So here it was - this was our game - as I tried to explain to a colleague at work, this was our big one, this to us was bigger than Chelsea v Liverpool in the Champions League. This game could ultimately make or break our season. The last 9 months could have counted for nothing should we get beaten by Donny.
I even treated the missus and let her join me and the Boy. I was quite emotional, (only very briefly mind), as the last time I'd been to a Play Off Semi at Roots Hall he was in her belly waiting to come out - tonight he was waving one of 5000 flags dished out by the fine people of the blue voice - a big thank you to the "Bam Bam Man"!
Before the game squad members who weren't "in the squad" were wandering about the pitch in suits signing autographs and I was very disappointed to see one of those in a suit was Gary Hooper. I am starting to think that Tilson has got something against Hoops as I personally would have him in the 16 over Alex Revell, (unless he was injured). Yes, he can hit the bar on Soccer AM's crossbar challenge but the bloke can't hit a cows arse with a banjo and certainly isn't a winger! So why did Tilson, when he had Kanu/Scannell on the bench, bring Revell on to replace Black I'll never know? Of course, he might prove me wrong and score a couple next Friday at the Keepmoat but I honestly think there is more chance of me winning the lottery.
On to next Friday then - all square and its certainly better than going up there having lost. I'm just hoping we can take 3000 odd up there and really give the lads our backing.
I'll be there! Actually combining it with my stag do - best man wasn't all that pleased when I told him what I wanted to do back in January, but what would he know - he supports Grays and Millwall! The city of Doncaster better get itself ready, the Pride of Essex are coming and after you. We're intent on Wembley!
Flahavan - 8; One of his best games for ages, totally in control. When called upon he stood up and was counted!
Francis - 7; Got caught out a couple of times but he kept on making the runs, a constant threat going forward, only a reflex save by Sullivan meant we're not going up there 1-0 up.
Clarke - 8.5: In my eyes did not do a thing wrong.
Barrett - 8; Mr Southend in a similar vain to Clarkey didnt put a foot wrong in my eyes.
Mulgrew - 7; Good Game, always expect him to deliver something from his free kicks. Think we should pursue making his loan permanent if we go up or not.
Black - 5; I'm not going to slag him off and thought he was allright but not what you need in a Play Off Semi.
Macca - 8; Always gives his all - and last night wasn't any different. Hope the injury isn't to bad..
Bailey - 7.5; Not his best game for the Blues - only really came into it in the last 20 mins if you ask me.
Gower - 7.5; Doncaster had obviously done their research as he wasn't give as much space as he'd thrive on but still looked lively.
Walker - 8; Looked very lively, all he lacked was the goal - good chance in the second half, next week maybe?
Barney - 7; Another one who in my eyes didnt have their best game for the blues - hoping it was down to Donny's homework rather than nerves. Taking the early knock on his ankle wasn't going to help. (We were told today that he was carrying an injury after a knock in the first half, which could force him out on Friday! - Ed)
Sub:
Revell (for Black) - 4, What does this fella offer? That's my first question the second is why stick him out on the wing. Looked scared on the ball
I even treated the missus and let her join me and the Boy. I was quite emotional, (only very briefly mind), as the last time I'd been to a Play Off Semi at Roots Hall he was in her belly waiting to come out - tonight he was waving one of 5000 flags dished out by the fine people of the blue voice - a big thank you to the "Bam Bam Man"!
Before the game squad members who weren't "in the squad" were wandering about the pitch in suits signing autographs and I was very disappointed to see one of those in a suit was Gary Hooper. I am starting to think that Tilson has got something against Hoops as I personally would have him in the 16 over Alex Revell, (unless he was injured). Yes, he can hit the bar on Soccer AM's crossbar challenge but the bloke can't hit a cows arse with a banjo and certainly isn't a winger! So why did Tilson, when he had Kanu/Scannell on the bench, bring Revell on to replace Black I'll never know? Of course, he might prove me wrong and score a couple next Friday at the Keepmoat but I honestly think there is more chance of me winning the lottery.
On to next Friday then - all square and its certainly better than going up there having lost. I'm just hoping we can take 3000 odd up there and really give the lads our backing.
I'll be there! Actually combining it with my stag do - best man wasn't all that pleased when I told him what I wanted to do back in January, but what would he know - he supports Grays and Millwall! The city of Doncaster better get itself ready, the Pride of Essex are coming and after you. We're intent on Wembley!
Flahavan - 8; One of his best games for ages, totally in control. When called upon he stood up and was counted!
Francis - 7; Got caught out a couple of times but he kept on making the runs, a constant threat going forward, only a reflex save by Sullivan meant we're not going up there 1-0 up.
Clarke - 8.5: In my eyes did not do a thing wrong.
Barrett - 8; Mr Southend in a similar vain to Clarkey didnt put a foot wrong in my eyes.
Mulgrew - 7; Good Game, always expect him to deliver something from his free kicks. Think we should pursue making his loan permanent if we go up or not.
Black - 5; I'm not going to slag him off and thought he was allright but not what you need in a Play Off Semi.
Macca - 8; Always gives his all - and last night wasn't any different. Hope the injury isn't to bad..
Bailey - 7.5; Not his best game for the Blues - only really came into it in the last 20 mins if you ask me.
Gower - 7.5; Doncaster had obviously done their research as he wasn't give as much space as he'd thrive on but still looked lively.
Walker - 8; Looked very lively, all he lacked was the goal - good chance in the second half, next week maybe?
Barney - 7; Another one who in my eyes didnt have their best game for the blues - hoping it was down to Donny's homework rather than nerves. Taking the early knock on his ankle wasn't going to help. (We were told today that he was carrying an injury after a knock in the first half, which could force him out on Friday! - Ed)
Sub:
Revell (for Black) - 4, What does this fella offer? That's my first question the second is why stick him out on the wing. Looked scared on the ball