Albion Rovers v Stenhousemuir POST MATCH 1-3

[Deleted]

Thought that was really disappointing

First half, the performance looked disjointed. Rovers seem to alternate between a 433 attacking shape and 442 defensive shape, but it always seems like in the 433 attacking shape, the 3 central midfield couldnt get involved in the game.

The back four were playing the ball too long, too early. This wasnt giving much chance for either Matt Aitken to hold the ball up as he would always be outnumbered by the Stenhousemuir centrebacks, or allow the midfield to press up in support as they have too much ground to make up in transition.

Aitken however did put himself about manfully and was arguably the main source of creativity with his individual runs and unselfish link up play.

The style of play also had the knock on effect of leaving the Rovers back 4 unprotected without a sitting player, which meant there was always space available "in the hole" for Stenhousemuir.

Second half was more competitive, but a distinct lack of quality other than when the game was already gone. Good play from Aitken again with strength and layoff for Doherty, but conceding a free header in the box from a wide free kick was poor and then there was too much space between midfield and defence allowing Stenhousemuir to run at the heart of the defence with passing options for the third goal.

Standout Players: For Rovers, Matt Aitken was excellent in using his physicality and skill to bring others into play. Ecrepont rarely beaten in 1 v 1 defensive situations. For Stenhousemuir, Their central midfield number 7 essentially ran the game from the middle of the pitch.

[charlestheoptimist]

The experience of the Stenhousemuir team was self evident today. They held up the ball well and could knock it about. The combination of Tapping/Spence/Smith etc shone through and they know how to play in this league. We will come up against similar teams this season and we need to grow into this league quite quickly to avoid being Brechins bed fellows again - a learning curve

[bucky]

I didn’t watch the game today. Were there any positives?

I an assuming Rovers will have the lowest budget in the league. From the first week of results looks as if Edinburgh, Annan and Elgin all have solid teams . Was quite impressed with Elgin last season actually. While Stirling, QP and Stranraer will have fairly healthy budgets too. Brechin seemed to have started from where the left off from last season. Early days yet I suppose.

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2020 17:07:36 GMT bucky said:

I didn’t watch the game today. Were there any positives?

I an assuming Rovers will have the lowest budget in the league. From the first week of results looks as if Edinburgh, Annan and Elgin all have solid teams . Was quite impressed with Elgin last season actually. While Stirling, QP and Stranraer will have fairly healthy budgets too. Brechin seemed to have started from where the left off from last season. Early days yet I suppose.

It wasn't a great performance however it's a new and very young inexperienced team so it's bound to be a bit up and down.

We have played much better in the previous games so there's hope there and Stenhousemuir looked a more settled and experienced group.

Given the short time the manager has had to work with the group it's always going to be difficult.

A couple of old heads within the spine of the team would certainly help but as you say the budget probably precludes that.
Hopefully youthful exuberance will win the day 😂😂

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2020 17:07:36 GMT bucky said:

I didn’t watch the game today. Were there any positives?

I an assuming Rovers will have the lowest budget in the league. From the first week of results looks as if Edinburgh, Annan and Elgin all have solid teams . Was quite impressed with Elgin last season actually. While Stirling, QP and Stranraer will have fairly healthy budgets too. Brechin seemed to have started from where the left off from last season. Early days yet I suppose.

One positive is definitely Aitken up front. Has so many good qualities to his game. An all round forward who can link play, hold it up, and finish too.

Another positive is the team is full of pace. Always possess a threat on the break and a threat when isolating opponents in 1 v 1 situations.

[bucky]

Stenny highlights www.stenhousemuirfc.com/match/albion-rovers-vs-stenhousemuir-4/

Again a goal lost from a set piece as poor as you will see for the rest of this season. Unfortunately for us it’s the goal that kills the game stane deid.

[Deleted]

Lost a poor goal from a set piece. Just like last season. The manager said himself he needs experience in the squad in the scandaltiser last week but getting players to sign for us proving difficult. Understandable but if it doesn't happen it could be a repeat of last season.

[Nanook]

jimbo42 lighten up, one league match in, give the very young squad a break, they are learning on the job.

Late December will be time enough for doom and gloom.

[Deleted]

Just concerned from what I've seen in the games so far. It's always set pieces and it was last year too. In a shortened season not sure we have the luxury of learning on the job but an experienced head in central defence would be a godsend for the young players.

[charlestheoptimist]

I feel like an old worn out gramophone record here when I reiterate that goals conceded from set pieces/corners has been our downfall for the past 3 seasons . We need some big ugly centre half to get himself into that box to get the defence sorted out and can throw himself about. We have had some great guys in the past Shields/Leishman/Dunlop - a combination of these 3 is whats required . No slight on the young guys but some auld heid needed in there.
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