fbm
Blue tinted optimist⭐
On the face of it, things couldn't look much rosier.
We went to Bristol, deservedly won 2-1 and Bristol had little to indicate that they would pose any threat at all. Their main man, Junior Agogo, was more like Junior Agogone as he was completely dominated by Prior.
Since then we have all been absolutely full of the probablity that we will be off to Cardiff again. We have yet to concede a goal at the Hall this year, and Rovers need at least 2. Even then, they have to rely on our strikers drawing blanks which, these days, doesn't happen too often.
So the odds are stacked in our favour.
Or are they?
I'm sure that the players, whilst publicly stating the job is only half-done, will think subconsciously that it's almost nailed on.
This is a very dangerous scoreline.
If we get an early goal, then hurrah! 3-1 ahead and surely no way back for Bristol.
But if that happens then nothing has changed - Bristol still need 2 goals, except that that will now take us to extra time and possibly penalties. And if they get them, then anything can happen.
I would almost be happier if we had drawn the first leg or even lost 2-1 - simply because the players then would have the right mental attitude going into the game.
I really cannot see us losing though - and I think that is the danger.
Anyone remember Liverpool v Arsenal a few years back in the championship decider when all Liverpool had to do was avoid losing by 2 goals at Anfield? They hadn't even conceded 2 goals at Anfield for the entire season IIRC, let alone lost by 2.
Of course, Arsenal duly obliged and Michael Thomas nicked the last minute 2nd goal after Alan Smith had opened the scoring midway through the second half.
So I guess that unless we race into an early 3-0 lead, it's going to be a very nervous night.
We went to Bristol, deservedly won 2-1 and Bristol had little to indicate that they would pose any threat at all. Their main man, Junior Agogo, was more like Junior Agogone as he was completely dominated by Prior.
Since then we have all been absolutely full of the probablity that we will be off to Cardiff again. We have yet to concede a goal at the Hall this year, and Rovers need at least 2. Even then, they have to rely on our strikers drawing blanks which, these days, doesn't happen too often.
So the odds are stacked in our favour.
Or are they?
I'm sure that the players, whilst publicly stating the job is only half-done, will think subconsciously that it's almost nailed on.
This is a very dangerous scoreline.
If we get an early goal, then hurrah! 3-1 ahead and surely no way back for Bristol.
But if that happens then nothing has changed - Bristol still need 2 goals, except that that will now take us to extra time and possibly penalties. And if they get them, then anything can happen.
I would almost be happier if we had drawn the first leg or even lost 2-1 - simply because the players then would have the right mental attitude going into the game.
I really cannot see us losing though - and I think that is the danger.
Anyone remember Liverpool v Arsenal a few years back in the championship decider when all Liverpool had to do was avoid losing by 2 goals at Anfield? They hadn't even conceded 2 goals at Anfield for the entire season IIRC, let alone lost by 2.
Of course, Arsenal duly obliged and Michael Thomas nicked the last minute 2nd goal after Alan Smith had opened the scoring midway through the second half.
So I guess that unless we race into an early 3-0 lead, it's going to be a very nervous night.
