Doncaster 1 County 5
Excellent entertainment at the Eco-Power as County demolish a dire Donny Rovers
Monday 29 January 2024
NEXT HOME GAME: Harrogate – Saturday 3 February, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Grimsby – Saturday 10 February, 3pm
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Donny Rovers supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Monday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
I’m sharing a few of my thoughts from the Eco-Power with you today, along with Donny fan Jamie Wainman.
Today’s edition is sponsored by ADM Roofing Services Ltd. A big thank you to Louis and Dallas. If you’ve got a roof that needs looking at, call 07513 071684 or email louis@admroofingservices.co.uk.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £1,037
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
✍️ Saturday’s match in one word
Jamie: Atrocious.
Des: Significant.
🤔 Pre-match thoughts
Jamie: I was strangely optimistic to be honest. It would have been a very Doncaster Rovers thing to do to have beaten you on Saturday and then lose to Sutton this weekend. I was looking forward to seeing some of our January signings but disappointingly/surprisingly the ones who I thought may have been the most likely to create something for us were on the bench and we continued with the extremely overrated Molyneux.
Des: I said we’d lose to Mansfield on New Year’s Day (spot on), draw at home to Walsall (close for an hour or so), and I told my mates before the game on Saturday we’d win 4-0. I thought another blank weekend would do us the world of good and we’d romp to victory in South Yorkshire.
🧐 Post-match thoughts
Jamie: We never seem to learn and constantly concede goals from set-pieces and crosses into the box. Matt Smith has scored a hat-trick against us this season, Andy Cook a couple of goals for Bradford. Time and time again on Saturday the deep corner to the big lad at the back stick never got dealt with and you could easily have scored a couple more. Despite our poor start to the season, then moving to more inconsistent form, we’re now slipping backwards again since our 3-0 win against MK Dons on New Year’s Day. When Grant McCann was appointed in May, I certainly didn’t expect to be looking over our shoulder at Sutton’s result at 5pm come January.
Des: These are exciting times, aren’t they? Can everyone please stop worrying about Mansfield or Wrexham or Crewe or Barrow because we WILL win this league.
🔴 Verdict on Doncaster
Jamie: Same old problems. Our inability at dealing with crosses into the box and a lack of physicality in general in defence. Our midfield is far too lightweight, has no creativity, and is second to every loose ball. Up front the usually consistent Joe Ironside seemed off it and was taken off at half-time. I thought at least the lads that came on for the second half were making some decent runs and putting themselves about a bit, but were not seen or noticed by our lacklustre midfield. I’m really trying to look for positives as opposed to telling a totally depressing story but I’m really struggling.
Des: Awful. Defensively, they were as bad as Sutton. We could have scored eight goals again and I genuinely don’t think Donny could have had any complaints.
🔵 Verdict on County
Jamie: County were stronger in every department. Not that we often threatened but when we did get into the final third or put a cross into the box it was easily dealt with. You overran us in midfield – stronger, hungrier and more creative. Up front we couldn't cope with the aerial threat and constant menace of Madden. The runs made from midfield and out wide were excellent and we just couldn't cope.
Des: Superb. Looked like scoring every time we went forward and defensively solid too, apart from switching off for their goal. That’s allowed at 5-0 up, though!
🐶 Top Rover
Jamie: I think the best of a bad bunch was probably Owen Bailey. He’s been filling in at centre-back most of the season and has become Mr Consistent for us. Not great by his standards on Saturday but I'd go for him as our best player.
Des: As I sit and write this, I have to be honest and say I can’t remember a single Donny player worthy of a mention on Saturday.
🎩 Top Hatter
Jamie: Paddy Madden has forever been a thorn in our side whoever he’s played for. A fantastic professional for many years in the lower leagues.
Des: Powell was a joy to watch on Saturday. It was almost cruel watching him torment that Donny defence at times with the outside of his boot. He’s far too good for League Two, and could still have a major impact in this title race.
👂 Atmosphere
Jamie: It’s so flat at the moment. The lads behind the goal try their best to make some kind of noise but with so little to shout about and increasing frustration at so many poor performances. As games go on and the same old mistakes are made the atmosphere becomes more and more toxic. For example their reply to your “We’re top of the league” chant was “We’re fucking shit”. I'm not a fan of chanting things like that as it benefits nobody. However, they do have a point…
Des: Loud away end. Very quiet home end (although that’s to be expected when you’re struggling at the bottom of the table).
🙏 Hopes for the rest of the season
Jamie: It’s all about survival now, which I never thought would be the case. Even after the first few games I had a pretty large bet that we’d still finish in the top 10. How wrong I was! I think we may survive by the skin of our teeth but depending on our result against Sutton we could go into serious panic mode.
Des: I did say I’d be happy with top three, but I’m going to be greedy and demand the League Two title now. I’ve never seen County win a Football League championship in my lifetime and I’d quite like to. We’ve got the best team and the strongest squad in the division. There’s no reason why we won’t win it.
😀 Best part of the day
Jamie: Saturday morning training with my lad, then taking him to the game along with my dad. Three generations of fans consistently supporting Donny at every home game is something I'm always proud of. Then after the game back to the local for a couple of pints and a few games of pool.
Des: The 5-1 was fantastic, of course it was. But County’s always about the people you go with, and there’s no better feeling than getting into a car on a Saturday afternoon for an away day with a quality line-up of travelling companions. And what a line-up I had on Saturday, with three members of the Cash family: Liam (34), Jacob (14) and Parker (2).
😡 Worst part of the day
Jamie: The worst part of the day really doesn't need repeating as I'll probably end up in tears typing again what I've already mentioned
Des: The stewards asking every County fan if they had keys (and then checking them!) before we went in. Get a grip.
The British Library receives a copy of every single book published in the UK. In the same fashion, Des Junior believes a detailed record of every County game should be preserved for the history books. So here’s the full story of our 5-1 victory at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday 27 January 2024, as told from his County-related WhatsApp groups…
1.18pm: I'm not going to make the game. Currently broken down on the Woodhead Pass!
3.07pm: 1-0! Paddy.
3.12pm: 2-0. An own goal I think.
3.35pm: 3-0. Evans. This is far too easy. Where’s the defence?
3.41pm: This place really is like a library on three sides of the ground, and was even before we scored our first.
3.55pm: Bloke in the pub said it was the worst Donny side they've had for 20 years. Didn't believe him but I'm starting to now. We're playing well but nothing special.
4.08pm: Madden makes it 4-0. From back to front, that was class.
4.17pm: 5-0! Tanto.
4.28pm: 5-1.
8.23pm: Really impressive how a midfield that was missing Croasdale, Collar, Sarce and Hippo ripped them a new one in the first hour. Squad depth is now looking strong even if we get a couple more injuries.
2.56am: The greatest of days only to be eclipsed when we are as one celebrating promotion, which is undoubtedly only a matter of time.
Today’s sponsor: ADM Roofing Services Ltd
ADM Roofing Services was formed two years ago by business partners Dallas and Louis. By combining their 50+ years of construction knowledge they set out to bring honesty, quality and integrity back into the roofing industry, one client at a time. Recognising that the roofing industry is shrouded in dishonesty and unqualified roofers, ADM seek to operate as transparently as possible. With detailed quotes and thorough explanations, they seek to teach the everyday person what they can, in the hopes that it may save the next person from heartbreak. After World War Two and the boom in house building in the 60s and 70s, most properties are due a new roof in today’s climate. In today’s world where trust is sparce, you can be safe with ADM with their 10-year guarantee, backed by insurance.
Visit admroofingservices.co.uk for further details.
Photo of the day
One of our paid subscribers Mike Bell emailed us a photo of this cute little chap yesterday. It’s Mike’s grandson, ready for the Doncaster game on Saturday in his County outfit, which he wears every time the Hatters are playing.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. Poor Things (18) at 5.45pm, followed by The Boys in the Boat (12A) at 8.15pm. Click here for tickets.
☕️ Food and drink
Start your week in style by enjoying some delicious tapas dishes (with a cheeky cocktail or two!) at La Cueva (SK8).
🎶 Free jukebox
Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
❓Quiz night
The George & Dragon (SK7). 7.30pm.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Random County fan of the day #29 – Craig Bonsall!
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