Just What The Doctor Ordered

Fair to say that JJ’s odds on being our next manager will have shortened further today as we turned in a performance that was pretty much everything we were hoping for. Sunderland was of course tough but today we waited to see whether we could put away a team which might, like us, be struggling around the bottom but which also won last Saturday, perhaps also show further signs that the squad does after all have the qualities to succeed.

We scored four, could have made double-figures, kept a clean sheet and really prevented Doncaster from creating any clear chances (the stats show they had no shots on target, but I think there were a couple of shots that were but were blocked well before they might have reached MacGillivray). Just as important, we looked as if we knew what the gameplan was and executed it. You could quibble about some of the passing, and some of the finishing, but not the purpose. Whether or not Doncaster are a poor team, we made them look like one today.

The team and formation was pretty much as you were, although with Matthews apparently picking up a knock and Lavelle now on the sidelines for a while formally there were two changes, Gunter coming in and Pearce in the starting X1. Just how you describe the formation is a matter of interpretation, whether Purrington is playing left-back or wing-back, whether Washington or Lee is a second forward (more clear this time that Washington was indeed up front, Lee in an advanced midfield role). What is important is that we attacked and defended as a team, plenty getting forward when the opportunity was there but also back behind the ball when out of possession (and it was telling that in his post-match interview JJ mentioned that most of the work in training has been on what to do when we don’t have the ball). And instrumental in that has been Dobson.

Let’s be honest, the first 20 minutes were pretty scrappy, with Doncaster enjoying plenty of possession, while we suffered what looks like another groin injury as Leko was unable to continue, Jaiyesimi coming on to replace him. We still managed to create the only chance of the period, one which we were unfortunate not to score from (or instead give credit to their defender). A cross from the right saw Stockley compete but not get on the end of it only for it to run on to Purrington. He dinked it back inside to Lee. His shot beat the keeper but was somehow blocked on the line.

So it was still a slight surprise that we took the lead, with the opener carrying some good fortune. Purrington, who had already been booked, won a free kick on the left and Lee curled it in. It ended up beating Stockley’s attempt to get his head to it but then also their keeper, who was left stranded as it continued its path into the far corner of the net. 10 minutes later and the game was, with hindsight, effectively won. We had the ball in a threatening position only to lose it, seemingly setting Doncaster off on a dangerous break, only for Dobson to steal it back and slide it forward down the right side to Gilbey. He tussled with the defender both outside and then inside the box, then went to ground. That gave the ref a decision to make and he gave the penalty. A soft one no doubt but probably just about the correct call. Washington stepped up and as their keeper moved to his right planted in the net to his left.

With Doncaster clearly dispirited the only surprise/disappointment was that we didn’t add to the lead before the break. A Washington shot was well saved, then after Dobson played in Washington his cross was somehow not converted by a combination of Purrington, Lee and Stockley.

Just before the break the Doncaster manager saw yellow for a vocal protest and it pretty much summed up how they must have felt. The only issue was whether or not they would come out fighting in the second half and whether we might pay for not finishing the game off with a third.

In the event we needn’t have worried. More chances came and went in this period, Stockley forcing another save from their keeper then having had it teed up for him on a plate by DJ heading rather tamely. But on the hour mark any concerns were eased. Lee was fouled just outside the box on the left side and opted to shoot low to the keeper’s right. It was a decent effort but spilled and Stockley was on hand to tap in the rebound. For good measure, with still over 20 minutes left we scored a fourth. A cross from the right side to the far edge of the penalty area saw Purrington far more determined than his marker to get on the end of it. His header back across goal might have been saved but wasn’t.

Thereafter it was just about whether we would add to the total (we didn’t, although another cross almost produced what would have looked like an own goal, coming back off the crossbar), whether we would keep a clean sheet (we did), and who might be rested a little with Tuesday’s game in mind. Clare came on for Lee, Davison for Washington. Then whether or not it was pre-arranged, the Sir Chris leap from the tunnel was performed first by Dobson, then by Pearce, and finally by Euell.

We know that Tuesday night against Rotherham will see tougher opposition. By the same token, it will probably be another similar set-up (presumably Leko won’t be available) and the players are looking like they are getting familiar and comfortable with it. Certain combinations are working well, with Gilbey looking good in tandem with Lee going forward, confident that Dobson will not leave us exposed if we lose possession. One step at a time. It will be a different challenge to both Sunderland and Doncaster, the acid test being whether the defence will be able to deliver a third consecutive shut-out.

Player Ratings:

MacGillivray – 7/10. What mark do you give a keeper who had nothing to save?

Gunter – 7/10. Decent game, Matthews’ injury giving him another opportunity earlier than he might have expected. Nothing dramatic but when the defence gives away nothing the defenders should get some credit.

Pearce – 8/10. Kept it simple and one slice apart error-free. Not once did Doncaster get in behind us.

Famewo – 8/10. Same as Pearce really in that he did what was necessary entirely competently; also pleasing that he seems calmer than a couple of weeks ago.

Purrington – 8/10. Scored from the most difficult chance he’s had in the past couple of games, otherwise effective in making things happen down the left.

Dobson – 9/10. For Sunderland and today, he’s providing the energy and effort in front of the defence and just behind the attack, helping to compress the game for the opposition when they have possession. Good to see.

Leko – No mark, only on the pitch for the first 15 minutes, hopefully not too bad an injury as he has been excellent and we need him.

Gilbey – 8/10. Seems to be enjoying the greater freedom to play now that he has Lee and Washington for company and Dobson behind.

Lee – 8/10. Really does add quality going forward, another impressive game.

Washington – 7/10. Having him in the team instead of another wider player is working well at the moment.

Stockley – 7/10. He really should have had a hat-trick, but that will be for another day.

Subs:

Jaiyesimi – 8/10. Did well to come on early in the game prove a threat throughout, some quality crosses put in.

Clare – 7/10. No complaints but the game was truly done and dusted by the time he came on.

Davison – No mark, only on right at the end.