Doncaster Post Match

[Kitchandro]

Me too, I don't care who wears the armband he's the real captain of the team,sticking his foot in shouting instructions and he topped it off with the goal of the game.

Vassel looked so much better when he moved more into the centre.

The ref must have been the only person in the ground who thought that was a peno

I agree with this, I love King but Wellens is real captain material

And I knew he could shoot! He just needs to show some belief in himself, like today.

In fact the more I think about today the better I feel

Absolutely wonderful football in the second half in front of a big crowd. I hope it's a sign of things to come

[lildave3]

When did Darius Vassell graduate from skills school? The man was pulling off some corkers today.

Everyone looked like they were just having fun out there second half, was fun to watch.

[ajthefox]

I agree with this, I love King but Wellens is real captain material

And I knew he could shoot! He just needs to show some belief in himself, like today.

In fact the more I think about today the better I feel

Absolutely wonderful football in the second half in front of a big crowd. I hope it's a sign of things to come

I think the main reason wellens was shooting today was the fact it was donny, I can't recall another match where i've seen him shoot from outside the box on multiple occasions such as today. it seemed like he really wanted to score against his old team.

[DB11]

Great second half.

Wellens and Naughton were unbelievable.

Naughton's celebration was fooking epic!

[Raj]

As all ready said we we shit first half.They played well and should have bee 2/3-0 up.

Sharpe looked erm ...sharp with his goal.

Very dubious peno if ever ive seen one but its about time!

Svens team talk must have been" wellllll if you ****ers dont sort this mess out i will come and visit all our your wives and girlfriends or some svenlove!"

Wellends was awesome in the 2nd half and Naughtons goal celebration was class...has a City player ever done gymnastics after a goal?

Seemed like the whole team gelled in the 2nd half so well done.

Regards the £6 chants in L1..Pretty childish.

Alot is said about these familt fixture games but i'd rahter have 27k v Donnie than 19k and if even 5% of these lot return it can only make Citys future better.

Id rather see kids on the streets of The Saff wearing City tops and being proud than walking around with MAnU,Liverpool tops on!!

Up the City!

x

[MC Prussian]

A game of two halves and much has been said about how shite we were in the first. I, as other have stated already, hadn't seen us playing that badly for a long time.

You'd have to go back three, four or even more years to come up with a comparable sub-par performance.

No one cared one single bit about creating something going forward, there was no cohesion, no drive, no willingness.

Instead players like Gallagher and Wellens frustrated the heck out of me with their lack of attacking power (with Gallagher being under the impression that two goals against Watford was enough to justify a starting spot), their constant moaning and the use of misguided passes (Richie Wellens, I'm talking to you). Cunningham was found out too often, his immediate opponent was left in the open too many times.

It was as if they had decided to stop playing football altogether following the 3-2 defeat at the Hornets. No one could be bothered.

As a consequence, it hit other fans pretty early on and the singing ceased completely on many opportunities - you could say that was the fans telling the players to finally wake up and get into the game.

That a tame Doncaster side managed to take the lead came a bit of a surprise but was a somehow logical payback for a very, very sloppy performance in the first 44 minutes. And it says a lot about how bad we were in the space of the first 45.

Penalty or not? The referee certainly had his hands in our rise in the second half. Personally, the call came out of nowhere, a bit against the run of play and couldn't make up for an unbelievably pathetic first half.

At no point did I expect the guys scoring four more goals in the following period.

Obviously, Sven and/or Derek must've gotten the big guns out during the HT talk, the side came out of the dugout completely changed.

The biggest change was the change in attitude and Doncaster were pretty much found out, hardly ever made it to Weale's box and were punished by a convincing, sometimes brilliant Leicester side.

The commitment was there, power, accuracy, playfulness, determination. If only we could play that way more often, in particular away from home.

I was especially impressed by the amount of ball possession we had in the second half, passing it around for longer spells without any Rovers player being able to break it up.

We were that dominant. And a bit unlucky not to score even more goals.

Cunningham could've had a goal when his free-kick hit the bar.

Andy King could've had two goals when he hit it past it following a Vassell miss and when he hit the post at the end of the game (Waghorn nicked that one, though).

Wellens, whom I'd consider MOTM for once, improved massively in the second half, Gallagher put much more effort into his game (although he's stil bloody lazy; shying away from almost every tackle).

Naughton's goal celebration has won him the sympathies. Good lad.

Also pleased for Vassell and Waghorn finding the net - hopefully, it'll only boost their confidence.

Yuki Abe develops into a midfield powerhouse, something you wouldn't give him when you look at his physique. Legend for understanding his own chant (well, sort of).

Now bloody take that attitude into an away game and start picking up points (and wins) in foreign grounds.

P.S.: Still no goal from a corner...

[Legend_in_blue]

For a spell in the second half the only way to describe the play was "total football".

The third goal was superb. I cannot recollect a time when so many Leicester players ran forward, with pace, at an opposition half on the break with such ruthlessness.

It was superb.

We don't need Bednar, we don't even need Howard, just keep it on the floor and keep the movement off the ball. Pace will take care of the rest.

[Thracian]

Having had the benefit of seeing replays I reckon the referee was spot on with the penalty. Had an outfield player gone in like that on an opponent, two feet first, there's no question that it would have been penalised had it been outside the box.

Okay, I don't know that many referees would have had the bottle to have called it inside the box - but the rules shouldn't be any different wherever it is and dangerous play is the same for a goalkeeper as an outfield player. Yes, we were fortunate in that the situation didn't ever look like leading to a goal - and I don't think their goalkeeper intended to be dangerous - but seems to me the referee was right.

[marbelladave]

Lots of people at the game yesterday and most (posting on here) seem over the moon. In typical 'sods law' fashion I had to miss yesterdays game but I was able to find a near perfect stream to watch.

Fantastic result and although our play showed some considerable improvement, there is still lots to do if we are going to have any kind of a shot at promotion.

In many ways the game followed the pattern set at Watford, Bristol and elsewhere. First half we were incredibly wasteful going forward, Bednar was poor (injured very early on, I think) and we put together nothing of note for the first half hour. Sloppy defending gave Donny several great chances and we were very lucky they could only convert one of them. We sharpened up a little towards half time, Dyer and Vassell making the difference but the penalty was a joke in my view. So instead of going in two down as we did at Watford, we were, quite undeservedly 1-1.

Second half was much better, just as at Watford, and this time we got the result. Sure we played better than last week but not that much better, three (four if you include the pen) of yesterdays goals were pretty lucky and we got no luck at all at Vicarage Rd,

The big differences between the games was simply that although we seized control and scored early in the second half of both games, Donny caved and Watford did not. We had to fight hard for our second goal at Watford which left us tired but still chasing the game and wide open to the sucker punch. Against a Doncaster in some disarray our goals came much quicker and with a big slice of luck.

Wellens struck his shot well but Sullivan 'did a Weale' and despite seeing it all the way was slow to get down to make the save, Vassell could easily have been given offside for his strike and Waghorn was very lucky with the rebound from the post, it could have been much tougher for us to get the win.

Not being negative here, just pointing out the we have played almost as well as yesterday and got nothing from some recent games and the we still have quite a lot to do in all areas if we are serious about a promotion push.

Whilst I think it is quite absurd to get carried away with yesterday, there was to my mind one big positive and that was seeing how well we adapted our game to the loss of the big man. Our passing game really came together well with our smaller, quicker forwards and the pace of our attacks for the Naughton, Vassell and Waghorn goals was exceptional. We need to continue to try and play in this way although I am sure that when things are not quite as easy as they were yesterday there will be cries for the return of Howard, they need to be resisted.

One last thing, we proved that our forwards can score if we attack quickly and get them the ball in good positions before the defence is set. Critical this, so often this season our attacks are so slow in the buildup that by the time the ball gets to our frontmen the defence is well organised and our players closely marked, it is this more than anything else that has been our problem in scoring goals this season.

[ScouseFox]

Wellens scored from range, anyone complaining will never be happy.

[Unabomber]

That second half was an absolute pleasure to watch, something that has not happened at the Walkers for some time. The players to a man were excellent, especially Wellens who absolutely bossed that half and controlled it all 45 minutes.

Also that break for Naughtons goal was first class, something that any of the top teams would be proud of.

[marbelladave]

Wellens scored from range, anyone complaining will never be happy.

Wellens needs to shoot more often, drive at the box and get efforts in at goal. He won't always score but that.s fine, sometimes he will and that will be a big improvement to his game.

A better keeper may have saved yesterdays effort but if you don't shoot......

Just making the point that if Weale had let in that shot in the net there would have been a lot of unhappy people on this board.

[ScouseFox]

Naughton

[Tommeh]

Really hope people are now starting to realise what fools they were suggesting a new centre midfield and that we could do better than Richie Wellens, the guy has got better and better and that 2nd half yesterday was sensational. I always thought he was excellent back end of last season with Jay Spearing, now it seems Abe is playing a similar role and Richie is dominating games.

Cunningham was outstanding aswell, quick, sharp, mobile, outstanding delivery, he and Gallagher compliment each other really well in my opinion. Worth noting aswell, that Darius was a moster up top, seemed a completely different player.

Really glad Dyer got a good 60 under his belt too. Unfortunate for Bednar but he needed to find his fitness and get performing quick in this side, and he just hasn't.

Would definatly start with the loan defence, midfield 3 and Dyer - Vassell - Gallagher at Ipswich.

Also absolutely thrilled for Waggy, you could see how much that goal meant to him and the distance he made up after putting the initial ball through for King was amazing. Hopefully he can kick on now, grab his next chance and knock at the door as he's certainly good enough.

[Guy]

Great to hear Kasabian bellowing out of my TV's speakers five separate times on the League Show last night, the first time since beating Scunny last season by the same scoreline! Wish I could've been there in the flesh! Now to kick on hopefully although Keano and his Ipswich side will be very keen to get the better of us in their current plight (especially with our middling-poor away form this season so far.......). Hopefully it will be seven straight defeats for them come next Saturday tea time though......!

[Kitchandro]

How can people say we scored the penalty against the run of play? I agree Doncaster used the ball better, and we kept giving it away but still we had most of the possession. Their only chance after their goal was from a poor back header by Davies.

We were shit until Bednar went off, I thought that was very noticeable. We started passing it after that.

And even when Wellens has a blinder and scores a screamer he still gets stick

[STUHILL]

How can people say we scored the penalty against the run of play? I agree Doncaster used the ball better, and we kept giving it away but still we had most of the possession. Their only chance after their goal was from a poor back header by Davies.

We were shit until Bednar went off, I thought that was very noticeable. We started passing it after that.

And even when Wellens has a blinder and scores a screamer he still gets stick

Crazy that Wellens would get any stick. Only player in first half I thought wasn't useless and he was awesome 2nd, picking the ball up from deep and making things happen. Fantastic, hard working, creative performance from a complete midfielder

[Karljohn]

Wellends was awesome in the 2nd half and Naughtons goal celebration was class...has a City player ever done gymnastics after a goal?

Yes, Matt Jones did it against Middlesboro at Filbert Street, think he did himself some long term damage in doing it too with a backflip.

Im sure I saw Sven bollocking Naughton for it aswell!

[Corky]

Was a very important win and good to see us still going right to the end, could prove crucial in terms of goal difference.

First half we stated slowly, Doncaster should've scored before they did so it was coming, good finish. After that we improved and seemed to get a hold on the game, then came the penalty. It appeared to be a soft decision, and if it has been the other way round I'd have been disappointed to see it given. However, Gallagher struck it well.

That gave us a lift. Straight from the off we went forward, Cunningham unlucky with a superb strike against the bar before Wellens hit a beauty. The third was an excellent counter-attack and great to see Vassell notch his first. Nice to see a fifth late on and Waghorn get a goal, albeit straightforward, to give him a lift.

The penalty was a big moment in the game and we used it to our advantage in the second 45. Very pleasing win and the second half was a joy to watch.

[The Year Of The Fox]

Having had the benefit of seeing replays I reckon the referee was spot on with the penalty. Had an outfield player gone in like that on an opponent, two feet first, there's no question that it would have been penalised had it been outside the box.

Okay, I don't know that many referees would have had the bottle to have called it inside the box - but the rules shouldn't be any different wherever it is and dangerous play is the same for a goalkeeper as an outfield player. Yes, we were fortunate in that the situation didn't ever look like leading to a goal - and I don't think their goalkeeper intended to be dangerous - but seems to me the referee was right.

Completely agree. At first I didn't think it was a penalty, but have watched the highlights three times today. Sullivan takes Dyers legs with his feet. Dyer was never going to get the ball, but thats irrelevant. If he wasn't going to get the ball, its perhaps an 'off the ball incident'

Well done the ref, for seeing it in real time!

[marbelladave]

How can people say we scored the penalty against the run of play? I agree Doncaster used the ball better, and we kept giving it away but still we had most of the possession. Their only chance after their goal was from a poor back header by Davies.

We were shit until Bednar went off, I thought that was very noticeable. We started passing it after that.

And even when Wellens has a blinder and scores a screamer he still gets stick

We were woeful first half though we did pick up in the last 10 minutes or so. the penalty was damn lucky, we could easily have been 0-2 at half time.

Wellens gets stick for one simple reason. In general he dwells on the ball, takes far too long then with the opposition properly set and then with all our players well marked tries to play someone in and gives the ball back to the opposition. This has been going on all season and is one of the pivotal reasons we do not score the number of goals that our possession deserves.

Naughton's goal was probably the first time this season we played the ball quickly through midfield and had runners attacking the box, usually we sit on the ball, take time getting it forward so that when we do, our forwards are all marked up. I have made this point many times this season and second half yesterday was a great example of how it should be done.

Of course it helped a lot having positive runners up front, so we could play the ball up to them ably supported by King, Naughton and Cunningham all arriving at pace. so much better than all the long ball bollocks.

[martyn]

We were woeful first half though we did pick up in the last 10 minutes or so. the penalty was damn lucky, we could easily have been 0-2 at half time.

Wellens gets stick for one simple reason. In general he dwells on the ball, takes far too long then with the opposition properly set and then with all our players well marked tries to play someone in and gives the ball back to the opposition. This has been going on all season and is one of the pivotal reasons we do not score the number of goals that our possession deserves.

Naughton's goal was probably the first time this season we played the ball quickly through midfield and had runners attacking the box, usually we sit on the ball, take time getting it forward so that when we do, our forwards are all marked up. I have made this point many times this season and second half yesterday was a great example of how it should be done.

Of course it helped a lot having positive runners up front, so we could play the ball up to them ably supported by King, Naughton and Cunningham all arriving at pace. so much better than all the long ball bollocks.

Naughton's goal was a classic counter attack against a side who had gone gung ho. There were only 2 passes in the entire move (1 a simple pass to Wellens who subsequently had no-one near him and 80 yards to sprint into) so I'm not sure that example is particularly relevant.

I was critical of Wellens earlier this season, but he's been imperious in the last few games in a slightly altered role.

[ScouseFox]

Vassell is still yet to lose an English League game he's scored in

[Wymsey]

Vassell not there yet with how to play in a physical league like this but he seems to be improving game by game

[stockyfox]

I have been advocating for several weeks / matches that Lloyd Dyer and Darius Vassell should both either start or be on the field together for a substantial period of the 90 minutes and that to take off Vassell and replace him with Dyer brought little change or advantage.

Yesterday, I feel my opinion was vindicated. For the first half - hour, we played like a village team or at best like a poor League two side. The goal that Doncaster scored was the result of an excellent move - and make no mistake, had been coming virtually from the kick-off.

Donny played some good football, especially in the first half. They looked as if they knew what they were doing and built moves with purposeful simplicity.

We meanwhile, played like a bunch of unco-ordinated individuals who had been thrown together for the first time with passes made more in hope than expectation.

At the point of Donny's goal, I would have feared that we could have been on the receiving end of an embarrassing thrashing.

But then Lloyd Dyer replaced Roman Bednar and just like flicking a light switch, the attack clicked.

The penalty came after sustained pressure on Donny's defence but then in the second half, we played some scintillating football, the like of which we have not seen from a Leicester team for some time and which would have destroyed many teams considered superior to Donny.

However, yesterday, we VERY VERY NEARLY scored from a corner!!! -but we didn't.

Are we allowed to score from a corner?

Will we manage to get through the whole season without scoring from a corner?

Will we ever score from a corner?

Answers to these questions may possibly be found in your local corner shop, in the bottom corner of the local rag!

But with (2nd half) displays like that, does it matter if we never ever score from a corner!

That was indeed awesome! Now wanted: More of the same! (please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)