BFTG - Rotherham

[Hendo]

See us play better and lose. It's about time we didn't play very well but still managed to win the game.

Not a lot else to add apart from echoing the praises of Hector, HRK and Rekels. Thought we looked much more dangerous when we went 2 upfront.

[wingnut]

The (alleged) penalty was when the ref booked their player for diving in the box in the first half surely?

Thanks, probably says volumes on how memorable the game was that I'd completely forgotten that, but now you've jogged my memory I didn't think it was a penalty (admittedly from up the other end of the ground)

Looked absolutely nailed on where we were sat (at the right end and facing the incident) - we were staggered and mightily relieved when we realised the ref wasn't actually pointing to the spot.

Yep, same. I sit in a similar position and there looked to be clear contact. Almost as bad a decision as where Halford was awarded a free kick for flinging himself at Hector.

[Dr_Hfuhruhurr]

Rotherham set up 4231

Gosh, if Rotherham are doing it now - wing play really is dead.
Sorry Garath but it looks like you need to start thinking about what to stock in your sports shop.

Wasnt at the game, but a win is a win, I suppose.

[Winston Smith]

1. that was an abysmal game of football
2. looked like they should have had a penalty
3. lol @ the ref booking them for everything and ignoring fouls we committed
4. I was so bored I counted the stewards in the away end. there were 23 (twenty three) of them.

[sandman]

We saw why Ola John hasn't been starting up to now. As an impact sub he has been great. Yesterday he was totally anonymous in a game that cried out for an impact player. Sure it is only one game but on that evidence he will struggle to get a place in the starting XI again.

HRK was clear MOM. A shining light in a very dull game.

John was the only one trying anything in the first half.

[Pepe the Horseman]

We saw why Ola John hasn't been starting up to now. As an impact sub he has been great. Yesterday he was totally anonymous in a game that cried out for an impact player. Sure it is only one game but on that evidence he will struggle to get a place in the starting XI again.

HRK was clear MOM. A shining light in a very dull game.

John was the only one trying anything in the first half.

Agreed. Constantly looking for the ball and trying to make things happen.

[bobby1413]

I tweeted BBCRB saying they sounded like we'd one. Last night was one of those games that you just have to get the result and for once we came and did that - amazing! Cold, Tuesday night, after the great scenes on Saturday it was a tough ask based on recent performances for us to come and do the job. It looked in doubt into the second half as Rotherham had done a good job of constantly stopping the game, fouling, barging and digging at players - classic Warnock tactics. HRK a class act in remaining calm and placing the ball.

The same bellmonts behind me in row CC (I think) of Y25 chanting hilariously "we're fcking sh1t" - great.

I noticed at the end the guys who stand in Y26 on the edge near the away fans were giving it large. The whole block was exiting down the stairs after final whistle but this group insisted on staying where they were and were giving them the finger, shakey wrist signs, "come on then" signs... I can to some extent understand this if it's a packed away end, a tight contest, a team who we've just done over and upset on a day when the atmosphere is good. But tuesday night against the 300 Rotherham fans ... grow up.

[RoyalRuss86]

Ola John played well, not sure you can label him as only being a good "impact sub". He worked hard and always offered an option, rarely giving the ball away, needed a Rakels type up top with him not Kermorgant, who surprisingly nobody on here has slated properly, he was woeful pooor movement and shocking attemps on goal, not impressed with him at all!

Also I have always been anti our goalkeeping section since the loss of Feders, however in recent weeks Al Habsi is really winning me over, last night he made a cracking save from a header destined for the bottom corner, managing to tip it away at full stretch, TOP save!

All in all very boring game only made worse, that the tickets I obtained were in the upper West stand, which was truly horrendous!

[Maneki Neko]

Ugly but strangely satisfying

This could go on your headstone.

LOLOOF

[Maneki Neko]

We saw why Ola John hasn't been starting up to now. As an impact sub he has been great. Yesterday he was totally anonymous in a game that cried out for an impact player. Sure it is only one game but on that evidence he will struggle to get a place in the starting XI again.

.

thought he was decent, kept having a go, did a few nice bits, but was isolated and miles from the single striker.

I'm not really sure why John was taken off

he is incapable of playing 90 mins and was totally shot after 60

[Maneki Neko]

The (alleged) penalty was when the ref booked their player for diving in the box in the first half surely?

Thanks, probably says volumes on how memorable the game was that I'd completely forgotten that, but now you've jogged my memory I didn't think it was a penalty (admittedly from up the other end of the ground)

Looked absolutely nailed on where we were sat (at the right end and facing the incident) - we were staggered and mightily relieved when we realised the ref wasn't actually pointing to the spot.

yeah, that.

looked nailed on

[furthest flung fan]

It's a bit weird commenting on a game that I had to get up early to follow using online newsfeeds from 13,000 miles away in NZ, but here goes! Sometimes distance brings clarity re the bigger picture...
Our form in the League has been hugely disappointing and 'turgid' would have to be the best word to describe the tedious flow of information that dribbled onto my screen this morning. The goal was a long time coming and was a huge relief. It seemed to come from nowhere.
However, has anyone noticed that since New Years Day, we've only lost two of 12 games, and we were only then beaten by the odd goal each time? We've scored 19 and only let in 10 goals. I know that most of that is inflated by FA Cup baloney, but nevertheless...we seemed to have stopped the rot that had set in earlier in the season and there's less far less red in the results column. Essentially, those draws now need to become wins...

[Top Flight]

I thought playing a 4-1-4-1 formation with Hector sitting between defence and midfield was a bit negative from Brian last night. I can understand playing that way against free scoring Burnley and I can understand using that system against Premier league West Brom who had such threats as Sessegnon and Berahino, Fletcher, McLean, Rondon and Anichebe. But against Rotherham, I don't think it was necessary to have the Hector insurance policy and it resulted in a dour, scrappy game of few chances that we were lucky to win thanks to a moment of brilliance from Hal Robson Kanu. That game could have ended 0-0 just like Burnley and Wolves before it.

We really needed Cox or Rakels starting instead of Hector to give us a little bit more up front. Then we might have had a more entertaining game. In any case, I'm happy with the three points. I love McDermott, he's doing a great job and Hector performed his role in expert fashion.

It might be that Brian was practising that 4-1-4-1 formation and giving Hector more experience in that role so that he can become more accomplished and experienced playing there by the time the Palace game rolls around and we will need that insurance policy sitting between midfield and attack.

We're 14 points off relegation and promotion so our league season is effectively over. The league games are now all about experimentation and planning for next season. Give Cooper as much experience as possible and bring his game on. Maybe bring Dominic Samuel back from his loan and start blooding him into our first team. We had a strikeforce on the pitch last night in Rakels and Kermorgant who have never scored a goal for Reading. I hope that situation will change soon.

Our season is now all about the cup and that massive game against Pardew's Palace. Hopefully Brian will ensure that our lads are ready for that one. Don't risk Vydra and Williams against Charlton if they are not fully fit. The Charlton game doesn't matter anymore. All attention should now go to the FA Cup. Let's get to Wembley.

[Brum Royal]

Thanks, probably says volumes on how memorable the game was that I'd completely forgotten that, but now you've jogged my memory I didn't think it was a penalty (admittedly from up the other end of the ground)

Looked absolutely nailed on where we were sat (at the right end and facing the incident) - we were staggered and mightily relieved when we realised the ref wasn't actually pointing to the spot.

Yep, same. I sit in a similar position and there looked to be clear contact. Almost as bad a decision as where Halford was awarded a free kick for flinging himself at Hector.

Was in the north east corner last night for a change and had to say the four of us were all in instant agreement that it was a penalty rather than a dive.

[tidus_mi2]

I'm in Y20 and it definitely looked a penalty, when the referee blew the whistle I was instantly chastising Cooper for a stupid tackle and a stupid penalty to give away when I realised the referee had given it to us, will definitely be watching the extended highlight.

[Top Flight]

McDermott really seems to have the midas touch when it comes to substitutions.

When he is ready to make a change the goal usually follows within 2 minutes.

[Brum Royal]

Pretty turgid game overall, and agree with most of what has been posted so far so I won't repeat it: better with 442, HRK MotM, good save from AAH to keep us in it.

The Rotherham squad last night was like something from Championship Manager 2008 - Matt Derbyshire, Jerome Thomas, Leon Best, Lloyd Doyley, Danny Collins.

The only thing I was slightly surprised/disappointed by was the attendance. I thought we'd have managed more than 13,400 ish given the amount of ticket offers and incentives the club put on for the game last night.

[John Madejski's Wallet]

I'm in Y20 and it definitely looked a penalty, when the referee blew the whistle I was instantly chastising Cooper for a stupid tackle and a stupid penalty to give away when I realised the referee had given it to us, will definitely be watching the extended highlight.

Yeah Y20 here

We were well chuffed it wasn't given as it was nailed on and were pissing ourselves laughing when he got booked for the dive. Brilliant!

[John Madejski's Wallet]

We saw why Ola John hasn't been starting up to now. As an impact sub he has been great. Yesterday he was totally anonymous in a game that cried out for an impact player. Sure it is only one game but on that evidence he will struggle to get a place in the starting XI again.

HRK was clear MOM. A shining light in a very dull game.

John was the only one trying anything in the first half.

Agreed. Constantly looking for the ball and trying to make things happen.

A couple of people (sounded like Y20/Y21) seem to really not like him.
Heard a few shouts of "get him of FFS" when he lost the ball.

Was a bit as I thought he was pretty decent

[Zammo]

Highlight of the entire evening was the Steel Band playing outside the East Stand before the game.