Fantalk

Heilan Rover · Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 600 Location: Lorient

Well this is as big a Game as we have played for a wee while.

I am ALWAYS nervous about playing our West Fife Rivals, and it is no different for me this time round. We have made some changes to our squad this year, and we are playing a Dunfermline who pretty much walked the first division last season. It has the makings of a game that will give both teams an indication of where they currently stand, at least against each other, in the upcoming Championship league. Having said this, it will only be a marker for both teams, but it might be an important marker to heed? I also acknowledge there are many more teams in our upcoming league, but these local Derby games seem somehow to be more exciting usually ending with one team's supporters holding the bragging rights, at least until the next time we both meet.

It has been a contrasting warm up for both teams with Rovers arguably playing with respect, "lesser opposition" and the Pars conversely choosing somewhat trickier opponents. Their first game getting beat 3-0 by the German side FC St Pauli, then drawing 1-1 with Cove Rangers, St Johnstone, and Hearts, with a game against Alloa still to be played before Saturday.

There is a school of thought that suggests playing easier opposition and winning every game is very good for positive team confidence and morale. Another school of thought submits playing more difficult opposition will sharpen your team's play because you have played against faster, more skilful opposition.

I wonder which of the two Manager's choices will have prevailed at 1930 on Saturday evening?

I personally can't wait for the competitive games of this coming season to start.

COYR

Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1873 Location: Irvine

I agree HR.
Doesn’t matter who you play in the league, each game has the same points value however , the mindset of individuals can and will shape the team.
A never say die attitude along with a “ let’s get it right up them” can turn average players into good players.

The game is played in the brain. I dunno if the club employs positive thinking coaches, what I do know is that without the right attitude, skills of a physical nature are useless.

Personally, I think this is gonna be a tough season with ( on paper anyway) a good few teams scrapping it out.

Luck aside, the battlers will prevail.

Also, to be fair to IM, methinks he has got us a decent squad together.

🤞🤞🤞that we have some luck regarding injuries Rolling Eyes

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TxRover · Joined: 02 Jun 2018 Posts: 3511 Location: North Texas, USA

Cove would theoretically be the closest match for our “test” against Montrose. Similarity, “early” in the cycle…but, let’s be honest, it dinna mean much. All four coaches were toying with players, trialists and alignments.

My take from our preseason is that our defence is a work in progress, though ahead of last year…midfield is similar, with DM issues right now, and the attack looks better.

Known factors:
Out - Matthews, Brown, Connolly, Ross
Questions - Corr

Pars seem to be a bit unsettled at RB and a wee bit lacking in the attack, based upon a quick perusal of their cries for signings, and still have a match versus Alloa to go.

scotty · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 9065 Location: Almost Dysart.

A reasonably settled Pars side albeit with limited striking options with a defeat and 3 draws against stronger opposition, as opposed to us, an unbeaten if slightly unsettled side.

I'm always apprehensive with derbies and this one is no different, we are favourites and that bothers me too.

From what I've seen and heard so far I still think we are suspect defensively but more worrying is the midfield which looks ok in posession but a bit weak when they're not.
Even up top I feel we aren't really firing yet, Hamilton isn't ready, Vaughan is too greedy. Thankfully Gullan seems to have found form.

I'm hopeful that the return of Brown and Matthews in midfield will cure the middle third issue, bringing in another defender and with Hamilton getting 100% will have us where we want to be, but I feel were not there, just not yet.
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Competitive goals: Vaughan 18, Easton 11, Hamilton 10, Smith 9, Stanton 7, Mullin 4, Connolly 3, O'Reilly 3, Rudden 3, S Brown 1, Dick 1, Gullan 1, Masson 1, Millen 1, Mitchell 1, Murray, Watson 1, OG's 1,

wellyboot · Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 2567 Location: Aberdeenshire

We have competition for places and there is a feel good factor about us just now. A win will increase the confidence. 6-0 Rovers

Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1873 Location: Irvine

Heilan Rover · Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 600 Location: Lorient

Neil M · Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 2591 Location: Aberdeen

embow · Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 8:59 am Post subject:

No Chris Hamilton for Pars. Sent off last night v Alloa in a friendly.
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Heilan Rover · Joined: 24 Dec 2018 Posts: 600 Location: Lorient

Aye Embow, no Hamilton. However the Alloa game told us very little about the Pars team we will be facing on Saturday, as they pretty much fielded a very young squad with fewer than usual first team choices.

Yes, a clever fella this McPake Chap. We'll have to watch out for his tactics (Again!)

Long time fan · Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Posts: 79 Location: Kirkcaldy

I’d like to see Scott McGill play the Brown/Mathews position on Saturday. The lad has a great engine and would provide some much need bite in that area. The other channel keeps going into meltdown about centre half’s, but hey we have time and young players to try out with the experienced Watson, with Dick and Millen at full backs for the league cup.

A few weeks to find our feet before the league starts and maybe to sign some defenders. Brown and or Mathews are a huge loss to the team, maybe young Scott could hold the fort in the mean time.

Cuparman · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 1873 Location: Irvine

I see the rovers v scum match is on via play at 5.15 Saturday. Rolling Eyes

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Born a Rover Live a Rover Die a Rover

Vinnie · Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:19 pm Post subject:

3200 tickets sold up till now with 2000 being home supporters
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THERES FIVE OF ME

Franco · Joined: 10 Oct 2019 Posts: 1196 Location: kirkcaldy

Looking forward to the Fife Derby today !
Five fifteen seems too far away.

Yes, we have injury issues and our defensive qualities are largely untested, but I feel a buzz about this match.Maybe it's the rumble of the thunder I've just heard !
If Corr doesn't make it, I expect the back line to be Millen, Watson, Dick and McGill. At least that has the benefit of allowing Keith Watson to play on his natural side.
One last thing: Lewis Vaughan does love a goal against the Pars😁
C'mon The Rovers!

scotty · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 9065 Location: Almost Dysart.

Gerrintaeum! They're Townie Scum

or if you're posh

Challenge those Dumfermline chappies.
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Competitive goals: Vaughan 18, Easton 11, Hamilton 10, Smith 9, Stanton 7, Mullin 4, Connolly 3, O'Reilly 3, Rudden 3, S Brown 1, Dick 1, Gullan 1, Masson 1, Millen 1, Mitchell 1, Murray, Watson 1, OG's 1,