Reading 0-0 Rovers

It’s never easy to go to a side who are battling for survival but these are games you’ve to be winning if you want to push for the higher places.

In truth it was a dire game of football, although there was a moment of amusement which quickly turned to despair when the assistant referee failed to notice the four Rovers players in an offside position, but Zurab should of scored.

I was encouraged to see Nelsen return and put in a solid performance, and Jason Roberts caused problems as well. A point gained or two points lost, either way it isn’t enough.

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Rovers 3-1 Wigan Athletic

A great result and an even more impressive performance which brings us back into touch with the top six.

Another nightmare for Samba though, regardless of whether it was a pen or not, he really shouldn’t have allowed Heskey to get goal side in the first place.  But it seemed that the sending off only improved our perfomance and the way we kept the ball and carved Wigan open deserves credit.

Bentley, was as he has been all season, outstanding and it seems more and more inevitable he will be hot property in the summer.  He continually showed his quality on the ball and creativity all over pitch.

And when he provides such good service, Santa Cruz can thrive, getting into the right positions and as he did, score two goals.  Zurab also did his chances no harm with an assured display at the back, and I thought our midfield as a whole bossed the game.

Now we need to use this performance as a platform and make a final push towards Europe, if we can perform like this, there is no reason we cannot be in contention.

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Vogel signs for Rovers

Rovers have signed Johann Vogel on a two-and-a-half year deal, with the option of a further year.  As I said in an earlier post, I think the signing of Vogel is smart business, and I firmly believe Hughes can get the best out of him.

Hughes said: ”In the short time he’s been with us, he’s shown qualities that I like. He’s a determined guy, he’s got good presence and he’ll be an asset to the club.

“He’s a link man in midfield, he works his position in front of the back four, and breaks things up and sets attacks off.

“He has a good level of passing. He is a high-energy player and I think, with the experience and ability he has, he’s going to be a real asset.”

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West Ham 2-1 Rovers

 

Our abysmal record at Upton Park continued, no thanks to some shocking defending.

It seems that the solid back-four we had at the start of the season, has not only lost its ability to perform as a unit, but has seen individuals become complacent.

Samba’s defending for Dean Ashton’s strike summed up his defending in the past couple of months, lacking in concentration and discipline.  At the moment picking our best centre-half pairing is a difficult job, considering there are no candidates covering themselves in glory.

We can only be grateful that Santa Cruz has continued his fine goalscoring record, particuarly away from home.  Intertoto hopes are fading fast, a win against Wigan is now a must.