Notts County v Doncaster Rovers

          NOTTS COUNTY

 - V - 

DONCASTER ROVERS

Rovers and the Magpies are no strangers over recent seasons despite not being in the same league since 1998.  We have met at Meadow Lane in the League cup in 2008 (1:0 to County) and  2009 (0:1).  Last season saw the Magpies visit the Keepmoat for a 3rd round FA Cup tie and win 0 : 2.  

This season, its close between the two sides.  County are a point ahead in the league with Rovers having a game in hand.  The Win / Draw / Loss statistics are similar, County having drawn the one more game they have played.  Form-wise, Rovers are better over the last 8 games, with 3 more points than County, but Rovers are the away side...then again Rovers having been performing better away from home this season.

Draw anyone?

NOTTS COUNTY

I've never had an issue with us creating chances and scoring goals,  We are always an attacking threat, but we have to make sure we keep the back door shut - Keith Curle

County have to make sure they keep the back door shut?  Well, read on to the Rovers section.  I would suggest it needs to be locked and bolted the way the Rovers have been sneakily getting goals of late.

So how leaky is this defence?

Well, having atched the 20 minutes of extended highlights against Bournemouth I'd say in that match, it was a cauldron.

Mistakes were the order of the day.  Without getting into the goals just yet, I saw crosses dropped by the 'keeper;  bargain give-aways in midfield resulting in efforts on goal and the 'keeper missing a cross/shot that rolled through the 6 yard box in a manner so tempting for strikers that it had me almost jumping at my monitor.

Campbell-Ryce - a Handfull.

The three that Bournemouth did score included a penalty.  The other two were poor goals to concede.  The first was a route one ball that hauled the Magpie's shorts down due to a completely unmarked striker who was found with a clever back-heel; the second was something the creative amongst us may call a shot, that crept its way between two defenders and the 'keeper at his near post.

At the other end, and Jamal Campbell-Ryce caught my eye.  He's a potential handful with plenty of pace and skill.  

Notts County as a whole looked good on the break in particular.  Up front and whilst I wouldn't say there's no skill, I would say that there isn't too much compromise either.  Keith Curle's options up front include François Zoko, Yoann Arquin, Enoch Showunmi and  Lee Hughes, all of whom are big powerful players.  It could be a bruising afternoon for the Doncaster centre-backs.

DONCASTER ROVERS

We didn’t play well but we ground out a result - Tommy Spurr

Spurr - Ever Present

That comment from Spurr about sums up Rovers over the last two games.  Against Brentford, Uwe Rosler was left speechless at how his side left the Keepmoat with nothing and Ronnie Moore's reaction was also one of shock.  Both managers spoke of long throws and lumping it in the box.  Both managers bemoaned how with with massive possession advantages they had got nothing from Doncaster.

Donny shouldn't be winning.  They have a small squad on which injuries are starting to take a toll.  They are maintaining less than 40% possession.  They are managing just 8 shots per game.  They are certainly not playing good football.  But they are also unbeaten in their last 5 outings with 4 wins and a draw.

So how is it happening?

First of all there is the foundation of a very solid back line.  How solid they are is easily visible in the match stats.  Against Tranmere, 21 corners were faced without any of them resulting in a goal; against Brentford, despite 72% of possession, the league's leading shooters could only manage 8 shots and from open play, Rovers have conceded just 4 goals this season.

Then there is a ruthless efficiency up front.  Rovers do not create enough chances.  Just 8 shots  per game should not get a team up to 6th place in the league.   But the major threats of Chris Brown, David Cotterill, Iain Hume and Billy Paynter are all scoring with more than 1 shot in 5.  Paynter in particular is proving a deadly marksman with 1 shot in 3 hitting the back of the net.

Can it keep going?  Well, I don't think that way so much.  I think more of what would happen if more opportunities could be created, especially for these four players.

Rovers have added to their squad this week with Sammy Clingan coming in on an initial two month contract.  Its good news.  The midfield is the only area of the side that can be said not to be performing.  More competition in there can only help correct this issue.

Prediction

I think the Magpies will be the toughest test for Rovers so far this season.  1:1 with Billy Paynter continuing his scoring run.