaded to let him out on loan and Henshall joins from Man City's Elite Development Squad and is originally from the West Country having joined the Premier League club from Swindon Town.<br />
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Packwood stands at 6 ft 3 and is a right footed centre half, meaning that if he partners Tom Parkes on Saturday there will be a natural balance. Born in America, the 20 year old made his breakthrough into Brum's first team early last season, before suffering a nasty leg break in an appearance early this calendar year. Lee Clark rates him very highly and was reluctant to let him out on loan but finally agreed when Rovers accepted their request not to use him in the FA Cup first round in a few weeks' time. His first interview after joining portrays him as a well-spoken, confident young man and he was by no means dismissive of enjoying an extended stay at the Mem should things go well in the first month.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Henshall - Lifted from: mcfc.co.uk</td></tr>
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Henshall, on the other hand, seemed a little more reserved in his interview but was understandably delighted to move out on loan for a taste of first team football. He left Swindon at the age of 16 when City came calling and he has since impressed for their academy sides as well as their EDS team this year. He has trained alongside City's superstars in the last few months and I'm sure that he will have learnt a lot from their midfield maestros. The impressionable teenager has previously cited that Adam Johnson was who he based his game upon (before he left City for Sunderland) and that he would love to play like Gareth Bale has done for the last couple of years.<br />
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They will give everyone, both supporters and players, a huge lift ahead of the Wycombe test and I wouldn't bet against at least one of them starting the game.<br />
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Welcome lads and good luck.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-58337420906651754242013-10-12T18:16:00.002+01:002013-10-12T18:16:58.273+01:00Mansfield Town 1-1 Bristol Rovers (League Two)Rovers rallied and put in their finest performance of the season at Field Mill to draw 1-1 with Mansfield Town this afternoon. Lee Stevenson put the Stags in front before substitute Alefe Santos scored his first professional goal with a deflected strike 5 minutes from time and it was no less than Rovers deserved in a game they absolutely dominated.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alefe Santos - Lifted from: zimbio.com</td></tr>
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Playing in the purple and black stripes, John Ward's team started brightly on a rainy day up north and there were some early shots sent the way of goalkeeper Alan Marriott. Both Clarkson and Ryan Brunt swivelled to shoot straight down Marriott's throat while John-Joe O'Toole was driving the team forward from the middle of the park. It was an encouraging opening period of play and Mansfield were chasing shadows until 10 minutes in when they finally got hold of the ball a bit more in the centre of the park.<br />
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The ball began to stick at the feet of attacking journeyman Calvin Andrew and his pace were causing problems down the flanks. After a couple of wayward crosses it was Andrew who provided the assist for Stevenson to score. He made space out wide before playing the ball into the box for Stevenson to nod home for his first of the season. In truth he couldn't miss and there was a mini-inquest among the Rovers defence as to how he was afforded so much space but nobody had the answer. As always happens at the moment we found ourselves behind and had it all to do.<br />
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Happily Rovers continued to play with attacking intent and took the game to their hosts. Clarkson was lively and linked up very well with Brunt and it was the former who created a wonderful chance for full-back Michael Smith. Unfortunately Smudger dwelled on the ball and Marriott did well to deny him when, if we're being honest, he should have been picking the ball up out the net. Ollie Clarke, returning to make his first start of the season in place of Seanan Clucas who played for the Northern Ireland U21s yesterday, had a speculative effort saved before half-time and Rovers will have felt frustrated not to have been in front let alone not on level terms.<br />
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The second half flowed in the same vain as the first with Rovers on the front foot. Brunt and Clarkson had efforts that flew wide early on before Andy Bond, in what was likely to be his last Gas appearance, teed up Clarke to fire inches past the post from 12 yards. With each wasted opportunity it felt like a case of 'typical Rovers' but the lads did not lose heart from their failure to equalise quickly. Mansfield's Sam Clucas was a threat for the home side and had claims for a penalty when Tom Lockyer stopped him running through on goal but they were frivolous as it was terrific defending from the young man.<br />
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The game was exciting for the neutral but a nightmare from a Rovers perspective because for all our good play we just couldn't score. Substitute Eliot Richards was denied by Marriott after beating two defenders and fellow sub Santos saw a cross well gathered by Marriott at the feet of a hopeful Brunt. Was it ever going to go in?<br />
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Thankfully all our huffing and puffing paid dividends 5 minutes from time. It was to be a magical moment for teenager Santos who picked up a short, quickly-taken corner, before drifting into the box and seeing a low strike deflect off Keiran Murtagh and hit the back of the net. Regardless of whether it was an own goal Santos ran away in delight and was piled on by almost every single one of his team-mates. It felt like it could have been the moment Rovers turned their season around and it was no less than the 400+ Gasheads deserved.<br />
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There was still time for us to go on and try to win the game but O'Toole saw a ferocious effort blocked by John Dempster when it was heading for the home goal. Mansfield began to push on in stoppage time and had a last minute free-kick 20 yards out but the effort was blocked by the wall and was cleared to safety. The referee then put whistle to mouth to bring an end to proceedings, securing Rovers their second consecutive away point.<br />
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It was incredibly frustrating not to win the game given how many chances we created but it's imperative we look at how well we performed and take it into next weekend's game with Wycombe Wanderers. It was a sterling performance away from home and warranted so much more - if we play like that more often we will have no problem scoring goals and winning games. Huge credit to young Pat Keary who played superbly on his debut alongside Tom Parkes and to Alefe Santos on his first career goal.<br />
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Onwards and upwards, Gas.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-88313468221049455182013-10-08T15:44:00.001+01:002013-10-08T15:44:56.153+01:00Kenneth Wants OutDefender Garry Kenneth wants to leave Bristol Rovers and his representatives have informed the club of his intentions over the past few days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: dailyrecord.co.uk</td></tr>
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He has been recovering from a knee ligament injury sustained in January after a far from impressive first season with the club after signing with a big reputation last summer. Having been linked with £1 million moves to the Championship from former club Dundee United, the Scottish centre back departed Tannadice Park and signed for Rovers on a 3 year contract. After being too unfit to start the season he was thrust into action in September and was quickly made captain in the absence of Matt Gill but was part of a team that sunk to the bottom of League Two. He then got injured in the new year, a few games after John Ward had taken over.<br />
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He has been in the squad on a few occasions this season but hasn't featured from the bench which did seem odd to Rovers supporters. There was a general belief from the outside that he would come back a better player after recovering but he never looked like displacing Mark McChrystal or Tom Parkes from the central defensive berths.<br />
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There are conspiracy theories that suggest Ward has been advised by the club not to play the defender in a bid to force him out but the manager maintained that he couldn't select him as he hadn't done enough fitness work over the past few weeks. Kenneth hadn't trained for 10 days before the start of this week and while it now seems his departure is inevitable there has been a further twist.<br />
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Ward has said he may be forced to play Kenneth this weekend at Mansfield Town if it turns out McChrystal's knee problem is serious enough to keep him out of action. Bizarre, isn't it?<br />
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Whatever happens we will all look back on GK's stay with the club and say he has been a monumental waste of monumental wages in the past 15 months and be glad to see the back of him. Having said that I do think there could have been a good defender in there somewhere but it doesn't look like we will see him rediscover his Scottish form in the quarters. Hopefully his imminent departure, as well as Gill's, will free up enough wages to make a few influential loan signings in the coming days/weeks.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-7941906803054200272013-10-06T14:49:00.000+01:002013-10-08T15:30:27.105+01:00Bristol Rovers 1-3 Fleetwood Town (League Two)Fleetwood Town gave Rovers a late lesson in finishing as they undeservedly won by 3 goals to 1 at the Memorial Stadium yesterday afternoon. Jamille Matt's brace and substitute Jon Parkin's stoppage time strike condemned Rovers to defeat but it should have been a victory with the number of goalscoring opportunities that were created in the second half.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ grabbed the Rovers goal - Lifted from: teamtalk.com</td></tr>
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It was an even game in terms of possession throughout the entire 90 minutes. Rovers matched their visitors, who are flying high in the play-offs places right now, and looked the most likely to get their noses in front when the scores were level. It was a goalless first half where both sides had moments of good play but it was a period where both sides were weighing each other up. Returning Jeff Hughes wasn't the threat we all feared he would be on the left flank but Matt was looking a handful up front even though he was their lone forward. He combines pace, mobility and strength and certainly provided Mark McChrystal with an aerial test as long Fleetwood balls were pumped forward. While Macca had his hands full it did allow Tom Parkes to get his foot on the ball a bit more than usual and look for a pass, which he did well on occasions, but there was still a concerning lack of quality in midfield and out wide. This forced our back-line to go long again and it simply didn't play into our hands often enough as Ryan Brunt was isolated up front.<br />
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Fortunately the second half exploded into life and it was a much better game. Rovers came out firing and were carving through Fleetwood's defence with confidence. A few shots drew crucial blocks from Ryan Cresswell before a golden opportunity fell the way of loanee Andy Bond. The midfielder was played through with a defence-splitting through ball and baring down on goal he looked up before skying his side-footed effort over the bar when he seemed destined to score. There were gasps around the ground as the reality of the situation hit everyone who were praying for the net to bulge and we had to go again. Still, it offered us confidence that we had the ability to create chances and we continued to enjoy a great deal of possession in the final third.<br />
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Fleetwood still had their moments though and Antoni Sarcevic was instrumental in most of their play in the centre of the pitch. He was being kept quiet by the returning Seanan Clucas, who had a great game, but he drifted out wide to find space and it proved beneficial. Our visitors began to send in telling crosses from the flanks but it didn't provide them with a breakthrough, although they did find themselves in front just past the hour. Sarcevic got past Lee Brown down the left hand side and played a low cross towards the front post where Matt flicked home past Steve Mildenhall. It was a real blow as the boys didn't deserve to fall behind and it was going to prove a real test of character given our disgustingly bad record at coming back from losing positions.<br />
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It took just 3 minutes for Rovers to find an equaliser though and it came after some terrific play. Brunt played a ball into the path of Bond with the outside of his boot and the Colchester United man delivered a perfectly weighted cross for John-Joe O'Toole to head home. 1-1 and the goal was no less than our play warranted. Surely we could flourish and go on to find a winner?<br />
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The team most certainly tried. No more than 5 minutes had passed after the restart when a right wing cross was played in towards Gas scorer O'Toole who saw a header blocked on the line by a Fleetwood body. There were half-hearted appeals for a penalty but the referee waved away the cries and the game continued. Rovers kept up the pressure and Brunt headed against the post from a Brown corner before firing wide after turning 18 yards out. We were coming oh so close to getting our noses in front but you just got a nagging sense that, as always, it wasn't going to happen for us.<br />
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While people may have felt resigned to watching us draw the game I'm adamant nobody would have even considered us losing the game. There was no reason to, we were playing so well and nullified most of Fleetwood's attacking players. They had no response until Matt was able to shake off the attentions of McChrystal a little more. Like a dagger through the heart the striker found himself through on goal after playing a one-two with Sarcevic and coolly swept home to win the game after 87 minutes. It killed the atmosphere around the ground and everyone of a Gas persuasion was gobsmacked. It was a cruel twist to a game Rovers had the better of.<br />
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If that goal wasn't bad enough Fleetwood sent on Parkin and the big forward saw a cross come his way in stoppage time and simply waited for the ball to fall on to his right foot before venomously striking across Mildenhall into the bottom corner. 3-1. The scoreline was deceptively harsh and, in my opinion, could easily have been the exact opposite if we had luck on our side. We didn't and we can only blame ourselves as we had the chances, we just couldn't take them.<br />
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It's better than we have witnessed this season but it's still bot good enough because we aren't picking up wins. I don't care that Fleetwood have good players, we more than matched them and still couldn't score. Something clearly still isn't right in the camp and it needs to be sorted imminently because we are now 20th in the League Two table. 10 league games into the season and John Ward's record is WORSE than both Paul Buckle's and Mark McGhee's 10 game records in the last 2 seasons and that is simply not acceptable.<br />
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I feel deflated, annoyed and angry at the same time. I hate being a Gashead sometimes.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-89504549440558651642013-10-02T14:47:00.002+01:002013-10-02T14:47:24.471+01:00Gill On The Way OutExperienced midfielder Matt Gill looks like being the first high profile casualty of John Ward's squad sculpting this season. He has been made available to loan and is thought to have attracted interest from former club Exeter City.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: westerndailypress.co.uk</td></tr>
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Gasheads have been surprised that Gill has not been given a chance in central midfield after recovering from his knee surgery and his absence from the starting XI has led to many speculating that he had fallen out with Ward. The loan signing of midfielder Andy Bond may have been the straw that broke the camel's back. While this may have been the case, it is understood that a further appearance from Gill in the Rovers first team would lead to an automatic extension to his contract, something the club do not want.<br />
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Ward informed the press this week that he has told the player that his opportunities will be numbered with the abundance of central midfielders the club now boast and that it may be in his interests to go out on loan. As yet there has been no confirmed interest and Rovers will be hoping that whoever takes him will be prepared to pay a portion of his wages, freeing funds for us to make another signing ourselves.<br />
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<br />Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-67005104813230347072013-09-27T13:47:00.000+01:002013-10-02T14:27:29.988+01:00Southend United 1-1 Bristol Rovers (League Two)Matt Harrold's header was cancelled out by Kevan Hurst's 20 yard effort in an entertaining game at Roots Hall on Friday evening. Searching for their first points on the road, Rovers defended well to weather the Southend storm and created enough chances to feel disappointed not to have won the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBykTSAIj8tuqATm7qiGVGLLqZf4qlOCZx-ciuytNrV838hXdLt7fAbhZ9e-I3ZR73zOGvAbVpNN0KSrnGwbyQY6aDIN6OsVsBGtB0PvSibCOHnEhekIu_bmWesVjHQvNIQ8QDDT7DUkmR/s1600/article_af18f53cbf4a41a3_1379183790_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBykTSAIj8tuqATm7qiGVGLLqZf4qlOCZx-ciuytNrV838hXdLt7fAbhZ9e-I3ZR73zOGvAbVpNN0KSrnGwbyQY6aDIN6OsVsBGtB0PvSibCOHnEhekIu_bmWesVjHQvNIQ8QDDT7DUkmR/s320/article_af18f53cbf4a41a3_1379183790_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: itv.com</td></tr>
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It was a tight affair given the poor form both sides had heading into the clash but the game burst to life in an exciting second half. The first 45 minutes saw half-hearted efforts to break the deadlock although there were two big penalty appeals, one for both sides. The Rovers claim came first. A cross from the right hand side of the box was blocked by the arm of a Shrimpers defender and bounced out for a corner. John-Joe O'Toole led the demonstrations to the referee but he was clearly of the opinion that it was unintentional. From my point of view, both at the time and having seen the replay, the position of the defender's arm was not natural and he blocked a threatening ball into the penalty box - it should have been a penalty. The second shout came after midfielder Tom Lockyer stupidly tripped Hurst as he skipped into the penalty area from the right but the referee, perhaps realising he had made a mistake in not awarding Rovers a spot-kick, signalled simply for a goal-kick as the ball rolled out of play.<br />
<br />
The second period was a lot more lively and Rovers came out of the blocks quickly in a bid to score early. It was a plan that worked as a former Shrimper came back to haunt his former club. The ever-impressive Michael Smith made an overlapping run down the right and lifted a good ball into the danger zone where Harrold was on hand to head beyond Daniel Bentley. The celebrations were tremendous in front of the travelling Rovers supporters and there was a real sense that we could go on to stamp our authority on the match.<br />
<br />
Our hosts made an immediate attempt to claw their way back into proceedings but found it difficult to create any clear openings due to the stubbornness of both Tom Parkes and Mark McChrystal in the heart of the defence. Substitute Josh Payne was a constant threat though and a couple of marauding runs from the left touchline saw him find shooting opportunities but thankfully they flew well wide on each occasion. Despite Rovers defending well, Southend did break our rearguard midway through the half courtesy of Hurst. The midfielder was given the time to turn 20 yards out and fire a good shot past Steve Mildenhall into the bottom left hand corner.<br />
<br />
At this point the game could have gone either way. Southend continued to press forward but Rovers created a few very good chances to steal the points. The first fell to Parkes following a free-kick that was delivered by Lee Brown. The ball was worked back across the 18 yard line and Parkes had time to take the ball on a couple of paces but he was immediately closed down and his effort was blocked by a lunging home centre half. He was just a little too slow to react initially and we had to settle for a corner. Barry Corr struck wide when well placed for our hosts before Harrold saw a right footed effort trickle into the arms of a grateful Bentley.<br />
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The game looked to be heading for a draw but there was still one glorious chance left and it fell the way of the usually reliable O'Toole. A counter attack saw Harrold play a lifted square pass across the box to an unmarked O'Toole who brought the ball down with his chest and fired towards goal from 8 yards out, only to see a desperate sliding block send the ball behind for a corner. Gasheads fell to the floor in disappointment as it seemed for all the world like JJ would be able to rifle home but it just wasn't to be.<br />
<br />
The final whistle sounded and it marked a positive step forward in the progress that this young Rovers team are making at the moment. It was a much improved performance from some of the ones we've witnessed recently away from home and it means that we are now two games unbeaten heading into a tricky home clash with Fleetwood Town. 3 points at the Mem on Saturday would be very welcome although it won't be an easy task to defeat a Cod Army that boast the likes of Jeff Hughes and Jon Parkin in their ranks.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-66065561914031583242013-09-21T15:59:00.000+01:002013-09-28T16:42:14.220+01:00Bristol Rovers 2-2 Hartlepool United (League Two)John-Joe O'Toole netted a late equaliser to rescue a point for Rovers against Hartlepool United. The midfielder fired home from the edge of the box to cancel out a Luke James brace in a much better second half performance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsN6o6kgekoJyBxaxD3HzLtsFEaf_PW39c6NQwdw91rSSafryG9iVzHPbC1upFvgEJh2HwdimNC3HzYflajc6A1uJUkREtTvlx4ubz9-ND6z7AqFF8VMBRUCcIjyDoqbG0bAOpEJ2URpa/s1600/5215710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsN6o6kgekoJyBxaxD3HzLtsFEaf_PW39c6NQwdw91rSSafryG9iVzHPbC1upFvgEJh2HwdimNC3HzYflajc6A1uJUkREtTvlx4ubz9-ND6z7AqFF8VMBRUCcIjyDoqbG0bAOpEJ2URpa/s320/5215710.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ rescues point - Lifted from: bristolrovers.co.uk</td></tr>
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<br />
It was an awful first half showing from Rovers. The ball was hoofed forward at every opportunity, our defending was panicky and there was no attacking intent. It was inevitable that we would pay the price, even against poor opposition such as Hartlepool, although nobody would have anticipated that this would be the case once we had, unbelievably, opened the scoring. Striker Matt Harrold swivelled in the penalty area and fired a terrific effort beyond Scott Flinders into the bottom corner. There was a collective sigh of relief from around the Mem - surely we could now raise our game and build on the lead?<br />
<br />
Well, no. Almost before celebrations had died down the Monkey Hangers equalised through the lively James. The teenage forward received the ball outside the penalty area and manoeuvred space to drill a low strike into the bottom corner for 1-1. They say that you are at your most vulnerable after scoring but our defending was shambolic as James waltzed away from every Gas shirt.<br />
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Inexplicably, Rovers offered no response to the goal and Hartelpool doubled their tally just before half-time. Poor defending from a set-piece saw the ball bounce around the box towards James, who scrambled the ball home past a stranded Steve Mildenhall. Groans emerged from the Blackthorn End as they nobody could believe how woefully we were playing. There needed to be a big revival at half-time if we were to bring the game back from what looked like defeat. Hartlepool hadn't played particularly well for their lead and that was the most disappointing aspect - we were losing to a poor outfit.<br />
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Thankfully there was a massive improvement in the second half and the boys came out fighting. Immediate pressure was exerted on a stretched Pools back-line and a number of corners were forced from right wing crosses. There were near misses and desperate late blocks from their defence but it looked for all the world that an equaliser was arriving from striker Eliot Richards. The Welshman nudged a shot on goal that took a deflection and bounced agonisingly off the crossbar and behind for a corner. Then, Harrold headed inches wide when well placed before an Andy Bond effort cannoned off a diving defender.<br />
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The Gas have not won from a losing position in 70-odd matches and it seemed like that was set to continue with time elapsing. We deserved to get at least an equaliser for our second half exploits but even that didn't look like it was going to come. Thankfully, however, substitute David Clarkson got the ball out left, a low ball eventually found O'Toole, who drilled home through the legs of a distraught Flinders.<br />
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We didn't have enough nous to go on and get a winner but it is a point gained considering the fact we were trailing going into the final seconds. The second half was much better than the first but it still wasn't good enough to warrant 3 points and that's the most frustrating thing. We simply are not performing well enough and that's a major concern because it isn't good enough.<br />
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We now face a difficult trip to Southend United next Friday looking for our first points away from home.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-40875588808594232212013-09-18T15:06:00.001+01:002013-09-18T15:06:32.299+01:00Dagenham 2-0 Bristol Rovers (League Two)It was a second consecutive poor away performance from Rovers at the LBBD stadium on Saturday and it ended with Gasheads letting the squad know exactly what they thought of the display.<br />
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Every team can have an off-day and in League Two these will be more frequent than at other levels but this wasn't a case of hard luck, we were just lifeless from start to finish. There was no spark, no conviction and the team looked disjointed. I can't go as far as to say certain individuals weren't bothered because it simply wasn't the case but I am very concerned by the sleepy start we've made to the season. Although we are unbeaten at home we have been very poor away from the Mem, scoring just 1 league goal and accruing 0 points. It puzzles me - we have near enough the same squad as last year but can't seem to create any goalscoring opportunities, something we were quite good at in the new year. What's the problem?<br />
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Well, our key players are not performing or leading by example, we don't have enough quality in wide areas and tactically we're lumping the ball forward and not utilising our midfield. These are three contributing factors. To me it seems obvious that with the personnel we have available playing route one football is not a good idea. Our goals in the second half of last season came through incisive attacking play when the ball had been kept on the deck and passed from midfield to our strikers. For some reason we seem incapable of producing that this time around and it's incredibly frustrating to watch because we all know that the team are able to do it. So, is it the manager's orders to get the ball forward with quick punts upfield or are the players panicking when in possession?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Harrold hit a weak penalty - Lifted from: itv.com</td></tr>
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The game on Saturday seemed to suggest it was a combination of the two. When any of our back-line have the ball at their feet they tend to play a lofted ball forward - Michael Smith, Tom Parkes and Lee Brown do look to pass it initially but eventually opt to get rid, Mark McChrystal tends to do that as soon as the ball reaches him. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'd rather the defence got rid of the ball instead of dallying on it and giving away cheap chances to the opposition but it's frustrating that the ball goes from back to front and then back again because we don't retain possession. I think John Ward does tell the team to go long a lot of the time but it's pointless when none of our strikers are genuine powerhouses. Ryan Brunt and Matt Harrold are tall forwards but they aren't the strongest and they are often towered over by centre halves. What is the point in giving the ball straight back to our opponents? When we have the ball we need to be able to keep it and force chances in the final third.<br />
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It doesn't help that Oliver Norburn attempts 40 yard glory passes every time he is in possession. They never work and the ball just sails out of play. You will notice that a lot of the time if Norburn is facing the right way the opposition won't press too much because they know exactly what he is going to do and they want to encourage him to attempt it because they know they'll be getting the ball back. His team mates can be excused for being reluctant to pass it to him. In fairness this may also apply to our wingers, who have proven to be too inexperienced to influence matches at the moment. They need game time to improve but to be relying on teenagers to provide assists every week is ludicrous and offers us very little quality on the flanks, rendering those areas almost redundant - we can't expect them to produce. If they do it's simply a bonus. I can see why the defence don't like passing it directly to our midfielders as they can't trust them to make use of it but that's a sad indictment of our current situation.<br />
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Norburn has been very poor this season but he isn't the only one, his central midfield partner has failed to shine as well. John-Joe O'Toole has yet to get going and games seem to be passing him by at the moment. I doubt he could give you a reason why it isn't going for him so far, it's just one of those things. The entire team are struggling for form and the pressure on his shoulders is massive. While we need him to get back to his best there also has to be other players stepping up to the plate and driving us on to victories, both defensively and up top. Unfortunately they haven't so far.<br />
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Dagenham were not a good side, that was clear from the way in which they gave possession away cheaply themselves, but they had a clear idea of how to cause us some damage. They had a game plan and they persevered with it, to their reward. They were determined, gutsy and kept the ball down when they could, passing to their pacey wide men whenever possible. Zavon Hines was a nuisance on one side and striker Rhys Murphy, formerly of Arsenal, was linking up well with both him and Billy Bingham. For their neat touches their opening goal should have been defended with ease by our experienced back four but it wasn't, which just about sums Rovers up at the moment. When the ball was eventually lofted across goal, McChrystal had time to adjust to the bounce and clear the danger. What he did, in fact, was wait for the ball to drop without opening his body up and swung a wild left foot that made little contact. The ball found its way to a Daggers player and the ball was put back into the 6 yard box where unmarked captain Abu Ogogo was on hand to bundle home.<br />
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The second half was marginally better from a Gas perspective but it still wasn't good. After a short spell of pressure we were given the opportunity to equalise after a Smith cross was blocked by the hand of a home defender. The ref awarded a spot-kick and Harrold grabbed the ball in hope of netting his first goal of the season. Disappointingly it was a poor strike because it lacked any form of accuracy and Chris Lewington was able to get down slightly to his right and keep it out. I knew from that moment that the game was lost because there wasn't a hope in hell of us creating another chance in front of goal. Our hosts seized the initiative at this point and went on to score a second through Luke Howell after a corner was not defended properly. Defensively I don't think we have a massive problem, as I've stated many times in the past, but we're conceding sloppy goals because we're having to do too much defending during a game. There's no respite during the 90 minutes because the ball keeps coming back and it isn't bringing the best out of our very good group of defenders. Clean sheets will come as and when the rest of the team regain their confidence, something Ward can play his part in by altering the tactics he employs.<br />
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With the players we have available to us at this very time this is the XI I would like to see start against Hartlepool United on Saturday: (4-3-1-2)<br />
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----------------------------- Mildenhall --------------------------------<br />
Smith ------------ Parkes ------------ McChrystal -----------Brown<br />
------------------- Gill ------- Bond ------- O'Toole ----------------<br />
------------------------------ Clarkson ---------------------------------<br />
------------------ Richards ------------ Brunt ------------------------<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Gill: does he deserve a chance? - Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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There is, obviously, a lack of width in this line-up but that's deliberate on my part as I don't think relying on Alefe Santos and Ellis Harrison is a good idea for either their development or for our chances this season. I admire the way in which Ward wants to stick with his teenage wingers but it simply isn't working and I get the impression they are feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders as a result of their continued appearances. The spine of our team is where our strength lies and we should focus on trying to play through these players. In Matt Gill, Andy Bond and O'Toole we have three experienced, strong midfield players who like to keep the ball moving and offer a desire to get forward as well as defend. The positive feature of this formation and XI is that they aren't the sole support to our strikeforce as the versatile David Clarkson can play in the hole. For many months supporters have been asking for Clarkson to play in this position and it would give him the licence to dictate play from an advanced area instead of having to live off scraps. We would HAVE to keep the ball on the deck with this narrow line-up and that will bring the best out of each player in the team.<br />
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I fear this is to adventurous for Ward to try himself as he seems stubbornly insistent on playing 4-4-2 or a defensive 4-5-1. I understand the need to be wary of defensive duties in a game and not to go too gung-ho but the three central midfield players can marshal the back four as well as support attacks. To me this gives us our best chance of winning football matches at the present time.<br />
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The other formation and line-up that I think could bring us success is this (but if Ward feels the above is too wild then this will be a non-starter): (3-5-2)<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
----------------------------- Mildenhall --------------------------------</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
----------- Parkes -------- McChrystal --------- Kenneth ---------</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
-- Smith ----------------------------------------------------- Brown --</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
------------------- Gill ------- Bond ------- O'Toole ----------------</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
--------------------Clarkson ------------ Brunt ------------------------</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here our width would come courtesy of Smith and Lee Brown who have both shown they are adept at running down the line and whipping in crosses. They don't always trouble the opposition but most of our goals in the opening 7 league games have come from overlapping crosses from our full-backs. In this wing-back role both Smith and Brown offer Ward the defensive protection he cares so much about but offers additional strength in the middle of the park with the 3 central midfielders. Smith and Brown will support the attacks but we now have players playing through the middle of the pitch, something we desperately need to start doing with the abundance of central midfielders we have. Garry Kenneth slotting into the defence is vitally important because I genuinely think he could prove to be a terrific player for us when given the chance. Alongside both Parkes and McChrystal, the trio could easily become the most formidable central defenders in the lower leagues. I know I wouldn't like coming up against them.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Ward will inevitably stick with the same players and the same formation at the weekend which is incredibly frustrating when you consider the other options we could use. He will stick with Norburn, play Bond out of position on the wing and rely on one of our teenage wingers to be the focal point of our attacks. Given this and the undoubted direct tactics that we will use I have a feeling Saturday will be a real scrap against a side who have won just once this season.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Oh dear.</div>
Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-73329263361522549552013-09-12T20:11:00.001+01:002013-09-12T20:11:22.963+01:00Andy Bond SignsColchester United midfielder Andy Bond has today signed a 1 month loan deal with Rovers and will link up with the squad tomorrow ahead of the weekend trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rKC7xO9OSbOJrGqV4jZ6JvFg8x56stB7oRgslL4sY5sJ8DSf7MLsxM72-HOEaWUaqQ9DTtVi5DgZDqtNrZSFu2eCqwb2pjLJQ-79xWwePM0T8jBDU4eFFiZcPqQWYdC4eROYFMdR9p24/s1600/_63168999_pa-10469384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rKC7xO9OSbOJrGqV4jZ6JvFg8x56stB7oRgslL4sY5sJ8DSf7MLsxM72-HOEaWUaqQ9DTtVi5DgZDqtNrZSFu2eCqwb2pjLJQ-79xWwePM0T8jBDU4eFFiZcPqQWYdC4eROYFMdR9p24/s320/_63168999_pa-10469384.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Bond in action for Colchester - Lifted from: bbc.co.uk</td></tr>
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Bond, a former team-mate of John-Joe O'Toole at the U's, has made predominantly substitute appearances for Joe Dunne's side so far this season. He netted the winner at Gillingham on the opening day after coming off the bench. He joined Colchester as John Ward's first signing in 2010 from non-league Barrow and was deployed in a number of positions across the middle in his first season. Among non-league experts he was likened to Frank Lampard for his goalscoring prowess.<br />
<br />
Colchester fans say that Bond is most certainly not a wide man and is best used as an attacking midfield player. It seems a strange signing given the fact that Matt Gill is now fully fit and both Ollie Clarke and Seanan Clucas are just a few weeks away from returning to action but Ward states that the 'experience' will help. Reuniting Bond with O'Toole may prove to be a masterstroke and provide the inventiveness that has been several lacking in the last few weeks.<br />
<br />
He has joined on an initial 1 month loan with the option for that to be extended should it prove successful.<br />
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Welcome aboard, Andy.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-78427070107545432582013-09-07T23:20:00.000+01:002013-09-07T23:20:41.113+01:00Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Bristol Rovers (League Two)A dour match at Home Park eventually saw hosts Plymouth Argyle score a late winner to condemn Rovers to their third consecutive away defeat. Bristolian Reuben Reid headed home a Conor Hourihane free-kick with under 10 minutes of the 90 left to play and punish John Ward's team for their feeble attacking display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellis Harrison had a game to forget - Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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Don't let the scoreline fool you, both teams were absolutely awful today and neither deserved 3 points in all honesty. Having said that Argyle have found a way to score a goal when Rovers have been unable to do so and they will be delighted to come away with 3 points from the game. The stats will tell you Rovers had more efforts on goal but I can't recall many times when goalkeeper Luke McCormick had to deal with anything too troubling. David Clarkson and Ryan Brunt worked hard but had little success in creating goalscoring opportunities as they were forced to come deep for the ball due to Ellis Harrison's ineptitude. The Welsh winger had a mare of a game and consistently lost the ball when given possession in an advanced position, much to the frustration of himself and his team-mates. Ollie Norburn was ineffective and John-Joe O'Toole was working hard to win the ball back in our own half that he didn't have the chance to play in more advanced areas of the pitch. All in all our attacks were predictably weak.<br />
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The best effort we mustered came from Brunt who did well to turn Guy Branston in the Argyle box and get a low drive across McCormick but it took a deflection which took it out for a corner. Plymouth didn't have any real moments of note in the opening 45 minutes but Hourihane did manage to engineer some space down the right to whip in a few crosses to target men Reid and Marvin Morgan but Steve Mildenhall dealt with it all very comfortably. The 1200-strong army of Rovers fans did what they could to inject life into their team but they needn't have bothered for the good it did. We should take the hint that away from home we're just incapable of doing basic things right and getting a result. Plymouth were there for the taking but we just didn't know how to create anything in the final third.<br />
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The second half followed a similar pattern to the first - long ball cleared by one defence, long ball cleared by the other defence, referee gives needless free-kick to Plymouth, and repeat...<br />
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Rovers burst through the midfield on promising counter attacks 2 or 3 times but just couldn't get the final ball right to truly carve open the Branston-led home rearguard. One memorable example saw Norburn running centrally at an exposed Branston, hesitating as he approached him, before deciding to play an overhit pass to his right instead of looking up and playing a through ball to Clarkson on the left who had a clear run at goal. The midfielder's naivety is incredible, the decisions he makes on the ball leaves a lot to be desired and for that reason I'd prefer to see Matt Gill given a recall next week at Dagenham & Redbridge.<br />
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The referee awarded a few ridiculous free-kicks to Argyle in wide areas and whilst Tom Parkes and co. dealt with the majority of them with absolute ease it was inevitable given our bad luck that it would go wrong eventually. Sure enough it did just as the game seemed destined to peter out into a substandard goalless draw. Hourihane crossed into the danger zone where Reid was on hand to power a header beyond Mildenhall in to the back of the net. Gutting.<br />
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For the first time all afternoon the home fans began to make some noise in celebration of their breakthrough and Gasheads fell unusually quiet. The overwhelming feeling was one of dejection that we could play so poorly away from home yet again. It has to change and has to change soon because at the moment it isn't good enough. We can cite our injury problems as a reason for our poor form on the road but the bottom line is that no matter what eleven we field we simply cannot find a way to look threatening in front of goal. Fundamentally it comes from a significant lack of quality out wide and alongside O'Toole in central midfield. Don't get me wrong, we lack a pacey and direct striker, but Brunt and Clarkson would thrive on better deliveries from the wings. Our budget is gone and all we have to show for it on the left and right-hand sides are 3 teenage wingers who have barely scored a goal between them, let alone contribute any assists. Depressing, isn't it?<br />
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As a team we need to be more attacking and inventive if we want to enjoy any success away from home. Dagenham will be a side there for the taking next weekend but unless Ward can coax some offensive quality from his charges in training this week we will lack the necessary attributes to score at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium (what a mouthful). I won't be holding me breath.<br />
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We have taken over 1000 to Exeter City, over 1000 to Newport County, 2400 to Bristol City and now 1200 to Plymouth Argyle - phenomenal support in this division. Have any of them been worth the effort? Bar the pride we took from the City game you would argue not. It's typical Bristol Rovers, we take envious away followings for the first month of the season and can barely muster shots on target let alone victories. There's a culture at the club where the players are incapable of playing good fluid football away from home and it's dragging us down at a time when we need to produce a good run of form to climb the division.<br />
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The standard of the fourth tier is incredibly weak and any side that has a bit of confidence and a finisher will do very well. Unfortunately we lack both right now.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-33608775240001549892013-09-06T01:35:00.000+01:002013-09-06T01:35:35.861+01:00Bristol City 2-1 Bristol Rovers (JPT)Rovers fell to a 2-1 defeat against bitter rivals Bristol City at Ashton Gate courtesy of a late Joe Bryan goal for the hosts. It was totally undeserved given the second half performance of John Ward's young team but it goes to prove that you need to take your chances when you are well on top in games, as we were at 1-1.<br />
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Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, City's new star (and ultimately the ONLY difference between them and us), gave them the lead early on with a stunning goal from 25 yards out before defender Mark McChrystal equalised for Rovers quarter of an hour into the second half. Rovers squandered a few opportunities and Bryan punished our lack of clinical shooting by curling a sublime effort into the top corner after Steve Mildenhall parried a shot.<br />
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It was a bitterly disappointing moment as our League Two side deserved to take the game to penalties at least but clearly the footballing gods were against us on the night. The atmosphere was tremendous and unlike anything Gasheads or sh*theads would have experienced since the last derby meeting in 2007. The East End was alive with the constant chanting from Rovers fans and the fact City went in front early meant that their supporters cleared their throats and began to sing too. I can't begin to explain what it feels like to celebrate a goal at Ashton Gate.<br />
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I was proud when we sung 'Goodnight Irene' from the top of our lungs after we equalised but I was proud of our performance full stop. We never stopped singing and the players clearly appreciated it by the level of performance they gave us in the second half. The moment I was most pleased with from a Rovers perspective was at full-time when the brain-dead morons from Bedminster and Knowle decided to invade the pitch and throw things at innocent Gasheads. United we stood there and sang our anthem loud and proud for the watching Sky Sports customers to enjoy. Twitter burst to life with complimentary tweets about our support while the opinions on City fans was far from flattering. The funniest comment I read was that they were a 'bunch of six fingered mongs', I think from a Portsmouth fan.<br />
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Of course I am gutted we lost but we went down fighting and deserved a whole lot more. The 'mind the gap' crap that 82ers spout at every available opportunity simply doesn't wash any more and behind closed doors they'd admit that themselves. It scares them how close we ran them. Their multi-million pound team were merely one goal better than us and, arguably, they didn't even deserve it. On the pitch we're close to matching them and off the pitch we're close to surpassing them with the UWE Stadium set to built. Chins up Gasheads, we've got a lot to look forward to. They, on the other hand, haven't.<br />
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We'll be in the same division soon enough and leapfrog them a year after that. Let's continue our wonderful support at Plymouth Argyle this weekend and roar the boys on to a third successive league victory.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-7312968305706434272013-09-04T00:24:00.001+01:002013-09-04T00:24:07.884+01:00Bristol Derby: Rovers vs City (JPT)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickie Lambert - Lifted from: bbc.co.uk</td></tr>
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Tomorrow is the day Bristol has been waiting for since the draw for the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy was made 2 and a half weeks ago. Soccer AM duo Helen Chamberlain and Max Rushden were charged with the responsibility of selecting the first round ties and, as the whole of Sky TV will have been hoping for, they drew together Bristol City and Bristol Rovers.<br />
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Cue mass excitement across the city for the first competitive derby meeting in 6 and a half years. I wonder if a Rovers player can make themselves an overnight hero like a certain Rickie Lambert did back in 2007? It could be the catalyst to future legendary status.<br />
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All local derbies are big games, especially when the two sides haven't met for a considerable period of time, but this occasion has every sub-plot you could think of. There is a heavy favourite, an underdog, an almost certain sell-out, players participating that have crossed the red/blue divide and a watching audience of millions across the country due to live TV coverage. Admittedly there will be significantly less hype for this derby than the Arsenal-Spurs game received at the weekend but this will be better, trust me. Sky customers will get value for money. The game has all the ingredients for a dramatic ding-dong between two rivals that truly hate each other.<br />
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Our red neighbours, who will be known in this article as the 82ers for obvious reasons, are playing in League One this season and are winless after 5 matches. Despite that, they have progressed to the third round of the Capital One Cup and have some big name players in their squad. Experienced striker Marlon Harewood signed over the summer and the Robins managed to retain Sam Baldock following their relegation last season to increase their chances of scoring goals in the third tier. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is their other first choice attacker and he has quickly become a fans favourite at Ashton Gate due to his explosive speed and skill. He has to be up there as the first target of a Tom Parkes cruncher, surely?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Ward - Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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The City ranks is littered with talented players and John Ward's Rovers will know they are in for a real test tomorrow evening. A strong and organised back-line is essential and an attacking intent is required if we want to cause our hosts some problems during the 90 minutes. Having said that, we shouldn't fear playing against City, not by any stretch. They are without a win in the league for a reason and we should play on the fact that they are heavy favourites to progress to the second round of the competition. The pressure is firmly on them, meaning Rovers should go out there and enjoy the experience, just like they did in 2007.<br />
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Sean O'Driscoll, the monotonous City manager, will be preparing his charges by informing them of the quality that lies within our squad. They can't afford to underestimate us. Ex-red David Clarkson has been superb in recent weeks and will have a point to prove against his former employers, something the 82ers will be more than aware of. At the time of Clarky signing for us their supporters were very surprised that we had attracted a player of his ability to League Two and that tells you all you need to know. He has looked a class above recently and I think we're beginning to see the real David Clarkson after an injury-ravaged first campaign at the Mem. I have a feeling that he will have a big say tomorrow night - hopefully it's for the right reasons!<br />
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Our entire defensive unit is also very strong and won't be pushovers to score against. Marshalled by an experienced goalkeeper in Steve Mildenhall, a back four of Michael Smith, Tom Parkes, Mark McChrystal and Lee Brown, when on-song, can be a very stubborn group to break down. The other standout performer who O'Driscoll will be instructing his players to stop is the talismanic John-Joe O'Toole, who will be more than up for this game. This is his type of match. Given his ability to contribute offensively and defensively he is a box-to-box midfielder that City will do very well to render ineffective.<br />
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Nobody reading this will need me to tell them just how fiercely passionate the atmosphere will be tomorrow night but if anyone was in any doubt they should be pointed in the direction of the expected attendance. At the close of play this evening (Tuesday 3rd), more than 16, 900 supporters had bought tickets, with Rovers having sold their entire allocation last week. With the deadline for ticket sales being extended until tomorrow lunchtime there is no reason why the game won't be a complete sell-out. There are plenty of Gasheads without tickets as they didn't even make general sale for away fans so it's a good job that Sky Sports are broadcasting the game live. Rovers are encouraging supporters to watch the match at the Mem with a pie and a pint to give them a taster of the camaraderie that Gasheads will be experiencing in the away end at Ashton Gate. I'm sure the bars will be buzzing, particularly if we can pull off a famous victory.<br />
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Many football supporters will know all about the potential of the Bristol clubs but won't have watched a Bristol derby before so this game will be of interest to many in the absence of other fixtures this midweek. Rovers will almost certainly be viewed as the underdog but I'm sure a large proportion of neutrals will be rooting for us. It's generally known that opposition supporters prefer Gasheads to 82ers!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gasheads - Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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None of that matters though in truth. It all comes down to what happens on the pitch and if anybody wants to make a name for themselves. Rovers fans will expect nothing less than blood, sweat and tears... and that's just from each other in the East End. They will demand exactly the same on the pitch from the boys who don the quarters. If the team are mentally strong enough for the challenge then we have every chance of achieving a positive result.<br />
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The day itself will be just as special as the match and it's an occasion we should all do our best to enjoy. We don't often get opportunities like this. Take it for what it is - a local derby - and represent Rovers with pride and enthusiasm. Let's show the 82ers what we're all about and make Ashton Gate rock to the sound of 'Goodnight Irene'.<br />
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Believe, Gasheads. We can do this.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-22711206828291611102013-09-02T23:48:00.003+01:002013-09-02T23:48:53.819+01:00Quiet Deadline DayThere was no late activity in or out at Rovers and transfer deadline day has passed quietly.<br />
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John Ward stated at lunchtime that there would be no movement and, inevitably, he was correct. Unsubstantiated Twitter rumours suggested that Tom Parkes was again attracting the interest of Uwe Rosler at Brentford and that Rovers had made a £10,000 bid for City defender James Wilson. Neither piece of gossip turned out to be true, thankfully.<br />
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It means that we go with what we've got until January unless Ward is able to make a loan signing when the emergency loan window opens in 7 days time. A new winger would have been a huge boost to our chances but we're improving all the time and with our experienced players returning from injury we're beginning to look very strong.<br />
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To confirm at 11.50pm on Monday 2nd September: NO transfer business at Bristol Rovers today.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-13246044430598914942013-09-02T00:39:00.000+01:002013-09-02T00:39:44.493+01:00Bristol Rovers 1-0 Northampton Town (League Two)Teenager Tom Lockyer was the Rovers matchwinner against Northampton Town yesterday afternoon after scoring the only goal of the game and clearing what looked like a certain equaliser from underneath his own crossbar. He has impressed in all of his outings so far, displaying his versatility with stellar performances in central midfield, central defence and right midfield and he continued that trend with a man of the match performance against the Cobblers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockyer On Target - Lifted from: bristolpost.co.uk </td></tr>
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It was a strong Rovers squad with senior players like Garry Kenneth, Matt Gill, Matt Harrold and Eliot Richards all named on the substitutes bench to supplement our ever-improving first eleven. I was confident that we would see a more assured team performance on the back of last week's victory over York City and that's exactly what we got. Throughout 90 minutes of hoofball from our opponents Rovers held firm and defended resolutely, standing up to the physical challenge that every Aidy Boothroyd team will inevitably provide. Alongside this defensive solidity was a pleasing quality to our attacking and within just 2 minutes of kick-off we produced a superb move that resulted in the only goal of the game. Ellis Harrison, restored to the team in place of Alefe Santos, fed the superb David Clarkson midway inside the Northampton half and the striker then laid a pass into the path of the overlapping Lee Brown down the left with the outside of his foot. The full-back hit a first time cross to the back post where Lockyer was on hand to gleefully head across goalkeeper Matt Duke for 1-0. He was understandably thrilled to have scored and was mobbed by his team-mates who were visibly chuffed for their new star man. With contributions like this on a regular basis we'll have ourselves a star.<br />
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The rest of the game consisted of flashes of good football but predominantly dirty play from our visitors as well as underhand tactics in regards to the officials. Boothroyd's men dived, appealed, gesticulated, elbowed, kicked and hoofed their way through the match in a desperate attempt to get themselves back into it. I never like to see cheats prosper and thankfully they didn't. In truth they didn't even come close until 2 minutes into stoppage time. Before that the lively Clarkson hit the side netting with a second half shot while 6 Northampton players were booked as a result of their misconduct, with Roy O'Donovan being sent off. He should have been given his marching orders earlier for an elbow on Michael Smith that went unpunished by a disgustingly poor referee but was given a second yellow card late on. The forward leapt in front of Brown twice as the left back attempted to take a throw-in and was rightly shown a second yellow. Boothroyd complained post-match that it was a bad decision, just as his players argued every single decision the officials made, but he clearly doesn't understand the rules of football. Oh the irony of his claim that it was unprofessional of Brown to take so long over the throw-in that led to O'Donovan's red card!<br />
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Our visitor's best chance came in stoppage time after they were awarded a controversial late free-kick 20 yards out. It was controversial as it should have been a penalty but the inept ref maintained his shocking performance by wrongly awarding a free-kick... thank god. Karma for their constant moaning and cheating in my book. Their best player, winger Chris Hackett, struck a sublime curling effort against Steve Mildenhall's upright and into the danger zone but fortunately a Gas defender was on hand to smash to safety. It would have been a thoroughly undeserved equaliser for a team of thugs but it does go to show that we need to kill teams off as 1-0 leads are indescribably fragile.<br />
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The match ended to sighs of relief and roars of delight as it ensured back-to-back league victories at the Mem. It was a battling performance of the highest regard and was exactly the sort of test we needed heading into the Bristol derby on Wednesday. It will be a slog at Ashton Gate and their fans won't make it easy for us to play our football but we've shown that we are just as adept with the physical side of the game as we are with the technical side. Key players are starting to hit some form and it all bodes well for us heading into the match. Mark McChrystal was exceptional alongside Tom Parkes at the heart of our defence and it means Garry Kenneth will have to wait a while longer for his return to competitive action with the team. Perhaps Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will provide him with an opportunity given that it takes place just 72 hours after our meeting with Bristol City.<br />
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We've all been thinking about this meeting with the 82ers since the draw was made a fortnight ago and now is the time where the players and supporters will eat, drink and sleep it. If the players don't realise how big, important or passionate this fixture is then they soon will as soon as they step out on to the pitch to warm up on Wednesday evening. It will be a red hot atmosphere and the country will be watching the first Bristol derby for 6 and a half years on Sky Sports hoping for an entertaining game. I think they'll get it but I would be just as buzzed with a scrappy 1-0 win than I would a 6-5 thriller.<br />
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Begin clearing your throats Gas, we need to make non-stop noise from the minute we step inside the ground to the minute we leave. Stay safe, of course, but make sure you are stood up and counted, there's nothing to be intimidated by.<br />
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Goodnight Irene.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-987010468256326432013-08-29T13:58:00.000+01:002013-08-29T13:58:58.112+01:00City Tickets Close To Selling OutThe 2500 tickets Rovers were given for Wednesday's Bristol derby are close to selling out. As of this morning less than 100 tickets remained for the JPT 1st round clash at Ashton Gate and they hadn't even reached general sale.<br />
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We were given 2250 tickets in our initial allocation and a further 250 tickets were made available yesterday afternoon. There is a reduced capacity at Ashton Gate for the fixture as a result of segregation in the East End, where both Rovers and City fans will be housed. Tickets have been selling quickly for home supporters too and it is anticipated that the game will be close to a sell-out by the time it comes around next midweek.<br />
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It is an all-ticket clash and it will be shown live on Sky Sports.<br />
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<br />Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-51278616912077460612013-08-27T15:09:00.001+01:002013-08-27T15:09:12.018+01:00Harrold To Return On Saturday?Injured striker Matt Harrold is seemingly in contention for a place in the Rovers squad for this Saturday's game with Northampton Town at the Memorial Stadium.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrold at Torquay in April - Lifted from: bristolpost.com</td></tr>
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Harrold returned from a cruciate ligament injury in time to come on as a substitute and score a dramatic late equaliser on the final day of last season against Torquay United but suffered a groin strain in a friendly against Reading. What was only thought to be a minor issue has turned into one that has kept the forward out of action for over a month.<br />
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It's been frustrating for both Harrold and for manager John Ward but it seems that he is now very close to returning. Ward explained that Harrold would be taking part in a training ground match this afternoon against AFC Bournemouth and hopes to have him come through the test unscathed. Should this happen he will be among the squad who tackle the Cobblers this weekend, just in time to play his way into Ward's thinking for the upcoming Bristol derby next Wednesday.<br />
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Defender Garry Kenneth and midfielder Matt Gill are in similar positions after recovering from injury but are further along the line having played in previous training ground matches. Gill also came on as a late substitute against York City last weekend for his first taste of competitive football since well before last Christmas. The reintroduction of all 3 players into the first team squad will be a massive boost to everyone as focus switches to maintaining a winning run.<br />
<br />Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-15214304393884491112013-08-26T02:12:00.000+01:002013-08-26T02:12:02.458+01:00Bristol Rovers 3-2 York City (League Two)David Clarkson and John-Joe O'Toole's goals inspired Rovers to their first victory of the season against York City at the Mem yesterday afternoon. Both teams had scored just 1 league goal in their previous 3 league games this season but served up 5 goals in a frenetic affair that also saw a red card brandished for an off the ball incident.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarkson hits brace in 3-2 win - Lifted from: bristolpost.co.uk</td></tr>
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The game was just 3 minutes old when the deadlock was broken and it came courtesy of Clarkson, who had been restored to his natural centre forward position alongside the returning Ryan Brunt. Right back Michael Smith whipped in a cross from the right that was initially headed up in to the air before being hooked back across the penalty box by a York defender. Clarkson arrived to volley the ball beyond goalkeeper Michael Ingham and give the Memorial Stadium a massive lift. The entire team celebrated what was an eagerly awaited goal and from our play immediately afterwards it injected fresh confidence into everyone.<br />
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There were some good attacking moves involving the rejuvenated Clarkson, O'Toole, Brunt and makeshift right midfielder Tom Lockyer and Gasheads were enjoying seeing the ball passed along the ground. It didn't happen all the time admittedly, but it was a much improved offensive display. Alefe Santos, making his first Rovers start, was always looking to take on his full-back Lanre Oyebanjo but was rarely successful. The defender did a good job on him. Despite his inability on the day to truly get the better of his man, Gasheads were completely behind their new young star and offered him plenty of encouragement. It was to prove a huge help to his own personal belief later in the game.<br />
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The Minstermen did have their share of possession too though and tried their luck from range on a number of occasions. Winger Ashley Chambers was influential in most York attacks but Smith was unbeatable when one-on-one with his opponent and the majority of the time the visitors resorted to playing their way through centrally. Midfielder Craig Clay had an effort that flew narrowly wide of Steve Mildenhall's post midway through the half but that was about as close as they came to scoring in the opening 30 minutes. Rovers doubled their advantage with a neat period of play that ended in similar circumstances to that of their opener: Smith crossing from the right, the York defence unable to deal with it and Clarkson on hand to control and lash home. The 2 goal cushion meant we were comfortably in front for the first time all season and the players seemed to be enjoying themselves for the next few minutes which was nice to witness.<br />
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However things changed moments later. Substitute striker Ryan Bowman, who came on for the injured Wes Fletcher, shoved Tom Parkes in the back after Mildenhall had caught an Oyebanjo cross that prompted a confrontation from the no-nonsense defender. Both players raised their hands but the whole incident was nothing more than six of one half a dozen of the other. The situation was heightened by the fact both players threw themselves to the ground in a heap to rid themselves of any blame. Mildenhall, however, was sure that Bowman did something he shouldn't have and told the linesman in no uncertain terms that he should have seen what happened. Referee Gary Sutton sought the opinion of his assistant official and ultimately decided that Bowman deserved his marching orders. Parkes escaped with a booking, much to the relief of John Ward on the touchline and the game looked even more one-sided heading into half-time. Inexplicably though Rovers relinquished their clean sheet. Tom Parkes committed himself to a header on the right touchline that he ultimately lost, leaving Smith alongside him and leaving our defence exposed. York attacked Mark McChrystal, who did his best to halt their progress and give his team-mates a chance to get back and help, and their winger unleashed a shot that was blocked by Lee Brown but gifted an open goal to striker Ryan Jarvis who swept home. From nowhere the visitors were back in the game and it highlighted a complacency about the team that didn't exist at all last season. I personally feel it was nerves and an overeagerness to impress but fortunately we were still in front and the destiny of the 3 points were still in our hands.<br />
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The second half began evenly with both teams attempting to assert pressure on the opposition's back-line. Nigel Worthington's men weren't afraid to commit men forward despite only having 10 players on the pitch but for the most part they were dealt with comfortably. Rovers weren't really troubling keeper Ingham but they retained possession in York's half frequently and were often just a through ball away from creating a goalscoring opportunity. Totally against the run of play the visitors were handed the chance to equalise by Mr Sutton, who adjudged McChrystal to have pushed forward Tom Platt in the penalty box. Up stepped Jarvis who rolled the ball down the middle after conning Mildenhall into diving to his left. It was the striker's third goal of the season and meant that he remained the only York player to have scored so far this season. The game-plan from this point onwards for York would have been to get men behind the ball and praying for a counter attack to arise late in the game. Having thrown away our lead I feared they'd get their wish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ in action - Lifted from: zimbio.com</td></tr>
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Happily I was wrong and our response was superb. The ever-impressive Smith sent in another cross from the right towards the far post, Santos directed a header back across goal and midfielder O'Toole was on hand to prod home. The Irishman was understandably delighted and celebrated in front of the Blackthorn End in what I sincerely hope was the moment he kickstarted his season after a slow start.<br />
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Rovers had spells of possession in the final third in the remainder of the game but never really threatened Ingham's goal again when really they should have done given the counter attacks they had. Santos wasted a couple of crosses by firing them out for goal kicks while a Brown delivery was easy to snuff out when Brunt was waiting at the far post. York pushed for an equaliser and had a number of late corners that gave them the chance to send everyone forward. They were all dealt with sufficiently by a desperate Gas rearguard and the referee eventually sounded his whistle to the great delight of almost everyone inside the ground. The management team, players and substitutes were roared off the pitch by renditions of 'Johnny Ward's barmy army' and 'Goodnight Irene' as 3 points were won for the first time this season. The victory lifts us above York on goal difference in the early table and we already look in a much healthier position.<br />
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With Matt Harrold likely to return from injury next weekend to further boost the squad, Rovers finally look like they will have the majority of their squad fit. Northampton Town will visit the Mem next Saturday and will hopefully suffer the same fate as the Minstermen.<br />
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Up the Gas!Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-84152249523383239442013-08-17T13:40:00.000+01:002013-08-23T14:09:34.485+01:00Newport County 1-0 Bristol Rovers (League Two)Rovers suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Newport County's Rodney Parade today courtesy of a Christian Jolley penalty. It was, in truth, a limp Gas performance that warranted nothing from the game but it was a blatantly incorrect call from the referee that handed Jolley the chance to win it for the hosts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mildenhall - Lifted from: zimbio.com</td></tr>
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Huge numbers of Rovers fans descended upon the ground in anticipation for the first severnside derby in years and the atmosphere was decent considering there was no roof above the seating behind the goal. Newport fans were attempting to sing and it helped provide a noisy environment for the two teams when they emerged from the tunnel. Unfortunately the Rovers players were not able to match the quality of the away support and were totally devoid of attacking quality for the entire 90 minutes. The home side could sense a lack of confidence in our forward play and that immediately handed them the initiative to go on and put our defence under pressure. To be fair to Michael Smith, Tom Parkes, Mark McChrystal and Lee Brown the Exiles were dealt with pretty comfortably in open play but a few silly fouls were committed that handed them the chance to trouble Steve Mildenhall with a set-piece.<br />
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All in all our goal didn't come under too much of a barrage although a couple of glancing headers from ex-Gas striker Chris Zebroski almost found the target. The big talking points of the game then began to unfold as the referee made 3 hugely embarrassing decisions. Former Rovers utility man David Pipe, the Newport captain, was attempting to throw his weight around whenever possible but lunged into a tackle with both feet in the air and sent Smith flying. As soon as it happened Gasheads jumped up and demanded what would have been the clearest red card you would see all season but the referee, clearly not wanting to upset the home side, refused to even award a free-kick. John Ward was rightly up in arms and none of the players could believe that such a dangerous tackle went unpunished by the referee. Pipe jogged back into position clearly relieved to have avoided a red card but encouraged by the fact he could get away with lunging tackles.<br />
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No more than 2 minutes later, Pipe and another Newport player went in with two feet on Tom Lockyer and sent the young Welshman to the ground in agony. The referee did this time give Rovers a free-kick but merely booked the County player when it was clearly violent play. Rovers fans were gobsmacked that the officials failed to correctly handle both situations. The standard of officiating is woefully bad in the lower leagues at the best of times but when players' safety is put at risk you expect any official to make the correct decision. Clearly this wasn't going to happen at Rodney Parade. Top top it all off the referee then adjudged Tom Parkes to have committed a foul in the box after CLEANLY winning the ball from Jolley and Newport had the chance to go in front. The third former Rovers man in the home ranks then got in on the action as Andy Sandell sent Mildenhall the wrong way with a cool left footed penalty. Even the most optimistic Rovers fans felt resigned to defeat given our lack of attacking flair and we were all proven to be correct.<br />
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The second half was marginally better than the first from our perspective but it was by no means a good performance. Wayward passing, long balls, shockingly poor set-pieces and and weakness in the tackle ensured we failed to force an equaliser. Oli Norburn was having a nightmare in central midfield, giving the ball away constantly with his silly long-range glory passes and awful corner deliveries and had to be the Rovers player forfeited when Ryan Brunt was handed a 20 minute cameo. Nobody else had performed worse. Unbelievably John-Joe O'Toole was the man replaced as Brunt's introduction finally meant we had 2 strikers playing together. O'Toole was ineffective in the advanced role but he was retaining the ball in forward areas, unlike Norburn. Still, the game was lost and the best effort we could muster until stoppage time was a long-range strike from Smith that was tipped over the crossbar by Lenny Pidgeley.<br />
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In the final seconds we won a corner and Mildenhall decided to gamble and join the party of Rovers players in the Newport penalty area. Another poor cross took a couple of ricochets before rolling just in front of Mildenhall who was only able to get his studs on the ball after stretching every fibre in his body to try and make firm contact. The referee then signalled the end of the game and Rovers supporters left the ground disheartened by the performance they had just witnesses at a rainy Rodney Parade. The injury crisis is the cause of our poor start without question but it doesn't make watching defeats any easier to take.<br />
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The boys have to put things right against York City next weekend to get our season going and with the returns of Ryan Brunt, Garry Kenneth and Matt Gill to the first team squad we have every chance of inflicting defeat on the Minstermen.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-76422453667465723532013-08-13T00:36:00.001+01:002013-08-13T00:36:56.990+01:00Kenneth To Return For Newport ClashDefender Garry Kenneth is pencilled in for a return to the Bristol Rovers squad this weekend when we travel to Newport County, IF he gets through Tuesday's behind-closed-doors game with Exeter City unscathed,<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: dailyrecord.co.uk</td></tr>
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The centre half, who signed last summer on a 3 year contract, has been out of action since January after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. It was a bitter blow for Kenneth as he was looking to impress newly appointed manager John Ward and find full fitness for the first time since joining the club. Ward spoke of his disappointment at losing the former Dundee United<br />
man at the time and has had to make do without him as he has undergone rehabilitation. He has been taking part in training for a few weeks and is now at the stage where he requires match practice.<br />
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Tomorrow's clash will offer him the opportunity to play anything between 45-90 minutes of competitive football and therefore provide him with a good chance of earning a place in Ward's matchday squad at Rodney Parade on Saturday. Speculation is rife as to whether the Scot could get a starting place in the back four, allowing Tom Parkes to be pushed into midfield but that would be tampering for no apparent reason. Either way it is just pleasing to have a quality player returning to fitness - I'm sure Ward is looking forward to having one of his experienced men available again.<br />
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There is also further encouraging news on the injury front as the coaching staff are hopeful striker Ryan Brunt and midfielder Matt Gill will be available for our next home game against York City on August 24th. We have seriously lacked forward options in the first couple of weeks of the new season and so it will be a welcome sight to see Brunt back in the first team, hopefully being supplied by Gill and John-Joe O'Toole in central midfield.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-33785792878925417932013-08-10T23:01:00.000+01:002013-08-10T23:01:04.045+01:00Bristol Rovers 0-0 Scunthorpe United (League Two)The Gas drew 0-0 with Scunthorpe United at the Mem this afternoon in a game that won't live too long in the memory. That's not to say that it was a boring spectacle but the lack of action in front of both goals will ensure this match is forgotten about in a few games' time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockyer was a key man today - Lifted from: bristolrovers.co.uk</td></tr>
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The big question for Gasheads was whether John Ward would opt for the 4-5-1 formation that offered plenty of encouragement against Watford in midweek or whether he plumped for a more traditional 4-4-2. He stuck with the former as he was unable to welcome back any of the injured players to his squad and felt the best way of going about Scunthorpe was to pack the midfield. Tom Lockyer, who impressed on his full debut on Tuesday, retained a starting spot in central midfield in an unchanged XI.<br />
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Rovers started brightly with a few pieces of energetic approach play involving Eliot Richards and David Clarkson. For the positive intent that was evident, Sam Slocombe in the Scunny goal wasn't tested, a trend that continued for the entire 90 minutes frustratingly. There was a good tempo to our play initially and gaps were appearing in the away defence but unfortunately Ellis Harrison was unable to use his pace to get in behind. While the Iron showed resilience and good organisation it was certainly Rovers who would have been happier quarter of an hour in - until the injury curse that has blighted the club for 12 months struck again.<br />
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The experienced Deon Burton jumped for a header with defender Tom Parkes and elbowed him in the back of the head. The moment the Rovers captain lost the header he staggered a couple of paces to his left, visibly in trouble, before collapsing to the ground. He was momentarily unconscious and the referee immediately brought proceedings to a halt in order to call medical attention. After a fashion the stretcher was brought on and Parkes was carried off the field and it meant Ward needed to make a decisive call on who would take his place. The impressive Lockyer was told to partner Mark McChrystal in central defence and his fellow U18 graduate Alefe Santos was brought on out wide, pushing Clarkson into the middle.<br />
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You feared at this point that our experienced visitors would go on and take the initiative and make life difficult for Lockyer at the back but that didn't happen. The composed youngster slotted into the role seamlessly and didn't give Burton or Sam Winnall a sniff all afternoon. This allowed Rovers to concentrate on keeping the ball but there was an edginess to our play in the final third that prevented us from creating shooting opportunities. Clarkson came close with a right footed shot that drifted wide of Slocombe's near post late in the half but instead of prompting Rovers into life it served to wake up Scunthorpe's slumbering midfield.<br />
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The Iron took control for the final 5 minutes or so and penned our back four firmly on the edge of the penalty box. Winnall struck the outside of the post following a corner that wasn't cleared and moments later midfielder Terry Hawkridge struck a sweet shot against the other post. From nowhere Scunthorpe suddenly looked particularly menacing and can count themselves unlucky not to have gone in front. Ward will have been happy the half-time whistle sounded when it did as it gave his team the chance to take a breather and re-group.<br />
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Fortunately the second half didn't continue in the same vain but it can't be said that Rovers looked any better going forwards. Other than a couple of low Richards crosses that forced corners we didn't look like scoring and it put a lot of pressure on our back-line to keep a clean sheet. Former Scunny loanees McChrystal and Steve Mildenhall were playing well to deny their ex-team any real opportunities, although a close-range header was well tipped over by Mildenhall midway through the half. As time went on Brian Laws' team kept possession a lot better and had one or two efforts that drifted just wide of the woodwork. We never really looked in any danger of conceding but those shots did remind us all that we needed to stay focussed until the very end of the game if we wanted to earn a point.<br />
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There was plenty of perseverance and desire in the Rovers team but Santos, the quiet John-Joe O'Toole and Richards struggled to make anything stick up top. You couldn't fault their work-rate but it just wasn't coming off and it was clear for everyone to see that we missed the likes of Matt Harrold and Ryan Brunt. Shaquille Hunter and Mitch Harding were given run-outs late on but couldn't contribute a goal threat and the game ended in a hard-fought draw.<br />
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Ward will be by far the happier of the two managers this Saturday night considering the circumstances and he'll be hoping to rest his players leading into next weekend's massive Severnside derby with Newport County. Scunthorpe will return north disappointed not to have won the game but a point on the road is never a bad result. For Gasheads, we can take great pride in the fact we held a good side to a 0-0 draw without 10 first team players and use that to give us renewed belief that we have enough about our squad to pick up points while the injured continue their recoveries. It's not ideal and I have no doubts we'd all prefer to have all our players available now but we haven't been dealt any luck recently and just have to get on with it. We have a platform off which we can look to build a run of form now, beginning with Newport next Saturday.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-16566161490925602732013-08-10T22:26:00.001+01:002013-08-10T22:26:46.598+01:00Woodards Signs New Deal<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAL3DfV0cRHBO_PqpBXiq7BAVtf-jI2KtX2kdEp7CzuCLfC59nGQVVPi53phi_lNsnMajA8yNgUeaD6EcGg9l0IACcmEHRAcOmxTNTvXrKW8uUhYY6sTPK6YiratETMKipt14edjUHtxM/s1600/3758953.png.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAL3DfV0cRHBO_PqpBXiq7BAVtf-jI2KtX2kdEp7CzuCLfC59nGQVVPi53phi_lNsnMajA8yNgUeaD6EcGg9l0IACcmEHRAcOmxTNTvXrKW8uUhYY6sTPK6YiratETMKipt14edjUHtxM/s320/3758953.png.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted from: thisisbristol.co.uk</td></tr>
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Injured defender Danny Woodards has signed his new 1 year contract today as he continues his rehab for the cruciate ligament injury he sustained in April. The 2011-2012 player of the year had been offered the contract at the end of the season but due to his 'happy-go-lucky' nature, says John Ward, the signing process has taken a long time to complete!<br />
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Woodards had always maintained to his manager that he would sign a new contract but his focus has, as you would expect, been on getting over his injury. He is around halfway through his recovery period and is expected to be fully fit around Christmas.<br />
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Woodards retains the number 4 shirt for this season.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-80319848676298326522013-08-09T23:40:00.001+01:002013-08-09T23:40:10.110+01:00Elsewhere In League Two... (11)The transfer market hasn't been quite so busy since the season began last Saturday and quite a few of the moves that have taken place later in the week have been loan deals. Most squads have been assembled now so any transfers that take place in August are likely to be managers making the finishing touches to compliment what they have.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Plymouth Argyle</span> did complete the free transfer of Neal Trotman from John Sheridan's former club <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Chesterfield</span> but the defender has only penned a month's contract so far. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Burton Albion</span> have bolstered their strikeforce with the acquisition of Adam McGurk on a free from Tranmere Rovers and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Southend United</span> swooped for Dundee midfielder Don Cowan, also on a free.<br />
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Elsewhere, in the latter half of the week after the Capital One Cup matches, Rhys Weston signed for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">AFC Wimbledon</span> after a successful trial period. The defender most recently played for KR Reykjavik in Iceland. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bury</span>, the busiest club in England, completed a loan move for Jordan Sinnott of Huddersfield Town in a bid to increase competition for places after their takeover at the end of last season. Kevin Blackwell has made no fewer than 17 signings this summer after the club were forced to release all their players following their relegation from League One. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Mansfield Town</span> strengthened their forward options after finally handing a contract to trialist Calvin Andrew, who was released by Port Vale at the end of last season.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Southend United</span>, following defeat to Yeovil Town in the cup on Tuesday evening, brought in Adam Thompson from Watford on a 6 month loan to cover the impending departure of former captain Chris Barker. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Northampton Town</span> made the final move of the week by signing Jacob Blyth on loan from Leicester City. The young striker has signed a 1 month loan deal.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is a club-by-club guide to transfer activity so far:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Accrington Stanley</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Nicky Hunt (Rotherham United, Free), Shay McCartan (Burnley, Free), Rob Atkinson (Fleetwood Town, Free), Josh Windass (Huddersfield Town, Free), Danny Webber (Free Agent), Michael Richardson (Newcastle United, 1 Month Loan), Piero Mongoia (Watford, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">AFC Wimbledon</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Chris Arthur (Havant & Waterlooville, Free), Barry Fuller (Barnet, Free), Ross Worner (Aldershot Town, Free), Charlie Sheringham (AFC Bournemouth, Free), Ashley Bayes (Basingstoke, Free), George Francomb (Norwich City, Free), Callum Kennedy (Scunthorpe United, Free), George Porter (Burnley, Season's Loan), Michael Smith (Charlton Athletic, 6 Month Loan), Rhys Weston (KR Reykjavik, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bristol Rovers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Steve Mildenhall (Millwall, Free), John-Joe O'Toole (Colchester United, Undisclosed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Burton Albion</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Alex MacDonald (Burnley, Free), Adam Reed (Sunderland, Free), Dominic Knowles (Burnley, Free) , Chris Hussey (AFC Wimbledon, Free), Phil Edwards (Rochdale, Free), Ian Sharps (Rotherham United, Free), Michael Symes (Leyton Orient, Free), Rene Howe (Torquay United, Free), Rory Delap (Stoke City, Free), Adam McGurk (Tranmere Rovers, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Bury</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Ashley Grimes (Rochdale, Free), Gareth Roberts (Derby County, Free), Nathan Cameron (Coventry City, Free), Greg McDermott (Stockport County, Free), Andy Procter (Preston North End, Free), Rob Lainton (Bolton Wanderers, Free), John Rooney (Barnsley, Free), Chris Sedgwick (Hyde, Free), Reice Charles-Cook (Arsenal, Free), Richard Hinds (Yeovil Town, Free), Anton Forrester (Blackburn Rovers, 6 Month Loan), Aidan Chippendale (Accrington Stanley, Free), Jessy Reindorf (Union Royale Namur, Free), Shaun Beeley (Fleetwood Town, 6 Month Loan), Marlon Jackson (Hereford United, Free), Danny Mayor (Sheffield Wednesday, Season's Loan), Jordan Sinnott (6 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheltenham Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jamie Cureton (Cheltenham Town, Free), Troy Brown (Aldershot Town, Free), Matt Richards (Shrewsbury Town, Free), Terry Gornell (Rochdale, Free), Ashley Vincent (Port Vale, Free), Craig Braham-Barrett (Macclesfield Town, 6 Month Loan), Ryan Innis (Crystal Palace, 1 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Chesterfield</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Aaron Chapman (Belper Town, Free), Eoin Doyle (Hibernian, Free), Jimmy Ryan (Scunthorpe United, Free), Gary Roberts (Swindon Town, Free), Sam Morsy (Port Vale, Free), Ritchie Humphreys (Hartlepool United, Free), Matty Brown (Marine, Free), Jamie Devitt (Hull City, Free), Ryan Edwards (Blackburn Rovers, 1 Month Loan), Ian Evatt (Blackpool, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Dagenham & Redbridge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Afolabi Obafemi (Leyton Orient, Free), Brian Saah (Torquay United, Free), Rhys Murphy (Telstar, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Exeter City</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Doug Bergqvist (Aldershot Town, Free), Sam Parkin (St. Mirren, Free), David Wheeler (Staines Town, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Fleetwood Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Matty Blair (York City, Free), Liam Hogan (FC Halifax Town, Free), Jeff Hughes (Notts County, Free), Steven Schumacher (Bury, Free), Stewart Murdoch (Falkirk, Free), Antoni Sarcevic (Chester, Free), Mark Roberts (Stevenage, Free), Stephen Jordan (Free Agent), Ryan Cresswell (Southend United, Undisclosed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hartlepool United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jack Compton (Colchester United, Free), Nialle Rodney (Telford, Free), Christian Burgess (Middlesbrough, 6 Month Loan) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Mansfield Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jamie McGuire (Fleetwood Town, Free), Paul Black (Oldham Athletic, Free), Keiran Murtagh (Cambridge United, Free), John McCombe (Port Vale, Free), Martin Riley (Wrexham, Free), Sam Clucas (Hereford United, Free), Ollie Palmer (Havant & Waterlooville, Undisclosed), Calvin Andrew (Port Vale, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Morecambe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Tony Diagne (Macclesfield Town, Undisclosed), Marcus Marshall (Bury, Free), Jack Sampson (Bolton Wanderers, Free), Alex Kenyon (Stockport County, Free), Mark Hughes (Bury, Free), Padraig Amond (Accrington Stanley, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Newport County</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Adam Chapman (Oxford United, Undisclosed), Chris Zebroski (Eastleigh, Free), Harry Worley (Oxford United, Free), Jamie Stephens (Liverpool, Free), James Bittner (Hereford United, Free), Ryan Jackson (Macclesfield Town, Undisclosed Fee - Under 23)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Northampton Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Matt Duke (Bradford City, Free), Ian Morris (Torquay United, Free), Darren Carter (Cheltenham Town, Free), JJ Hooper (Newcastle United, Free), Gary Deegan (Coventry City, Free), Kevin Amankwaah (Exeter City, Free), Matt Heath (Colchester United, Free), Danny Emerton (Hull City, Free), Jacob Blyth (Leicester City, 1 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Oxford United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jonathan Meades (AFC Bournemouth, Free), David Hunt (Crawley Town, Free), Danny Rose (Fleetwood Town, Free), Josh Shama (Reading, Free), Dave Kitson (Sheffield United, Free), Tom Newey (Scunthorpe United, Free), Asa Hall (Shrewsbury Town, 6 M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">onth Loan), Johnny Mullins (Rotherham United, Undisclosed), Josh Ruffels (Coventry City, Free), Ryan Williams (Fulham, 6 Month Loan)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Plymouth Argyle </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ins - Luke McCormick (Oxford United, Free), Lewis Alessandra (Morecambe, Free), Reuben Reid (Yeovil Town, Season-Long Loan), Dominic Blizzard (Yeovil Town, Free), Marvin Morgan (Shrewsbury Town, Free), Romuald Boco (Accrington Stanley, Free), Andre Blackman (Celtic, Free), Neal Trotman (Chesterfield, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Portsmouth</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Patrick Agyemang (Stevenage, Free), Yassin Moutaouakil (Hayes & Yeading, Free), Danny East (Hull City, Free), Sonny Bradley (Hull City, Free), Romain Padovani (AS Monaco, Free), Tom Craddock (Oxford United, Free), Joe Devera (Swindon Town, Free), John Sullivan (Charlton Atheltic, Free), Andy Barcham (Scunthorpe United, Free), Ricky Holmes (Barnet, Free), Ryan Bird (Burnham, Undisclosed), Simon Ferry (Swindon Town, Free), Bondz N'Gala (Stevenage, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Rochdale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Bastien Henry (Sheffield Wednesday, Free), Scott Hogan (Hyde, Free), Peter Vincenti (Aldershot Town, Free), Oliver Lancashire (Aldershot Town, Free), Ashley Eastham (Blackpool, Free), Matt Lund (Stoke City, Free), Matt Done (Barnsley, Free), Jack O'Connell (Blackburn Rovers, 6 Month Loan), Robbie Thomson (Celtic, Free), Javan Vidal (Stockport County, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Scunthorpe United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Andy Dawson (Hull City, Free), Chris Iwelumo (Watford, Free), Terry Hawkridge (Gainsborough, Undisclosed), Luke Waterfall (Gainsborough, Undisclosed), Andy Welsh (Carlisle United, Free), Matt Sparrow (Crawley Town, Free), Etienne Esajas (Free Agent), Sean McAllister (Cowdenbeath, Free), Deon Burton (Gillingham, Free), Sam Winnall (Wolves, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Southend United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - John White (Colchester United, Free), Will Atkinson (Bradford City, Free), Ben Coker (Colchester United, Free), Conor Clifford (Leicester City, Free), Julian Bennett (Sheffield Wednesday, Free), Craig Reid (Aldershot Town, Free), Don Cowan (Dundee, Free), Adam Thompson (Watford, 6 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Torquay United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Elliot Benyon (Southend United, Free), Dale Tonge (Rotherham United, Free), Jordan Chapell (Sheffield United, Free), Courtney Cameron (Aston Villa, Free), Ben Harding (Northampton Town, Free), Krystian Pearce (Notts County, Free), Karl Hawley (Scunthorpe United, Free), Callum Ball (Derby County, 2 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wycombe Wanderers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Nick Arnold (Reading, Season-Long Loan), Paris Cowan-Hall (Plymouth Argyle, Free), Jon-Paul Pittman (Oxford United, Free), Steven Craig (Partick Thistle, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">York City</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Ryan Jarvis (Torquay United, Free), Colin Clay (Chesterfield, Free), Ryan Bowman (Hereford United, Undisclosed Fee - Under 23), Wes Fletcher (Burnley, Free), Chris Kettings (Blackpool, Season-Long Loan), Sander Puri (St. Mirren, Free), Lewis Montrose (Gillingham, Free), Richard Cresswell (Sheffield United, Free), Ben Davies (Preston North End, 1 Month Loan)</span></div>
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Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-5773284228669247462013-08-07T00:23:00.000+01:002013-08-07T00:23:07.809+01:00Exeter City 2-1 Bristol Rovers (League Two)Rovers fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Exeter City on the opening day of the new season as Grecians debutant Sam Parkin netted a late winner.<br />
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As a depleted Rovers squad warmed up at St James Park, Gasheads were left to wonder just what sort of performance the boys would be able to muster without the likes of Matt Harrold, Ryan Brunt and Matt Gill around. Mitch Harding was handed his first league start up front with David Clarkson and Eliot Richards got the nod on the right wing ahead of Alefe Santos. We looked desperately short of attacking quality and that showed throughout the game.<br />
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There was plenty of effort and endeavour on show but very little in the way of quality from both teams. Exeter had a lot of possession but rarely tested Steve Mildenhall while our attacks seemed to get cut out before we reached the penalty box. Still, 0-0 at half-time gave us a decent platform on which to build in the second half and push on. We were much improved but still weren't testing the dodgy Artur Krysiak in the Exeter goal, the custodian who let in soft goals against Rovers twice last season. In a disappointing turn of fate the home side took the lead after a spell of Gas pressure and it was former defender Danny Coles who claimed it.<br />
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A corner was swung in and the centre half was unmarked as he powered a header beyond Mildenhall and into the back of the net. It was imperative that our heads didn't drop at this point and, to the lads' credit, they didn't. We began to attack a little more purposefully and while genuine shots on target were hard to come by we did have their back-line scrambling at times. There was a distinct lack of quality to our wide play and our deliveries into the box, whether it was from open play or an Ollie Norburn set-piece, was absolutely woeful... until Ellis Harrison whipped a fine right footed delivery to the edge of the 6 yard box. Richards was on hand to guide it home for 1-1 and it was no coincidence that we scored with the first decent cross we mustered all game.<br />
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We were back in it and at this point I felt sure we would go on to claim all 3 points. Our heads were up and all it would have taken was a bit more pressure and Coles & co. would have buckled. Unfortunately though we got a little excitable and got stung by an Exeter foray into our half. A cross was played in from the left hand side and the big Parkin got in front of Mark McChrystal and flicked the ball into the bottom corner. Mildenhall was rooted to the spot unable to believe our poor defensive play to allow Parkin the time to get to the ball first.<br />
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On came Alefe Santos and we started to get some quality crosses into the danger zone. The diminutive winger looked confident and did his full-back for pace on several occasions with some nice bits of skill thrown in for good measure. If we had this sort of quality to our play earlier then I think we would have gone on to win the game comfortably but it was all too little too late. There was one final opportunity after a Richards shot was spilled by Krysiak to the feet of John-Joe O'Toole, who swivelled and sent a low effort towards the bottom corner, only to see Coles clear off the line. It would have been a deserved equaliser on the balance of play but you could sense that it wasn't going to be our day.<br />
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The final whistle sounded and as usual we began the campaign with a defeat. It is important we remain philosophical about the situation though. We kept ourselves in the game without several first team players and were unlucky to lose - imagine how well we would play if we had a fully fit squad. We'd have a lot of quality, probably too much for most teams. I bet John Ward can't wait to have everybody competing for a starting spot again, God knows we deserve some luck on that front.<br />
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On to Watford and Scunthorpe United in the next week. Come on Rovers.Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3643164417432691394.post-52166326242304675452013-08-03T00:23:00.000+01:002013-08-03T00:23:15.526+01:00Elsewhere In League Two... (10)With the new season kicking off tomorrow some managers have been frantically working to improve their squads before their opening game.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Scunthorpe United</span> have signed forward Sam Winnall following his release by Wolverhampton Wanderers and could well line up alongside Chris Iwelumo tomorrow. Brian Laws also drafted in Jordan Clark on loan from Barnsley for the month of August, presumably with a view to extending it until the new year should things go well. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Plymouth Argyle </span>are another side that have recruited in the past 7 days with full-back Andre Blackman signing for the Home Park club from Celtic on a free transfer. Another full-back, ex-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Exeter City</span> right back Kevin Amankwaah, has joined <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Northampton Town</span> on a 1 year deal. The Cobblers have also offered non-contract terms to experienced defender Matt Heath and have opted to bring in Danny Emerton following his release from Hull City.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">AFC Wimbledon</span> have swooped for Charlton Athletic striker Michael Smith on loan to provide a goal threat alongside their current star striker Jack Midson. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oxford United</span> have brought in youngster Josh Ruffels after the midfielder departed Coventry City, who are now in liquidation. He will move into their development squad as opposed to their first team though. Non-league striker Nialle Rodney has penned a deal with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hartlepool United</span> after a trial spell, as has Christian Burgess on loan from Middlesbrough, while defender Krystian Pearce linked up with Alan Knill at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Torquay United</span></span>. Knill also made striker Karl Hawley a Gull this week on a permanent basis and Calum Ball has signed on loan from Derby County.<br />
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The biggest move of the week saw <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Chesterfield</span> bring in a former Premier League centre half. Ian Evatt, formerly of Blackpool, has joined the Spireites after passing a stringent medical - something that was required after a number of serious injuries. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bury</span> continued to ramp up their number of summer recruits as Shaun Beeley, Marlon Jackson and Danny Mayor all completed switches to Gigg Lane. Beeley and Mayor arrive on loan deals while Jackson signed a permanent contract. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Accrington Stanley</span>, under the stewardship of James Beattie, have signed Michael Richardson on loan from Newcastle United and Piero Mingoia on a free transfer from Watford.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Southend United</span> announced a triple swoop on Thursday with experienced defender Julian Bennett signing for the year alongside Craig Reid from Aldershot and Conor Clifford from Leicester City. All 3 players have moved to Roots Hall on free transfers. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Cheltenham Town</span> have drafted in Ryan Innis in loan from Ian Holloway's Crystal Palace, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Morecambe</span> have signed striker Padraig Amond, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Exeter City </span>have dipped into the non-league to bring in David Wheeler from Staines Town and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Portsmouth</span> have completed a move for defender Bondz N'Gala. Finally, newly-promoted <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Mansfield Town</span> have signed Havant & Waterlooville forward Ollie Palmer for an undisclosed fee to replace Matt Green who left for Birmingham City earlier in the summer and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Newport County</span> completed a deal for Ryan Jackson. The full-back is under 23 and so compensation is owed by the South Wales club to Macclesfield Town.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is a club-by-club guide to transfer activity so far:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Accrington Stanley</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Nicky Hunt (Rotherham United, Free), Shay McCartan (Burnley, Free), Rob Atkinson (Fleetwood Town, Free), Josh Windass (Huddersfield Town, Free), Danny Webber (Free Agent), Michael Richardson (Newcastle United, 1 Month Loan), Piero Mongoia (Watford, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">AFC Wimbledon</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Chris Arthur (Havant & Waterlooville, Free), Barry Fuller (Barnet, Free), Ross Worner (Aldershot Town, Free), Charlie Sheringham (AFC Bournemouth, Free), Ashley Bayes (Basingstoke, Free), George Francomb (Norwich City, Free), Callum Kennedy (Scunthorpe United, Free), George Porter (Burnley, Season's Loan), Michael Smith (Charlton Athletic, 6 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bristol Rovers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Steve Mildenhall (Millwall, Free), John-Joe O'Toole (Colchester United, Undisclosed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Burton Albion</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Alex MacDonald (Burnley, Free), Adam Reed (Sunderland, Free), Dominic Knowles (Burnley, Free) , Chris Hussey (AFC Wimbledon, Free), Phil Edwards (Rochdale, Free), Ian Sharps (Rotherham United, Free), Michael Symes (Leyton Orient, Free), Rene Howe (Torquay United, Free), Rory Delap (Stoke City, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Bury</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Ashley Grimes (Rochdale, Free), Gareth Roberts (Derby County, Free), Nathan Cameron (Coventry City, Free), Greg McDermott (Stockport County, Free), Andy Procter (Preston North End, Free), Rob Lainton (Bolton Wanderers, Free), John Rooney (Barnsley, Free), Chris Sedgwick (Hyde, Free), Reice Charles-Cook (Arsenal, Free), Richard Hinds (Yeovil Town, Free), Anton Forrester (Blackburn Rovers, 6 Month Loan), Aidan Chippendale (Accrington Stanley, Free), Jessy Reindorf (Union Royale Namur, Free), Shaun Beeley (Fleetwood Town, 6 Month Loan), Marlon Jackson (Hereford United, Free), Danny Mayor (Sheffield Wednesday, Season's Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cheltenham Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jamie Cureton (Cheltenham Town, Free), Troy Brown (Aldershot Town, Free), Matt Richards (Shrewsbury Town, Free), Terry Gornell (Rochdale, Free), Ashley Vincent (Port Vale, Free), Craig Braham-Barrett (Macclesfield Town, 6 Month Loan), Ryan Innis (Crystal Palace, 1 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Chesterfield</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Aaron Chapman (Belper Town, Free), Eoin Doyle (Hibernian, Free), Jimmy Ryan (Scunthorpe United, Free), Gary Roberts (Swindon Town, Free), Sam Morsy (Port Vale, Free), Ritchie Humphreys (Hartlepool United, Free), Matty Brown (Marine, Free), Jamie Devitt (Hull City, Free), Ryan Edwards (Blackburn Rovers, 1 Month Loan), Ian Evatt (Blackpool, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Dagenham & Redbridge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Afolabi Obafemi (Leyton Orient, Free), Brian Saah (Torquay United, Free), Rhys Murphy (Telstar, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Exeter City</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Doug Bergqvist (Aldershot Town, Free), Sam Parkin (St. Mirren, Free), David Wheeler (Staines Town, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Fleetwood Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Matty Blair (York City, Free), Liam Hogan (FC Halifax Town, Free), Jeff Hughes (Notts County, Free), Steven Schumacher (Bury, Free), Stewart Murdoch (Falkirk, Free), Antoni Sarcevic (Chester, Free), Mark Roberts (Stevenage, Free), Stephen Jordan (Free Agent), Ryan Cresswell (Southend United, Undisclosed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hartlepool United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jack Compton (Colchester United, Free), Nialle Rodney (Telford, Free), Christian Burgess (Middlesbrough, 6 Month Loan) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Mansfield Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jamie McGuire (Fleetwood Town, Free), Paul Black (Oldham Athletic, Free), Keiran Murtagh (Cambridge United, Free), John McCombe (Port Vale, Free), Martin Riley (Wrexham, Free), Sam Clucas (Hereford United, Free), Ollie Palmer (Havant & Waterlooville, Undisclosed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Morecambe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Tony Diagne (Macclesfield Town, Undisclosed), Marcus Marshall (Bury, Free), Jack Sampson (Bolton Wanderers, Free), Alex Kenyon (Stockport County, Free), Mark Hughes (Bury, Free), Padraig Amond (Accrington Stanley, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Newport County</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Adam Chapman (Oxford United, Undisclosed), Chris Zebroski (Eastleigh, Free), Harry Worley (Oxford United, Free), Jamie Stephens (Liverpool, Free), James Bittner (Hereford United, Free), Ryan Jackson (Macclesfield Town, Undisclosed Fee - Under 23)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Northampton Town</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Matt Duke (Bradford City, Free), Ian Morris (Torquay United, Free), Darren Carter (Cheltenham Town, Free), JJ Hooper (Newcastle United, Free), Gary Deegan (Coventry City, Free), Kevin Amankwaah (Exeter City, Free), Matt Heath (Colchester United, Free), Danny Emerton (Hull City, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Oxford United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Jonathan Meades (AFC Bournemouth, Free), David Hunt (Crawley Town, Free), Danny Rose (Fleetwood Town, Free), Josh Shama (Reading, Free), Dave Kitson (Sheffield United, Free), Tom Newey (Scunthorpe United, Free), Asa Hall (Shrewsbury Town, 6 M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">onth Loan), Johnny Mullins (Rotherham United, Undisclosed), Josh Ruffels (Coventry City, Free)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Plymouth Argyle </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ins - Luke McCormick (Oxford United, Free), Lewis Alessandra (Morecambe, Free), Reuben Reid (Yeovil Town, Season-Long Loan), Dominic Blizzard (Yeovil Town, Free), Marvin Morgan (Shrewsbury Town, Free), Romuald Boco (Accrington Stanley, Free), Andre Blackman (Celtic, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Portsmouth</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Patrick Agyemang (Stevenage, Free), Yassin Moutaouakil (Hayes & Yeading, Free), Danny East (Hull City, Free), Sonny Bradley (Hull City, Free), Romain Padovani (AS Monaco, Free), Tom Craddock (Oxford United, Free), Joe Devera (Swindon Town, Free), John Sullivan (Charlton Atheltic, Free), Andy Barcham (Scunthorpe United, Free), Ricky Holmes (Barnet, Free), Ryan Bird (Burnham, Undisclosed), Simon Ferry (Swindon Town, Free), Bondz N'Gala (Stevenage, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Rochdale</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Bastien Henry (Sheffield Wednesday, Free), Scott Hogan (Hyde, Free), Peter Vincenti (Aldershot Town, Free), Oliver Lancashire (Aldershot Town, Free), Ashley Eastham (Blackpool, Free), Matt Lund (Stoke City, Free), Matt Done (Barnsley, Free), Jack O'Connell (Blackburn Rovers, 6 Month Loan), Robbie Thomson (Celtic, Free), Javan Vidal (Stockport County, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Scunthorpe United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Andy Dawson (Hull City, Free), Chris Iwelumo (Watford, Free), Terry Hawkridge (Gainsborough, Undisclosed), Luke Waterfall (Gainsborough, Undisclosed), Andy Welsh (Carlisle United, Free), Matt Sparrow (Crawley Town, Free), Etienne Esajas (Free Agent), Sean McAllister (Cowdenbeath, Free), Deon Burton (Gillingham, Free), Sam Winnall (Wolves, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Southend United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - John White (Colchester United, Free), Will Atkinson (Bradford City, Free), Ben Coker (Colchester United, Free), Conor Clifford (Leicester City, Free), Julian Bennett (Sheffield Wednesday, Free), Craig Reid (Aldershot Town, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Torquay United</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Elliot Benyon (Southend United, Free), Dale Tonge (Rotherham United, Free), Jordan Chapell (Sheffield United, Free), Courtney Cameron (Aston Villa, Free), Ben Harding (Northampton Town, Free), Krystian Pearce (Notts County, Free), Karl Hawley (Scunthorpe United, Free), Callum Ball (Derby County, 2 Month Loan)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wycombe Wanderers</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Nick Arnold (Reading, Season-Long Loan), Paris Cowan-Hall (Plymouth Argyle, Free), Jon-Paul Pittman (Oxford United, Free), Steven Craig (Partick Thistle, Free)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">York City</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> ins - Ryan Jarvis (Torquay United, Free), Colin Clay (Chesterfield, Free), Ryan Bowman (Hereford United, Undisclosed Fee - Under 23), Wes Fletcher (Burnley, Free), Chris Kettings (Blackpool, Season-Long Loan), Sander Puri (St. Mirren, Free), Lewis Montrose (Gillingham, Free), Richard Cresswell (Sheffield United, Free), Ben Davies (Preston North End, 1 Month Loan)</span></div>
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Gashead_Nathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00573300265184919662noreply@blogger.com1