Up Next Doncaster Rovers at Home


Since we decided to play in Division 3 we’re had the better of Doncaster, winning 3 and drawing 2 of our 5 meetings so far, added to this they were absolutely garbage at their gaff earlier in the season, a routine victory beckons? If only….. despite not impressing earlier in the season and losing their best player to Preston they are in impressive form. They’d won 5 in a row prior to losing to Fleetwood the other night.

Big Game…

It’s a huge game for us, it might seem a bit optimistic looking at the automatic promotion slots given our recent results and performances, but that must remain the ultimate goal. We have 11 less points than Lincoln from the same number of games, and 7 less points than Donny from 2 more games. Predicting the outcome of matches is not easy, but I’d expect Lincoln to beat Accrington at home, if we were to lose on Saturday, the gap to Lincoln would be 14 points and 10 to Donny, nothing will be decided on Saturday, but a defeat will be akin to a nail in the Promotion Coffin? As aforementioned looking at automatic promotion is a bit like me worrying about what to wear if Anna Friel asks me out, (safcblog1@gmail Anna, I watch The Chase 5pm-6pm weekdays and watch SAFC games, aside from that I’m pretty free).

Realistically I can miss TheMatch or The Chase Anna if it’s a dealbreaker

Doncaster Rovers…

I like playing Doncaster, I used to love Belle Vue, as New Flat Pack Grounds go I quite like the Keepmoat, apart from being in the middle of nowhere it’s a decent atmosphere, it’s not rocket science but it’s amazing how many clubs build new grounds with gaps in the corners rather than a bowl. As aforementioned they are in good form, realistically form and League position mean nowt this season, we are a perfect example of anyone can beat anyone. Guest Blogger and Doncaster Rovers Fan Adam Emberton will write a contribution which I’ll include in tomorrow’s blog, so the blog might even be worth reading tomorrow.

Keepmoat – Decent

The Selection Section…

Managing Sunderland is a big job, with such responsibility comes pressure, all managers will say they thrive on this. It’s very early in the tenure of Lee Johnson, but his team selection on Saturday is looking like a big decision, predominantly at the back…

In Nets…. Patterson should have had game time in the Pizza Cup, he didn’t get it, if Patterson does play the pressure will be huge for a young kid? I think LJ will play Burge, whilst it’s relative he is better than Matthews. Confidence is huge, so hopefully whoever gets the nod has a good game.

At the back… we look a bit chaotic. The Willis injury is a bad one, there’s a lot of talk about whether he should have been exposed to it happening, I’m not a doctor so I’m not in a position to comment. Left back is a huge concern, Hume is one of our better players and we miss him greatly, although injuries are part and parcel of the game, (especially when you play every 3 or 4 days). McFadzen isn’t the answer, the lad from Southampton has had a poor start, but he’s obviously rated and seems the only option? Right back, Max Power hasn’t had a great season in midfield, I’ve not, (to date), managed a football team, but surely moving him to RB isn’t the answer. Sanderson is a better defender and O’Nien is a much better RB. Whilst I’d say the LB position is weaker, we have options at RB, playing Power there is not good, (game of opinions etc)

We are conceding too many goals, realistically if you concede 2 goals in a game you are unlikely to win the game. Whilst recruitment has been questionable, I’m not blaming Johnson or Parkinson, the reality is we’ve not been good enough consistently enough, changes are imminent in the structuring of the club, the indicator of how the players have performed this season will be the Retained List in June, regardless of what league we are in?

I’m not sure we will win this weekend, I hope we will and realistically we need to, I’m conscious of repeating myself, (fancy that eh?), but Saturday is game #112 at this level, the facts are there…. this is not a straw poll, for almost 3 years we haven’t been good enough, we need to improve and it needs to be now. Just get out there and smash them lads.

SAFCBlog Predicts …. SAFC 2 vs DRFC 1

SAFCBlog – Average At Best – FTM

KEEP THE FAITH – IT’S THE ONLY WAY TO ROLL

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