Daniel Ainsworth gives his verdict as goals from Bradley Dack and Sam Gallagher hand Rovers their first win in eight matches…
The win at Millwall was a much-needed one for Rovers, and it was a pleasure to watch from home.
Rovers dominated proceedings and deserved all three points, and the goals for Dack and Gallagher will only boost their confidence.
The visitors started well and after Dack grabbed the opener on 18 minutes, Rovers appeared to be in control – the fact they haven’t lost a match in which they scored first speaks volumes.
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Chances came for both sides before the break, and although Rovers were unlucky to not be two ahead into the break, leading would have been the main objective.
Millwall rarely threatened in the second half, with Tom Trybull – who undoubtedly had the stand-out showing of his loan spell – sweeping away any danger that arose.
And Rovers got their deserved second fifteen minutes from time, with Gallagher getting a deserved goal after a positive performance.
What won the match, or played a large part towards it, was Mowbray’s team selection and tactics.
The absence of leading scorer Adam Armstrong was worrying when the teams were announced, and with Tyrhys Dolan given the chance to lead the line, many – including myself – were sceptical about the 18-year-old facing up against a strong, physical Millwall defence.
However – and Mowbray fully deserves credit – Dolan’s tiredless running and persistence caused havoc for the Lions’ defence all afternoon.
The aforementioned Trybull filled the hole in front of the defence expertly, whilst Darragh Lenihan put in a real captain’s performance to lead the back line to a clean sheet.
Mowbray’s tactics and formations have come under scrutiny in this terrible run, and rightly so, but the Rovers boss deserves credit for the perfect approach against a side that had lost only three matches at home prior to this match.
The performances haven’t been up to the standard any of us expect in recent weeks, but Rovers’ spirit and fight was still evidential and was clear for all to see in this victory.
When results aren’t going your way, you still know the players want to get it right and care about the club, something that we have seen throughout Tony Mowbray’s time in charge of the club.
Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
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1 Comment
It was fantastic to turn things around and get a win after such a horrendous run of results. Dolan, Gallagher, Lenihan and Harwood-Bellis all had outstanding performances, as well as Trybull. Just when I was starting to despair, this win has lifted spirits. C’mon Rovers!!!!