Swindon Town followed up their poor performance against Port Vale with much of the same as Town drop to a 2-1 loss against Doncaster Rovers at the County Ground.
Town started off well in the first half and looked as if they put the shambles of a week ago behind them however after the first 10 or so minutes Doncaster had most of the play and were attacking towards the Town End.
Doncaster’s Brian Stock finally gave Rovers the lead on the 32nd minute after goalkeeper Peter Brezovan failed to save a fairly easy shot to give Doncaster a 1-0 advantage going into half time. Town would leave the pitch to a corus of boo’s at half time.
Town would come back out and playing towards the Town End should have given them an advantage after the break.
Simon Cox would score his 6th goal for Town after Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan fumbled the ball in the goal mouth to make the score 1-1.
Strangely after the goal Town sat back and relaxed as did the fans in the Town End who decided to turn their attentions to Town’s match in 2 weeks time against Leeds. For some bizzare reason the fans decided to sing about Dennis Wise instead of backing the team.
In the second half Sofiene Zaaboub who had been poor all game did much of the same and was finally replaced by Christian Roberts. Something tells us that Zaaboub will not be starting for some time after this performance.
On the 73rd minute Doncaster would be rewarded for their dominance as Lewis Guy scored his 6th goal of the campaign to give Doncaster a 2-1 edge over Town.
Swindon manager Paul Sturrock would mix the pack up shortly thereafter and bring Barry Corr and later Blair Sturrock into the game to boost Town’s attacking options.
The final score, Swindon Town 1, Doncaster Rovers 2. A deserved win for Doncaster for a Swindon team that seems to have other things on their minds right now.
Town better do something and do something quick if they are to have a chance against Leyton Orient on Tuesday night. The loss drops Town to 11th in the League One table.
Player Ratings
Peter Brezovan – 6
Does not look the same keeper he was last season. Seems a little nervous or worried he will break his arm again. Should have saved Brian Stock’s shot after making contact with it.
Hasney Aljofree – 6
Looked good at the back alongside Ifil.
Jerel Ifil – 8
Absoultely immense at the back and the only player who really looked solid all game despite being injured.
Miguel Comminges – 6
Looked ok at the back and ran about a bit. Put in some decent crosses.
Andy Nicholas – 6
Nicholas is becoming a very good player again in League One. Has not really set a foot wrong but gave the ball away a bit.
Sofiene Zaaboub – 4
Very very poor in the first half, Came back out the second half and looked a difference player for 10-15 minutes and then became poor again. What happened to the Sofiene from last year? HAS to be dropped against Leyton Orient.
Craig Easton – 7
Looked solid in the middle and was Town’s best midfielder on the day.
J.P McGovern – 6
Worst game for J.P since arriving from MK Dons. Looked most effective when Roberts was on the other wing.
Billy Paynter – 6
Paynter ran about a bit but never really looked like scoring. Was replaced by Barry Corr late in the game.
Lee Peacock – 6
Something looked to be missing from Lee’s game but that could be down to the players around him who were poor. Peacock ran around as he usually does.
Simon Cox – 6
Ran around in circles at times and gave the ball away. Cox also needs to learn to pass when their are players open.
Blair Sturrock – 6
Didn’t really see much of the ball. Was booed by the home fans for some ridiculous reason.
Barry Corr – 6
Missed a golden chance to score the equaliser at the 89th minute mark.
Next Match
Should have started. I think with Roberts starting, McGovern may have played better as well. Roberts ran around and will hopefully start Tuesday against Leyton Orient.
Manager Rating
Paul Sturrock 7/10 – Well he went with the team that on it’s day has been fantastic but this is against lower opposition. Sturrock has played with being loyal to players but that has to end. Zaaboub for example has to be dropped and replaced by Roberts, We look a better side with Roberts in it. The transfer embargo and injuries to players are not helping at the moment. It was a case really of he did the best with what he has however I expect atleast 2 changes going into Tuesday nights match against Leyton Orient.
Opponent Rating
Sean O’Driscoll 8/10 – Knowing Town are solid at the back, O’Driscoll played a game of attack attack attack and it paid off with 3 points. Doncaster’s substitutions were made late and delayed any momentum Town would try and get late in the game. Doncaster are now 8th in League One and climbing.
Match Stats
Click HERE for all the stats from the Swindon Town, Doncaster Rovers match.
New Poll
After Sofiene Zaaboub’s performances as of late, do you think he should be dropped? Simply look on the right hand side of the screen and scroll down to cast your vote.
Next Match
Coca Cola League One: Swindon Town V Leyton Orient, Tuesday 6 November 2007, 7:45pm Kick Off.
Very Poor game, I wonder if the off the field stuff is effecting the team now or is it the lack of people pushing for their places as Sturrock looks to reduce the squad.
i agree i think off field is effecting the team , would nt have give zaboub a 4 very harsh . brez lokked dodgy in goal , think we would have at least drawn with smith in goal
I was in the Donny end and you had two clear cut penalties not given in the first half. If it had been in front of your fans I am sure they would have been given.