Tough At The Top - Brighton Preview

Bristol Rovers go into this weekends game against Brighton with a defensive crisis on their hands, Carl Regan being suspended for three games and James Tunnicliffe unable to play against his parent club. With Brighton's Falmer Stadium project coming along well this is also likely to be Rovers last ever visit to the Withdean Stadium.

Paul Trollope will be hoping for a change in fortune following the appalling performance his side put in against Leyton Orient last Saturday, losing 3-0 and having Regan sent off in the process. It was in stark difference to the exhilarating 6-3 victory away at Wycombe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy just five days earlier where travelling gasheads would dare to dream about free flowing attacking football. That wasn't to last, however, as Rovers returned to their usual ways at the weekend.

The upcoming game will be far more difficult than the Orient test should have been, Brighton topping the table by six points from second place Charlton, whom Rovers must face on Tuesday. That being said, Brighton lost their last league game, a 3-1 reverse away to Hartlepool, and were also taken to extra time and penalties by Conference South side Woking, Peter Brezovan saving Elvis Hammonds penalty, allowing Cristian Baz to score the winning penalty for the Seagulls. Speaking in league only terms Brighton have lost only that game to Hartlepool in their last eight, winning their four previous games and scoring twelve times in the process including a three goal win at Peterborough and a four goal win at Charlton. Their home form has also been solid, in their last five at home Brighton have only failed to win one game, a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth thanks to a debatable injury time penalty, converted by Marc Pugh.

Rovers have failed to win in their last three away league games, losing two and only just managing a point at Hartlepool after two goals in the last five minutes salvaging the draw. Since then the Gas have played two more games on the road in the cup, disastrously losing at Darlington in the FA Cup before that aforementioned win at Wycombe.

There has been a summer of change at Albion with eleven players coming in, ten of them permanently, and thirteen players leaving the club in some form. Only two of those players coming in were paid for, they were Ashley Barnes, signing from Plymouth for an undisclosed fee, and centre back Gordon Greer for whom Brighton paid £250,000 to Swindon for, and both should be in the starting line up for Saturday. Barnes is the clubs top scorer this season with seven goals thus far, all of which have come in the league. It is his second spell with the club, having spent time on loan at the Withdean at the end of last season, scoring four goals in eight games for the Seagulls before he made his move from Plymouth permanent. But one of Brighton's most influential players will not be playing. Kazenga LuaLua, on loan from Newcastle United, was left with a broken ankle following a bad challenge in the Hartlepool loss. The side will miss his electric pace and the threat on goal from both himself and the potential to create for team mates that comes with it. Gus Poyet stated in an interview earlier this week that he was going to move quickly to bring in a replacement on loan for the winger in order to cover for him during his absence.

Brighton is Gus Poyet's first job as a manager but he does have previous in the coaching game. Poyet's coaching career started at Swindon Town where he was employed as player/assistant coach under his former Chesea team mate Dennis Wise before the pair moved on to Elland Road where they kept the same set up. In October 2007 Poyet moved on again to become assistant to Juande Ramos at Premier League Tottenham before he left the club alongside Ramos after Spurs poor start to the 2008/09 season. Nearly a year later Poyet was handed the opportunity to take over at Brighton where he lead the club away from the foot of the table to a respectable 13th place finish.

Since returning to League 1 in 2007 Rovers are yet to beat Brighton having drawn three and lost three of the six fixtures between the two sides. The last time Rovers recorded a victory against the Seagulls was in the 2004/05 season. That was a first round League Cup fixture at the Withdean where Rovers initially went behind to a Guy Butters goal but before half time they were ahead thanks to strikes from Lee Thorpe and Richard Walker. Prior to that fixture Rovers and Brighton had not faced each other for eight seasons and that was also the last time Rovers won a league match, Peter Beadle getting the goal that day.

Will Hoskins is still missing for Rovers but his rehabilitation is moving along quicker than expected and could be back in full training in a weeks time. Charlie Reece is still out having suffered back spasms prior to the Wycombe game. John Akinde may be available for the game, with Paul Trollope hoping he is able to train on Friday morning. Carl Regan will be serving the first game of his three match suspension while fellow defender James Tunnicliffe will not be allowed to play against his parent club Brighton. The substitute bench will have a youthful look to it as Lamar Powell, a player who has just signed his first professional deal with Rovers, will be sat on it as well as midfielders Darren Jeffries and Ollie Clarke, and, possibly, for the first time youth team striker Robbi Maggs, depending on the fitness of John Akinde.

Brighton will be without Kazenga LuaLua due to his broken ankle, as was mentioned earlier. The Seagulls will also be missing Alan Navarro who is a long term absentee as he recovers from a ruptured cruciate ligament while former Chelsea youngster Liam Bridcutt who is suspended. Assistant manager Mauricio Taricco will also be suspended after receiving two bookings in the FA Cup replay with Woking when making his first professional appearance for six years. One player who may potentially feature is Chris Woods, who has just signed on loan for Albion. His is a name familiar to Rovers fans as he was touted by many media outlets as a loan signing for Rovers, although no deal ever went through.

Gas gaffer Paul Trollope knows how tough a test Brighton will be and what his team must do to counteract them. He told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"Up to a month ago, even at the top it was very tight, but they have got a little bit of a lead now.

"They invested heavily in the summer, and got some quality players. We know it is going to be a tough test.

"We are going to approach it as we approached Huddersfield away. We went there and put in a disciplined performance, pass the ball well at times and scored a late goal to win it.

"We cannot go there with any fear, we have to go in there believing, despite last week's disappointment, that we are capable on our day."

After facing Rovers Brighton will travel to St Mary's where they will face an in form Southampton and manager Gus Poyet believes a good result against the Gas will get his side in the mood for the Saints trip, as he spoke to seagulls.co.uk:

"The players who are going to be involved on Saturday have been involved all season and have been doing very well, so there is no drama and everything is okay.

"It's a very important game, and maybe people don't quite realise how important it is to beat Bristol, so we are also ready for Southampton a few days later."

Rovers will have the advantage of not having played in midweek, where Albion were taken to extra time so Paul Trollope will be hooping for some tired legs in the Brighton camp, but it will be a stern test for the Gas and one that they will ultimately not be expected to get anything out of.

Flat England Lose To Impressive French

It was certainly an experimental line up for England, starting right at the very back with Joe Hart suffering from a back injury, meaning a fifth cap for Birmingham City's Ben Foster. Phil Jagielka made a makeshift right back, denying a first chance under Fabio Capello for Micah Richards while Kieran Gibbs started at left back for the first time. Jordan Henderson, on debut, and Gareth Barry filled the holding midfield positions while a line of three played ahead of them in Theo Walcott, Steven Gerrard and James Milner while Andy Carroll of Newcastle was given the job of leading the line. Their opponents lined up 4-3-3, a frontline of Valbuena, Benzema and Malouda looking particularly threatening to England's inexperienced defence while Gourcouff and an in form Nasri held the ability to threat from midfield.
Shirtless French fans in the crowd sang galantly along with their national anthem before a drumroll lead to a rapturous rendition of 'God Save The Queen'.

Carroll's impact was immediately felt, the Geordie centre forward winning a free kick after just thirty seconds of play, resulting in a first shot on target from Steven Gerrard.

The first five minutes showed the difference in the two teams styles of play, England playing longer, firm passes while the French played with a short, sharp assurance to their play, with the full backs happy to push forward.

The first France chance fell to Florent Malouda. Allowed too much room on the edge of the area the Chelsea winger struck a shot that nearly squirmed away from the clutches of Ben Foster.

It was Malouda again who looked the most likely player to force his way through England's defence as he twisted his way into the area, only to get his curling effort wrong.

Foster was soon back in action though as he beat away a fierce half volley from Yoann Gourcuff.

England found the first fifteen minutes difficult, unable to keep hold of the ball and make telling passes and it was an uncomfortable move just inside of their own half that saw the ball given away to France who, moved the ball around the edge of the area, Benzema eventually playing a one-two with Florent Malouda before slamming the ball into the corner of Ben Foster's net.

An England breakaway, the result of a challenge from frontman Andy Caroll on the halway line, saw Steven Gerrard attempt to slip Theo Walcott through, only for the ball to have a little too much weight on it to allow the Arsenal winger a chance on goal.

France pushed their players up the field, playing a high line and shutting off supply lines for the England back four, frustrating them and forcing them to play high balls forward. The Wembley crowd, however, were unforgiving to England and the often heard boos were soon heard again.

An optimistic effort from James Milner came as a result of a good flick from Andy Caroll, showing signs that he was starting to get into the game. As France countered the England defence were spread and Karim Benzema, short of competitive matches this season, blasted a shot wide when well placed to create for the away side.

Caroll was soon involved again, nodding the ball down for Steven Gerrard, making a late run into the box, but the Liverpool captain was unable to keep his half volley down.

Handball appeals against Phillipe Mexes went unheard by the referee as he slid in to stop Theo Walcott, getting his first oppurtunity to run at the opposition in the game.

There was a disgruntled murmer from England fans at half time as they had watched a frustrating performance from their side, unable to create any flowing passing moves and finding it difficult to get anything out of their 4-2-3-1 formation as the French strangled their options.

There were three changes for England at half time, Ashley Young coming on for Gareth Barry, moving Gerrard into a deeper role, Micah Richards for Rio Ferdinand, moving Jagielka into the centre of defence, and Adam Johnson replacing Theo walcott on the right. France also made a change, Mamadou Sako on the pitch in place of Phillipe Mexes at the heart of the French defence.

After Valbunea lost the ball in midfield Ashley Young slid a ball through for Steven Gerrard but as the midfielder triew to cut inside on his left foot a tackle came in from Rami to halt the move.

Bacary Sagna burst down the right hand flank after being released by Yoann Gourcuff and put a floating cross into the centre which was swept home by Carlos Valbuena to double the away sides advantage. It proved to be the movement of France down the right that was England's undoing as Sagna was allowed far too much space by the inexperienced Gibbs.

Following a foul on Adam Johnson a free kick from Ashley Young was allowed to bounce in the box by the French defence and Steven Gerrard, ghosting in at the back post, found himself unable to get over the ball and his header from a tight angle brushed the roof of the net.
Karim Benzema left the pitch to jeers from the home support as he was replaced by Loic Remy while Alou Diarra made his way onto the field in place of goalscorer Carlos Valbuena.

Andy Caroll's big headed chance arrived after 69 minutes but his glance only found the arms of Hugo Lloris. Caroll was soon to be removed from the field, however, as Cardiff City's Jay Bothroyd to become the first Championship player since David Nugent in March 2007 came on in his place while Stephen Warnock took the place of Kieran Gibbs.

A short free kick from James Milner was given to Adam Johnson who tried to lever the ball into the far corner, only to see multiple deflections on his shot which ended up going out for a corner.

France's star man Florent Malouda was the next player to be given an early finish, as he was taken off for Dominic Payet.

After some unusually bad passing from France Adam Johnson was given the chance to move in from the edge of the area and after his low cross was only half cleared Steven Gerrard passed up the oppurtunity to score as he fired wide from 10 yards out.

With eight minutes remaining France nearly added another to their tally as Arsenal's Samir Nasri fired a shot against Foster's near post.

Things went from bad to worse for England as Steven Gerrard stretched into a challenge, only to pull his hamstring and he was soon replaced by Peter Crouch, handing the captains armband to young James Milner. France also took the chance to make a change as Guillame Hoarrau came on in place of the impressive Yoann Gourcuff.

England pulled a goal back through Peter Crouch who stroked home a corner from Ashley Young only seconds after replacing Gerrard and it was game on. The announcement of five added minutes was met with cheers from the home faithful and there was soon to be a chance for Jay Bothroyd. Adam Johnson picked up a ball on the byline and clipped a ball into the centre but there was little power behind Bothroyd's header which was snatched from the air by Lloris.

The Wembley fans let their frustrations known at the final whistle as they booed the England players off the pitch.

It was a poor night for England who once again flattered to deceive with a flat performance, showing little magic or spark and failing to create any clear cut chances from open play. The number of young players being blooded was a positive, although it was only Carroll and the substitutes Adam Johnson and Ashley Young who showed anything of subtance. Gerrard was too often missed out and unable to put his mark on the game as Capello would have liked.

Next up for England in competitive action is Wales, although it is likely that there will be at least one friendly before then, Argentina being touted as possible opponents. Whoever the opposition may be, though, England will struggle if they continue to play in this vein.

Disasterous Rovers Fold To Orient

Carl Regan's challenge on O's captain Stephen Dawson, for which he was shown a red card

It's been a long, long time since I've seen such an abysmal performance from Rovers, but the big question that has come out of today's game for me is how long, or short, will it be before I see such a display again.

It was tough coming into the game for Rovers, star man Hoskins definitely out, a strong performing Reece highly doubtful and John Akinde 50/50, but, before the game at least, it was good news that Akinde was able to pull on the shirt and step out onto the Memorial Stadium pitch, after the game, however, my feelings are rather different. Akinde was supposedly the answer to our problems up top, a big man who could hold the ball up and allow the play to move up in the mean time. The role he seems to play in the team, though, is token bean pole, getting many of the long balls from the back being put upon his head, a part of his body he is not particularly adept at using for a man of his stature. Throughout the game he shied away from jumping off of the ground in any attempt to get his head to the ball while he received very few balls to feet as much of the play went long. There was a glimmer of hope in the second half, a storming run, a la Wycombe, winning a free kick but that aside there was very little to speak of from the on loan striker. Eventually he was taken off with a knock to the ankle that had been troubling him in the days leading up to the game, although Paull Trollope has stated that he is hopeful he will be OK for Brighton on Saturday.

Up front with him Jo Kuffour was forced to practically feed off scraps as he received little support from Akinde and, following Carl Regan's red card, had nothing from the wide areas either. Eliot Richards substitute performance was decent, there was little opportunity for him to make a difference but a bursting run from the Welshman nearly saw a Rovers penalty. Aside from that he put himself about the pitch and looked ten times more interested than Akinde.

Aside from the three Orient goals the key point was the red card handed to Carl Regan at 2-0 down. During the 34 minutes prior to the sending off the full back had been given a torrid time by the O's on loan winger Paul-Jose M'Poku who stuck to the line, forcing indecision from Regan. This went to create the first Orient goal as they took advantage of the space created between Regan and Anthony to send Stephen Dawson through to cross for Dean Cox to open the scoring.

After the incident Regan was subject to a river of abuse from fans in the DAS West Stand and it appeared that he reacted to some of this. It was a shocking challenge and you could see it building in him, the couple of tackles he'd put in before on M'poku were quote tough but he'd gotten them right. The fans in the West Stand were getting at him from the first time their winger got forward and it never stopped from then on and when he put that challenge in it practically killed off any chance we had of getting anything from the game so you can see why the fans were getting at him, I couldn't blame him for his reaction. That being said he's a professional and should know better than to shout and swear at the fans.

Personally I think Regan has been one of our more consistent performers this season, but many fans have been unforgiving for his poor performances from last season, which seemingly coincided with his friend Mark Wright falling foul of fans. He was a regular starter with a promotion chasing MK Dons side the season before he joined us and I fully believe that he should be our first choice right back for the foreseeable future. But let us not forget the victim of the challenge, Stephen Dawson who will go for n x-ray on his injury in the next few days. A little after he was substituted off a member of the Orient staff ran past with a pair of crutches intended for him. I wish him a speedy recovery, as I'm sure his fellow professional Carl Regan will.

Of all the defensive players Gary Sawyer was the one who came out with the best performance, especially during the second half when he made a number of explosive runs from his position, acting much more like a wing back. It is clear to see that Byron Anthony is not a full back, he has put in some stirling performances there, starting the season in that position, but he appeared uncomfortable playing there today, particularly without a winger in front of him to interact with. Coles and Tunnicliffe were not as dominant as they should have been, both in the air and on the ground, while their distribution throughout was terrible, mainly consisting of long balls to Kuffour and a static Akinde.

With an automatic three match ban for Regan Paul Trollope will have to get creative with the way he sets out his defence, especially next weekend against Brighton as it is highly unlikely they will allow him to play against them as his parent club.

In midfield their was little to speak about aside from sideways passing and a general lack of forward movement. Chris Lines was the best of the bunch, trying to push forward and create but much of the play bypassed the players in midfield, who spent much of the game playing narrow following that aforementioned red card. Campbell grafted as usual but failed to have the impact with one less option around him. The game seemed to pass Jeff Hughes by although he will be disappointed to have skied a half volley when through from the edge of the area while the scores were still 0-0. A quick word on goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen who was not helped by the defence in front of him. The first goal was from a tight angle and on the volley but many of his problems were created from poor backpasses which pressurised him, nearly resulting in the Dane losing the ball to Alex Revell at one point.

Prior to the kick off was a minutes silence for remembrance day which was perfectly observed by both sets of fans and upon the referee blowing his whistle to signal the end there was rapturous applause, followed by a superb rendition of goodnight Irene from the home support who, despite the on pitch performance, were noisy throughout. In the initial exchanges Orient looked comfortable to pass the ball around the back and frustrate the Gas, but when they started to see the home side falling off of them and dropping deep they changed their game plan for the better.

The players to pick out from the Orient ranks were their front three, Alex Revell, Deab Cox and Paul-Jose M'Poku. Prior to this game Revell had scored four goals in his last four games and he wasn't to be denied more goals for his seasons tally. his first goal was an excellent header, fired right into the bottom corner away from Mikkel Andersen. His second was made from an excellent M'Poku cross, though the in form front man had to take two bites at the cherry before poking the ball over the line. On the wings Cox and M'Poku were a constant threat, hugging the touchline and splitting the Rovers defenders, helped by a number of excellent wide balls from their midfield teammates and they created some equally good chances.

Paul Trollope has had his say after the game and quite rightly labelled the performance as 'unacceptable'. He spoke to bristolrovers.co.uk after the game, saying:

"This was a vastly different performance than what we saw at Darlington and Plymouth, where I came out and protected the players as we had great territory and possession and may be deserved more.

"Today the defeat was warranted. It was frustrating as we really didn't get near the level we know we can and we have had a long chat, and there were a few harsh words in the dressing room.

"We had a chat about consistency, as that is the key to being successful as an individual and as a team.

"You cannot choose when you feel like playing and when to extend yourself fully, it has to unconditional, it has to be every game, and certainly today we didn't extend ourselves in any shape or form."

Not only the result but the manner of the defeat will be damaging for a manager who had only just started to turn fans around following the exciting 6-3 win over Wycombe in midweek. There were calls on both fans forums and BBC Radio Bristol for his head as well some of those above him within the club.

The game will be a massive boost for Russel Slade's side who had previously gone 18 games without an away win. He told leytonorient.com:

"Overall it was a great, great performance, particularly when it was 11 v 11. The first two goals we created in that period were great goals.

"We were on the front foot before the sending off and we kept ourselves there afterwards. We kept it nice and tight and we managed to get a third.

"We could possibly have had a fourth as well, but it didn't matter.

"We kept a clean sheet, that gave me a buzz. The fact that we've got the monkey off our back, that gave me a buzz. And we go into Tuesday's game now on the back of a really important win for us."

This will go down as perhaps the worst display in the league thus far this season, some will say even worse than the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton, and few will disagree with this. Rovers have a tough run of games coming up, including trips to table topping Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and a home game against their bogey side in recent years, Bournemouth. If injuries continue to afflict the squad Paul Trollope could have some selection issues, that is of course assuming that he is still around to have any such problems.

Back To Business - Leyton Orient Preview

After two contrasting cup ties Bristol Rovers return to league action this weekend with a game against Leyton Orient. Within the last week the Gas have gone from the low of FA Cup defeat to Conference side Darlington to the high of the thumping 6-3 win away at Wycombe Wanderers and this match up should prove to be another intriguing contest.

The win on Tuesday night will be a massive confidence boost for a club who have not been in the best form in recent weeks, unable to win in four previous games with two draws against Hartlepool and Carlisle, and two losses, going down to West Country rivals Plymouth and in that aforementioned FA Cup tie. Add to that the loss of top scorer Will Hoskins and you could almost forgive the players for feeling downhearted, but after scoring six quality goals against Wycombe the squad morale should have picked up.

Orient's form in their last six games reads won two, drawn two, lost two, with all but the most recent result in that sequence coming in the league. That last result came in last weekends FA Cup when the O's faced an East London derby away against neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge. Alex Revell opened the scoring in a match up that has already seen the Daggers win in the league this season, but the hosts pulled level before half time thanks to a free kick from winger Danny Green. The two sides will face eachother once again on Tuesday, a game that Rovers hope will be playing on the minds of the Orient squad.

Top scorer for Orient this season is that man Revell, netting seven times thus far, five times in the league including a goal on his debut, an equaliser against Yeovil on the opening day of the season. In his last four games in all competitions he has bagged four goals and will be a potent threat to a Rovers back line that haven't kept a clean sheet in eight matches. Revell has previous against Rovers, scoring a penalty at the Memorial Stadium last season when playing for Wycombe. He did have the chance to stay at Adams Park in the summer but turned it down to join Orient. The 6'3" striker will prove to be a thorn in Rovers side all afternoon as he grafts both on the floor and in the air.

Without Hoskins it was thought that Rovers would have little bite up front and would find themselves unable to finish off any moves that had unlocked defences, however, they proved emphatically on Tuesday that this was not to be the case. Jo Kuffour grabbed a superb hattrick, scoring a header, a turning volley and a neat finish following a rampaging John Akinde run. Those were goals four, five and six of the season for Kuffour who will hope to continue his scoring spree on Saturday.

Rovers and Orient have met eight times in the past three seasons, owing to the league and two FA Cup games and the ties have nearly all been high scoring. In 2007/08 the O's put three goals past Rovers on three separate occasions, winning twice and losing an FA Cup replay on penalties after the original tie finished 1-1. The Gas won both games the following season 2-1 before Orient took all three points by the same scoreline on the opening day of last season thanks to goals from JJ Melligan and Jimmy Smith. But the big scoreline was to come later in the season.

On a Tuesday night at Brisbane Road Rovers went in at half time a goal down, owing to a James Purches strike. The second half proved to be a disaster as Ryan Jarvis, a Mikkel Andersen own goal and further scores from Jason Demetriou and Jonothan Tehoue sent Rovers home with their tails between their legs in a 5-0 loss that also saw the Rovers debut of then loanee Wayne Brown. Rovers do, however, hold the cards on the overall results between the sides, winning 43 of the games between the two sides, drawing 28 and losing the remaining 35.

Rovers boss Paul Trollope knows what his side must do if they want to be successful against this weekends opponents, he told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"We want to make sure that on Saturday that we get the defensive detail right, as Orient have threats and people who can hurt you.

"But if we can get the quality into the strikers, like we did on Tuesday, we will be confident of creating, and hopefully scoring some goals.

"We will start in a positive manner and try and get that first goal which I think makes all the difference in games."

Orient are yet to win on the road this season but manager Russel Slade is confident that they can break their away day duck, as he said to the East London Advertiser:

“We’re getting better and when you talk to other managers and coaches the word is that Orient are getting stronger.

“I’m sure it won’t be long before we record that win and we will keep grinding away until we do.”

The big miss for Rovers will be striker Will Hoskins, who will be out for at least a month with a badly sprained ankle. Charlie Reece is also likely to be missing after suffering a back spasm in the warm up to the Wycombe game which meant he had to be withdrawn from the team, he will now visit a chiropractor in order to sort the issue, which is thought to be a nerve problem. Either Wayne Brown or Ben Swallow could deputise on the right hand side of midfield in Reece's place. On loan Bristol City forward John Akinde could also miss the game after taking a knock on his ankle against Wycombe, being substituted in the process. If he is unable to take his place in the starting XI he will be replaced by Eliot Richards, who would be making his first start in a first team shirt.

Scott McGleish may make a return to league action against the Gas having recovered enough from a rib injury to come on as a sub against Dagenham in the FA Cup a week ago. Two loanees will also return in the shape of winger Paul Jose Mpoku who has recovered from a hamstring injury and defender Andrew Whing who was denied permission to play against Dagenham in the cup by parent club Brighton.

The big miss for Orient will be goalkeeper Jamie Jones who has been out since the start of November and will now go on to have an operation on a hernia issue. Adam Chambers will also be out, having just had surgery on his calves.

The Gas will want to continue the progress they made on Tuesday night with another win against the O's. It is likely that this fixture will not be as the last however, and with a couple of niggling injuries it could mean young Eliot Richards will be thrown in at the deep end, a tough ask for a player who has made only nine substitute appearances in his short career.

HJBSports Prediction - Bristol Rovers 2-1 Leyton Orient

Ten Changes For Eccentric Olly

Ian Holloway is a man of his word, he talks straight, even if it is in a slightly bent manner at times, and is respectful to his fellow professionals but last night he claimed he rewarded the players that got his Blackpool side promoted last season, twelve games into the season, is this really the right thing to do?

Olly made ten changes from the team that drew with Everton at the weekend, Keith Southern being the only player to keep his place, losing 3-2 to Aston Villa in the process and will face some severe scrutiny from the FA as a result. The Wolves manager Mick McCarthy did the same last season when his side travelled to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, knowing he had a much more winnable game with Burnley the following Saturday, and practically threw the game. He knew it was highly unlikely his side would be able to get anything from the game and so gave his reserves a run out, ultimately the expected result occured as Wolves lost 1-0 following a worthy performance from Wolves. Their was also to be further vilification for McCarthy as Wolves went on to beat Burnley 2-1 at the weekend, an important result as it left them three points ahead of the Clarets in the Premier League Table. Wolves would end up surviving the drop by eight points while Burnley were relegated back to the Championship at the first time of asking. That wasn't to be the end of the matter either as following an FA board hearing Wolves were given a suspended £25,000 fine.

Mick McCarthy admitted to resting his best players to help them win the following game against Burnley but Holloway has strenuously denied doing the same thing, Blackpool coming up against bottom of the table West Ham this coming weekend. Holloway instead insisted that he was keeping his first choice players from injury, saying in his post-match press conference:

"If Charlie [Adam] played, if [David] Vaughan played, if [Gary] Taylor-Fletcher played, they're all carrying slight bits and pieces. Charlie and Vaughany have been off on international duty - they haven't had a break.

"If I play my players four times in a row at this level, they will get injured, and I don't do that to my players. I picked a team that I spent a lot of money on."

Resting players carrying slight knocks is one thing, but to drop ten in a bid to avoid injury is another thing and says that Holloway has little faith in the fitness of his players, something that his charges will not be impressed with. The Premier League has eight less games in a season than the Championship, but although the intensity of the games is a step up to make so many changes so at what is still a very early change in the season is a baffling decision.

But the Blackpool gaffer also stated that his decision was to give some of his squad players the game they deserve, not only for their efforts in training but also to thank them for the work that many of them had put in last season, getting their team promoted:

"I should have probably played the other players at Birmingham (last month) but I didn't. It's all about getting the timing right. I can't keep picking the same XI when the others are trying their heart out and never give them a chance.

"I knew all the way along, whatever the scores were, I was going to reward the ones who played well for me last year and then I'm going to try some new ones. I gave myself at least 10 games and this is the 12th game."

This statement from Holloway begs the question of their being room for sentiment in modern football. Yes, every player deserves a chance but doesn't making that many changes take something away from the fans who spent their hard earned money to travel to Birmingham and watch their team? Last night his squad players stood up and made themselves accounted for, putting in a sterling performance against a gifted Aston Villa side but that isn't always going to happen when putting out that sort of side in a Premier League fixture.

What Mick McCarthy did last season undermined the competitiveness of the Premier League but Holloway had a chance to take on an out of sorts Villa side who put forward a fairly inexperienced frontline that included youngsters in Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Nathan Delfouneso and the tightness in the end result could have been so much more had players such as Charlie Adam and Gary Taylor-Fletcher started the match.

Opposing manager Gerard Houllier was supportive of Holloway's decision. Having had to do so himself in previous games the Frenchman would not be afraid to do so again if needs be:

"If I feel I have to do it, I will do it. I've done it and I won the game. Players were getting tired and drained.

"If you know your players, you sometimes need to make those changes."

Fans views have been mixed on the subject, though most seem to be supportive of Holloway's decision, stating that it is 'his right' to pick whatever players he sees fit. There are, however inevitably, some fans who have not seen eye to eye with their manager and feel that both they and the club have been let down.

Whether right or wrong the FA will not look too kindly on the subject and there may be further punishment for the Tangerines, not that Holloway would be impressed with any action taken as he has threatened to resign if such a thing were to happen, but he will have his chance to answer the FA, who it is believed will write to the north-west club at some point this week.

If Blackpool are punished, as Wolves were, it sets a precedent that other teams who make wholesale changes should also get into hot water, even if it were Manchester United or Chelsea, having already won a Premier League title, giving their younger players a chance to shine in a first team game, just as they do in the League Cup. Fans of smaller clubs will claim that bigger clubs will get away with it, just because they have bigger, more capable squads, is it about putting out your strongest team every time or putting out a group of players that you feel will win.

But as a Premier League manager it should be that Holloway has the right to pick whatever players he sees fit. With the squad rules brought in to give more players a chance to take part more regularly the extremity of Holloway's squad rotation is perhaps taking it too far, but then what right does the Premier League have to state how many changes a manager should make from one match to another? That's the question that is on the lips of Ian Holloway and many others in the game today.

Though we may not understand Holloway's motives it is not in his nature to let a game of football go without a fight. A resignation would be a disaster for Blackpool, losing a manager who, however eccentric, has the support of his players and the vast majority of the fans and did so well in getting Blackpool to the Premier League in the first place.

Six Shooters

Bristol Rovers went some way to airing out the ghosts of Saturdays FA Cup loss to Darlington as they moved into the southern area semi finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 6-3 victory away at Wycombe. A Jo Kuffour hattrick, a Chris Lines run and strike, a Jeff Hughes penalty and a late goal from Ben Swallow gave the Gas the win, Scott Rendell scoring all three goals for the home side.

There were three players coming into the side from the weekends game as keeper Mikkel Andersen, captain Stuart Campbell and striker John Akinde returned to the side. Charlie Reece was set to once again start on the right hand side of midfield but a back injury in the warm up forced Paul Trollope into a pre-match replacement, Wayne Brown taking the youngsters place. Wycombe made a large number of changes from their win over Hayes & Yeading which included dropping top scorer and ex-Rovers player Andy Sandell.

The match stats on the BBC website show that nine goals were scored from seven shots on target, penalties not included, while Wayne Brown hit the Wycombe woodwork on two occasions. This will be heartwarming for Bristol Rovers who have found it difficult to convert more chances than their opponents in recent games, not winning in four previous attempts. It is also comforting that these six goals were scored without the assistance of top scorer Will Hoskins who, it has been confirmed, will be out for 4-6 weeks with a badly sprained ankle.

The result and the manner of the performance will relieve some of the pressure on the Rovers manager but fans will want this brand of football to continue into the next match with Leyton Orient on Saturday before Rovers face a tricky spell of fixtures that include away games at Brighton, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday as well as a home game against high fliers Bournemouth.

The manager was pleased with his sides performance as he told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"We played some very, very, good football in the two games prior to coming here, and got nothing.

"We tried to be a little bit more penetrative tonight, and a little bit more progressive in our play, and get the front two in the game in different ways and it worked.

"We came here to win the tie, and we managed that. There were some good individual performances out there, a good spirit, and a very good attitude after the disappointment of Saturday.

"It was a positive performance, full of spirit and endeavour, and that's the base requirement for a team to be successful and win games. We tried to put a little bit more tempo in our play to et a little bit more of a cutting edge and I think we got that, as we scored six and could probably have had a few more."

Wycombe manager Gary Waddock tried to take the positives from his sides attacking performance, but admitted that defensively they weren't good enough, he spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio after the game:

"Defensively it wasn't our best performance. With the attacking threat they've got, opportunities came and they took them.

"It's an incredible scoreline, it just goes to show we can score goals.

"But it shows that defensively tonight we weren't good enough as individuals and as a unit."

The other three sides through to the southern section semis are Brentford, Charlton and Exeter. Rovers will hope to avoid the Addicks if they are to have a chance to reach the southern area final which will be a two-legged affair before the chance to reach Wembley and face the winners of the northern section of the draw. Soccer AM presenters Helen Chaimberlain and Max Rushden will make the draw for the next round this coming Saturday while the area semi finals will take place over the 30th of November and 1st of December.

In other Rovers related news winger Mark Wright, currently out on loan at Shrewsbury Town, has been rumoured to return in a recall, however, he has denied this on social networking site Twitter, telling numerous fans that he is enjoying his time with the Shrews.

The Gas can go into Saturdays game with Leyton Orient with a good level of confidence in their ability following the Wycombe result where they will hope to get back to winning ways in the league and start climbing back up the table.

Final Chance In The Cup - Wycombe Preview

Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope goes into Tuesday nights match with Wycombe Wanderers under a wave of pressure following his sides 2-1 FA Cup loss to Darlington at the weekend.

It could be that the Gas are dumped out of all three cup competitions by sides from a lower division, having already lost humiliatingly by six goals to one at Oxford at the start of the season, meaning that a great deal of potential prize money, ticket money and pride have been lost. The loss in the north-east has angered fans, many of whom have vented their frustrations in public arenas. Other factors have also gone against Paul Trollope in the eyes of the fans, the situation created with Dominic Blizzard for example.

Blizzard joined Rovers on a three year contract at the beginning of last season and, when played, spent most of his time out on the wing, despite the fact that his preferred position is in central midfield, and this was shown in many of his performances. This season he has started four games, yet to appear as a substitute since, and has been left out of the squad for the last three Gas games. Following Saturday's game Paul Trollope confirmed that he was looking to loan the 27 year old out, saying:

"Dominic has become quite frustrated with the lack of opportunities and, from the start of the season, I've picked a team that warrant playing every week.

"In order to get him going again, and to give him games, we are going to listen to offers to send him out on loan. The situation will be monitored over the next couple of weeks."

This would leave with only three central midfielders with first team experience in and out of form Chris Lines, Wayne Brown and an aging Stuart Campbell. With Lines and Brown both preferring to attack rather than defend a lot of pressure has been left on Campbell, who missed the Darlington game through injury. Charlie Reece has been known to play centrally on occasions but has never played a first team game in such a role while Harry Pell is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club. The only other member of the squad who has made a competitive appearance is Charlie Clough, coming on as a late substitute against Brighton three seasons ago.

Wycombe come into the game unbeaten in four, ever since losing to then second placed Chesterfield in the league. All 3 wins have come away from home however, one of which was in the weekends FA Cup first round when they played Conference side Hayes & Yeading. The only home game in that sequence was a 2-2 draw with Lincoln, a result the play off chasing side would not have been particularly proud of.

Rovers on the other hand have been performing poorly of late. The Gas have already lost two games in a week, going down 3-1 at Plymouth before travelling to the other end of the country to lose to Darlington. Prior to that came two draws that could have so easily been losses, a late fightback from 2-0 down earning a point at Hartlepool while Mikkel Andersen's late penalty saving heroics kept out Gary Madine and denying Carlisle an unlikely victory at the Memorial Stadium.

There will be a former Gasman in action for Wanderers will be Andy Sandell. The winger come left back has scored five goals in the league thus far, from both open play and dead ball situations. The Wiltshireman was poached from local rivals Aldershot Town in the close season and, due to his age and the fact that his contract had expired, no fee was paid. He is proving to be one of the signings of the season as his defensive performances have seen Wycombe as the joint third best defence in the league.

Wycombe finished 22nd in League 1 last season, being relegated as a result but that didn't stop them earning two wins over Rovers. The two sides first squared up in August, just when Rovers were starting to get into form and goals from Matt Phillips and Jon-Paul Pittman saw Wanderers come from behind to win, having gone a goal down to Chris Lines after 26 minutes. Lines was to score two more goals against Wycombe later that season, but Rovers still lost as two penalties and a Stuart Beavon header sent Rovers to defeat. The last time the two teams met in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, however, things were very different. Goals from an on loan Jamal Easter and a late Sammy Igoe strike saw Rovers come out 2-0 winners at Adams Park. That season Rovers went on to make the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and, eventually, gain promotion via the play-offs. A good omen perhaps?

Perhaps the biggest blow to come out of Saturdays game was not the defeat to non-league opposition but the fact that start striker Will Hoskins was taken off on a stretcher. Though nothing has yet been definitely confirmed Paul Trollope has hinted at ankle ligament damage that will keep the Pirates top scorer out for 'a few weeks at the very least'. Skipper Stuart Campbell is likely to return and has been working with physio Phil Kite this morning in an effort to prepare him. Paul Trollope may have to toss up the importance that has been thrust upon this cup tie with Danny Coles' fitness. The centre back has suffered from knee complaints over the past two seasons and if played the JPT tie would be his third game in eight days.

For the chairboys Dave Winfield will be suspended having picked up his fifth booking of the season against Hayes & Yeading. Fellow defender Chris Westwood is also expected to be rested as are wingers Gareth Ainsworth and Kevin Betsy, this despite former Bristol City player Betsy being the clubs joint top scorer.

Paul Trollope has spoken about how important the team are taking the JPT and what his side must do if they are to win, telling bristolrovers.co.uk:

"The next game is a JPT game, we have already stated that we are taking the competition very seriously, and that will definitely be the case tomorrow.

"If we have as much of the game tomorrow night as we did on Saturday we will be pleased, but it is what we do with the ball when we have the territory.

"Making sure we have a little bit more movement, more thought and better decisions in the final third to be able to create.

"If we can do that, then we are confident of going there and winning. The last three games we have had possession, but we have not hurt teams enough, it is something for us to work on."

It should prove to be a tough game for an inconsistent Rovers side and Wycombe will prove to be a tough challenge but Rovers have scored in each of their last eight games, but the injury to Will Hoskins may affect that statistic.

HJBSports prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Bristol Rovers - Rovers to win on penalties

They'll Be Dancing In The Streets Of Swindon Tonight

There were some high scoring antics throughout the country this afternoon as six of the west country's ten sides in first round action went through.

AFC Bournemouth 5-3 Tranmere Rovers
The first goal of the afternoon came at Dean Court where Bournemouth entertained fellow League 1 side Tranmere in what turned out to be the game of the day. In seven crazy minutes Bournemouth found themselves three goals to the good, top scorer Josh McQuoid grabbing two goals while Marc Pugh a stunner from the edge of the area. As Bournemouth eased off Rovers felt they had a sniff, Aaron Cresswell sticking a retort into the net and they were to get another before half time.

Centre half Ian Goodison scored a second with a header and shortly after half time they leveled the game through Ian Thomas-Moore. But four minutes later Josh McQuoid knocked home to put Bournemouth back in front and they soon finished Rovers off thanks to a curling Liam Feeney goal.

Plymouth Argyle 0-4 Swindon Town
The goals were also flowing along the coast as Plymouth Argyle faced west country rivals in Swindon Town. Argyle had already beaten Bristol Rovers in midweek and could go in confident against Swindon, but it wasn't to be as Sean Morrison gave the Robins the lead. With four minutes of the first half left Charlie Austin scored Town's second.

Into the second half and things got worse for the home side as former Juventus striker Vincent Pericard scored a tap in from Matt Ritchie's pass. It was then to be Ritchie to score Swindon's fourth netting with 21 minutes remaining.

It had been a disappointment among non-league circles in the region as only two local sides made it through the qualifying rounds, and only one of those teams would make it through into round two.

Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Northampton Town
Forest Green held out for thirty minutes against League 2 opposition in Northampton Town before John Johnson broke the deadlock with a spectacular volley and veteran striker Steve Guinan doubled the Cobblers advantage. Rovers were unable to force a goal, missing a second half penalty and they were soon finished off as Michael Jacobs scored with less than a quarter of an hour remaining.

But it was Wiltshire where Cup dreams came true.

Swindon Supermarine 2-1 Eastwood Town
Swindon Supermarine had made it into the first round for the first time in their history after a stunning comeback against Bath City in a fourth qualifying round replay, winning 4-3 at Twerton Park despite being 3-1 after 33 minutes. And their time in the tournament wasn't to end today, despite playing opposition, in Eastwood Town, who are playing at a level higher.

Within 27 minutes Supermarine were two goals to the good thanks to an Ashan Holgate prod and a close range Ben Wells volley. Lee Stevenson scored for Eastwood but they just couldn't get through the home defence and after a nervy second half the crowd of 2,603 at the Wood's Webb stadium no longer had to hold their breath as referee Hopkins blew the final whistle.

A Swindon derby in the second round perhaps? I can already see the bosses at ITV and ESPN foaming at the mouth.

Darlington 2-1 Bristol Rovers
It was to be a non-league side who caused another upset, this time against a west country side as Darlington upset the odds to knock out Bristol Rovers.

Michael Brough drove the Quakers into the lead early on but Will Hoskins placed a free kick into the bottom corner even though Rovers will argue they should have had a penalty as opposed to the free kick. Hoskins, Rovers top scorer, was soon stretchered off and things went from bad to worse in the second half as Gary Smith knocked the ball into an empty net to send the Gas on a long, wasted journey back home.

Bury 2-0 Exeter City
It's thought by fans and professionals that the gap between the top half of league 2 and the bottom end of league 1 is negligible and that was proved to be true at Gigg Lane. Exeter, 16th in League 1, took a journey north to Greater Manchester to face Bury, a side in good form and currently residing in League 2's automatic promotion places, so perhaps this was just an upset by definition.

28 minutes in it was Efe Sodje who gave Bury the lead from a Mike Jones cross and it was the same player who created the second goal for Tom Lees to double the Shakers advantage.

Rushden & Diamonds 0-1 Yeovil Town
Two more of our sides faced off away against Conference opposition and both came through their respective ties with late goals. Firstly, Yeovil Town.

The Glovers had failed to make it past the first round for four seasons, including a loss against this weekends opponents Rushden & Diamonds but their long overdue FA Cup win was to come this season.

After a close start to the match it was summer signing Andy Williams who scored for Yeovil despite arguments of offside against forward Dean Bowditch, although as he never touched the ball the goal was called good.

Mansfield Town 0-1 Torquay United
Torquay have been punching above their weight this season, fighting for a play-off place currently, but it was them who were favourites for their tie with Conference National side Mansfield, a battle of the yellows, and win they did, Elliot Benyon scoring with just three minutes remaining.

Cheltenham Town 1-0 Morcambe
The final game was an all League 2 affair, with Cheltenham Town fighting for a second round berth with Morecambe. It was to be yet another late winner for our side, Wes Thomas putting the ball between Barry Roche's legs

Two other league results from our national division sides saw Bristol City fall behind after two minutes against Preston. A Billy Jones goal, resulting from a Marvin Elliott header, won a point back for City. In the Conference Bath City also produced a comeback. Having been 2-0 down at home to Altrincham after 47 minutes goals from Nicky Clee and former Morecambe striker Michael Twiss putting the visitors two up before a Lee Phillips brace tied up the game for the Romans.

Six of our teams will go into the second round draw with the carrot of Championship and Premier League foes dangling in front of teams who will hope that they can get their name up in lights at the likes of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.

Up For The Cup - A Darlington Preview

The magic of the FA Cup has thrown up possibly the most annoying draw possible for Bristol Rovers, a 260 mile trip to Darlington for a game at the Northern Echo Arena.

It's a long way to travel but the Gas will go in as favourites, and rightly so, against the Conference side, at odds of 10/11 with the hosts as outsiders at 3/1, but don't let those figures fool you.

The Quakers have won their last two games, an FA Cup fourth round qualifier against Northern League Division 1 North side Mossley AFC, followed by a much tougher contest against in the Blue Square Bet Premier League match against then divisional leaders AFC Wimbledon. The FA Cup tie was an intriguing game that featured eight goals and three red cards, Darlington running out 6-2 winners. It makes a big difference from the start of the month when Darlo lost their first three league matches, each by a single goal. October also saw a 1-1 draw away to fellow former Football League club Mansfield Town.

October was a far better month for Bristol Rovers, however. The pirates won three, drew two and lost just one of their six games in the month, including a last gasp win against Huddersfield, one of the teams expected to be up towards the top of the league come the end of the season. But November hasn't started quite so well, Rovers going down by three goals to one away to Plymouth in a west country derby, leaving the Gas 15th in the League 1 form table.

Two former Rovers players may well be on display in the form of defender Kevin Austin and striker Jefferson Louis. Austin, who received seven caps for Trinidad & Tobago, is an imposing centre back who spent two seasons at the Memorial Stadium, making 61 Rovers appearances after signing on a free. At 37 years old Austin's lack of pace may be an asset that Rovers, especially in Jo Kuffour, can take advantage of. Louis had much less of a Rovers career, playing ten times , mainly as a substitute, during a four month spell with the club, failing to score in any of those appearances. Louis is only on loan at Darlington, his parent club being Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity, but hopes to make the move permanent in January.

Darlington have recently lost three players over the last week. Loan signing Danny Powell was recalled by MK Dons after a virus went around the camp, meaning that they could only field four subs for their Tuesday night league game against Yeovil Town, which they won 3-2. The club also let keepers Chris Oldfield and Dan Lowson, both of whom were signed on non-contract terms. Indeed, Darlington may suffer further consequences for signing Oldfield, who Chester FC claim was the subject of an illegal approach from the Quakers who have been reported to the FA for their indiscretion.

One player Rovers will have to watch out for is Darlo top scorer Chris Senior. The striker has spent his entire career in the non-league game and netted in the surprise win over AFC Wimbledon, as well as scoring two in the cup qualifier against Mossley. Another threat will be midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, a Carlisle loan player who scored on the opening day of the season against the Gas two seasons ago.

Rovers will be forced into at least one change as Reading don't want keeper Mikkel Andersen cup-tied, giving Mike Green another chance in goal, while captain and everpresent Stuart Campbell may also be out after being taken off at Plymouth with a dead leg. It also looks as if John Akinde may be out of the door at Bristol City, who have given the Gas permission to play him in the game. Midfielder Charlie Reece will also be looking to continue his run in the starting XI. The youngster spoke to the Bristol Evening Post about his recent games, saying:

"I'm really enjoying my football, but I know I can't take anything for granted. I have to concentrate on rolling my sleeves up and improving on my game each week.

"The people who I'm keeping out at the moment are my friends and team-mates but we're all desperate to play. I want my place in the team and I want to try and keep it for the rest of the season. That's the way every player looks at it."

He is also confident that Rovers can go to Darlington and put in a proffesional performance:

"We felt a bit hard done by with some of the decisions against us [at Plymouth] but we can't dwell on that. We've got good players and we're creating chances to score goals. It's only a matter of time before that is reflected in the results."

Playing against Conference opposition may also be a good chance to blood some younger players, for instance Ben Swallow or Harry Pell, if Rovers find themselves in a comfortable winning position. One notable exclusion from the Pirates squad in recent games is that of Dominic Blizzard.

Left off of the subs bench in the last two games, Harry Pell taking his place, despite being told Rovers have a fully fit squad to choose from it makes worrying signs for a player of whom so much was thought of when he signed. With only four starts this season and a habit of getting injured it may be that Rovers cut their losses in January, though no rumour has yet been heard on the situation.

Paul Trollope is looking forward to Saturday's game and talked about how exciting the FA Cup is for his players, telling bristolrovers.co.uk:

"The first round of the FA Cup always brings a buzz to every club, it is break from the league action, and something that everyone looks forward to.

"We went out in the first round last year to Southampton, and this year we want to have a run in the competition like we have done in the past.

"A few years ago it was very kind to us, but we want to get cracking again this year.

"We have always taken it seriously, and we are going to go with a full strength team, as much as we can, because we want to make progress."

Darlington boss Mark Cooper came through the youth ranks at Bristol City though never made a first team appearance for the club. The former Peterborough manager has made sure his players know how important the cup is for both them, making this public when he spoke to darlington-fc.net:

"I've told the players, careers can change because of an FA Cup run,

"I got the chance to manage in the Championship because of the FA Cup, although it didn't last long!

"But I got the chance to be there because of having various cup runs and doing reasonably well in the league.

"If we win we'll be on ITV on Saturday night. I've told them, make sure it's you who's scoring the winning goal."

With Rovers performing averagely in the league an FA Cup run is just what is required to bring some of the fans back to the Memorial Stadium, but that depends on a game that is very losable for an up and down Gas team. Could this be the catalst that turns the season around for them? That's what all Rovers fans will be hoping.

Troubling Times North of the Border

Points deductions in football are nothing new at any level. Sunday league teams often find themselves releived of points due to fielding ineligible players, while at the other end of the scale, in the professional game Portsmouth were deducted nine of their league points after going into administration, the first club in the history of the modern Premier League. The big news in Scottish football today, though, is that first division Dundee FC have had 25 points taken from underneath them, unsurprisingly leaving them bottom of the league, a whole 20 points behind their nearest rivals.

Financial problems at Dundee have been seen before, they also went into administration in 2003, while they were still plying their trade in the Scottish Premier League, they were eventually forced to sell off their stadium in 2003 to help cover their £23million debt. This time the debt is much smaller, £420,000, owed to the taxman, a creditor that is known to take no prisoners in the past.

But to take 25 points, leaving the club on -11, can be seen as somewhat of a death sentence, almost consigning the club to relegation. It happened to Luton in 2008, startinf the season on -30 points. 20 points were docked for falling foul of the FA's insolvency policy, followed by another 10 point deduction for failing to disclose details of payments to agents. They weren't totally doomed however, both Bounremouth and Rotherham started that season with -15 points and with only two relegation places from League 2 to the Conference it was highly likely that someone would survive with a very low points total. As it happened Luton did end up relegated with 26 points, had they not had that massive 30 point deduction the club would have finished ina respectable 15th place. Both Bournemouth and Rotherham stayed up, the latter would have finished in the play-offs if it weren't for starting on -15. Later in the season Darlington were also deducted 10 points for entering administration, again costing them a play-off place. The other team relegated with Luton were Chester City, whose story we will look at next.

Chester had gone into administration following their relegation from League 2 and had to await a decision from the Conference as to whether they could take their place in the division, they nervously awaited their fate as they had been in a similar situation to Boston United. The Pilgrims had entered into administration during their final game of the 2006/07 season, a winner stays up match against Wrexham. With the team losing on the pitch owner Jim Rodwell put the club into a company voluntary agreement in order that the club be deducted 10 points in the season they had already been relegated as opposed to starting life in the conference on -10. But as the club could not pay off 100% of their footballing creditors they were demoted two divisions to the Conference North, a league they are still yet to get out of.

Back in Chester the clubs situation got gradually worse, with players being sold off throughout the season. The club had their first two fixtures postponed while the conference were making decisions on their future but they were eventually allowed to start their season, the club changed ownership before they played their first match, being taken over by former chairman Stephen Vaughan. Troubles continued througout the season and it got to their point where players refused to get on the team coach for a match against Forest Green Rovers. They were once again suspended by the Conference and after a vote of member clubs they were expelled from the league, all their results expunged from the record books.

Probably the most high profile case of a club going into administration is the plight of Portsmouth. Financial problems first occured in the 2009 close season, with many of their top name players being sold off all under the shadow of a protracted takeover by Sulaiman Al Fahim. Al Fahim took control of the club at the end of August but before long found himself in financial difficulties and in October another deal was agreed for Ali Al Faraj to take control of Portsmouth. In December Portsmouth left their players unpaid, now for a second month in a row and before the end of the year the club faced a winding up petition from HMRC and things wouldn't get better in 2010.

A clause in a loan deal with Nepalese businesman Balram Chanrai meant that he would take over control of the club. It was soon known that new investment was needed and the club was once again put up for sale, only there was to be no new buyer in time and the club ended up being put into administration. The club, bottom of the Premier League, were deducted nine points and relegation was a near certainty and, come May, it was confirmed.

All of these tales will not bode well with Dundee fans and the rise and fall of Gretna FC will also be a bit too close to home. However much hope there is in the city it will take some performance from Barry Smith's men to see them survive but administrator Bryan Jackson remains hopeful that a miracle can happen both on and off the pitch, saying:

"It's made a difficult job even more difficult.

"We're not going to give up. We'll do everything we can but this really limits the options for us."

He also felt the decision was harsh, with far more points being deducted than he expected:

"I was expecting 15 points as a sanction at the very worst. I was hoping for 10."

And it may not be over for Dundee, the SFL hinting that will 'deal with the club as it sees fit' if they don't exit administration by March 31st.

It all means that a tough few months are ahead for Dundee and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the reprecussions that come with all the recent heartache.

Home and Away

During my time watching Bristol Rovers I've seen my team throw away points on numerous occasions so what happened, and what so nearly happened, on Saturday came as little surprise.

It's a heck of a long way to come, 274 miles in fact, for a single point and to spend a day watching your team. It's a journey I've never had to make, I've actually never been further north than Birmingham, but kudos to those who take it on it shows massive support for their team and a damn deep pocket. Those Carlisle fans would have taken all three points home with them if it weren't for Mikkel Andersen's cruelty, stopping Gary Madine's spot kick with a firm left hand.

From the highlights, I must say, it looks like a penalty. When I was at the game I argued that Gary Sawyer had been forced into the ball with Mike Grella on his back but the replays show an outstretched arm in front of the on loan striker and the penalty was rightly given, despite what I thought at the time, the best place to see it from would have been the South Stand. With all that being said, though, a Carlisle win would probably not have been the right result.

They may have had more possession and taken more shots than Rovers it was the Gas who had the most clear cut chances, Jeff Hughes in particular at fault. From two yards out the Northern Irishman mistakenly trapped the ball at his feet when trying to knock it into the net and Carlisle keeper Adam Collin pushed the ball away at full stretch as it attempted to trickle agonisingly over the line. Collin also came out on top when Jo Kuffour came knocking, staying big enough to get something on Kuffour's effort. Charlie Reece was also unlucky, his looping shot came back off the post while the visitors also struck the woodwork twice, the threatening Madine saw a first half shot hit the upright and centre back Lubomir Michalik, on loan from Leeds, hit a half volley that took a deflection and came spectacularly off of the crossbar.

Rovers manager Paul Trollope would agree with the fact that the home side should have won. He told bristolrovers.co.uk:

"There was a lot of good stuff, I thought the players performed to a good level, and the crowd responded to that.

"I think that is as positive as we have been at home, there was a good energy about us, we produced some good play and put our bodies on the line defending when we had to.

"What cost us was we didn't get the second goal when we probably deserved it."

The overall team performance has clearly improved from the disasterous start to the season that Rovers had but thus far there have been two standour performers, Will Hoskins at the front and Byron Anthony at the back. Hoskins, top scorer for the Gas this season, put in another fine display, showing that he is comfortable across the front line, whether playing through the centre or being forced out wide and although he didn't get a clear sight of goal during the match he proved that he is an asset in terms of team play. Anthony was commanding at the back throughout, putting in a number of direct challenges and, as usual, throwing himself into the path of oncoming shots. He has also been a threat going forward, his two last minute goals earning a win and a draw for Rovers.

Up next for the Gas are Plymouth Argyle, a team currently sat in the League 1 drop zone. It's a trip of over two hours and yet it is still classed by most as a derby game, a rather unusual situation but Rovers should go in confident with a fully fit squad, compared to Plymouth who have been ravaged by injury and suspension. Argyle will be without Jim Patterson, Luke Summerfield, Carl Fletcher and possibly Reda Johnson through injury while Kari Arnason and Bondz N'Gala received red cards in their sides last game, a 4-2 loss to Oldham. But don't get complacent Gasheads, Rovers have already lost to two depleted sides in Tranmere and Swindon this season while they fought back to draw 2-2 with a Hartlepool side whose numbers were reduced through injury.

It's a tie that hasn't been seen since the teams met four times in the 2001/02 season, that year Plymouth came out on top in both League 2 games, 1-0 at home and 2-1 away, while Rovers won an FA Cup replay 3-2 after the first match had ended in a 1-1 draw.

Needless to say it will in no way be an easy game for the Gas, and with another long trip to Darlington next weekend you could forgive the players for feeling a little jaded as the weeks go by but their proffesionals and with two winnable games coming up fans can look on with a modicum of hope.