Match Thread Doncaster Rovers Vs Bradford City EFL Trophy - Tuesday 11 Nov 2025 7.00pm

McCann brought Molyneux and Gibson on and we couldn't handle them.

 

Well it certainly looks that way. Don’t know much about Molyneux but Gibson never did much for us even in lg2. As GA said good players made to look even better when not challenged correctly. This only playing 45 minutes has got stop.

 

It concerns me that Alexander said on his latest interview with Jamie Raynor that the day after they just looked at the first half again to remind the players just how good they are. We only looked good in the first half as we were against a very weak Doncaster squad who included two players recalled from loans to non league teams. Once 4 regular players came on at half time we couldn’t handle them and that’s what should be the focus of any inquest.

 

we also looked good against Everton. ...... kids

 

I think it was about perspective rather than avoiding the appalling 2nd half. Yes no doubt about it he will be looking at the second half. For me it is about getting the best out of the players we have which is difficult given out injuries.

 

Bradford City's Vertu trophy opponents confirmed just now.We will play away at Bolton

 

As opposed to Chesterfield at home, serves us right.

 

So which match would you rather win,the league match or the cup match,can't see us winning both.

 

League as im going

 

You're optimistic you can see us winning one! Has to be the league though

 

I don't think it's as cut and dried as that. I get why everyone would say the league but if you think about it logically, the chances of promotion are probably less than winning this cup and the prize/gate money we'd receive from at least reaching the final could help us really strengthen for next season.

I'm still contradicting myself by saying I'd rather have the 3 points but in a hypothetical scenario there is a case to say that we'd potentially be better off by winning the cup game, especially if we end up finishing comfortably in mid table.

 

I think that's a reasoned argument,despite where we are now,there are too many weak links in the team to realistically expect automatic promotion,and the money from a good trophy run,especially if we reached the final,could provide some of the funds to improve the team for a real go at the league next season.

 

An interesting dilemma albeit not one we can influence. Perhaps my apathy towards the Vertu Cup is behind my thought process and whilst I agree we will probably drop towards our natural league position of mid table, I'm enjoying the ride and could do with it lasting a bit longer yet!!

I hear you loud and clear about the financial rewards of progressing in the Vertu, but it's just not a competition I can get excited about as a fan. Now if we were talking an FA cup match or a league game then there's a discussion to be had!

 

Even the FA Cup has been demeaned as to a pale shadow of its former self . Don’t get me going about “ big “ clubs not wanting to play, playing third string sides , oh and semis MUST be at Wembley to help pay for it . Totally and completely lost its magic.

 

It's irrelevant what teams the "big clubs" play as no one outside the top tier has won it since 1980. Semi finals are at Wembley because it maximises revenues for the FA, you know those people who pass cash down.

 

Agree, but for fans of a certain age it will always be a special competition. I always felt Man Utd dropping out of the competition to pursue world club glory was the final nail in the coffin, but I guess with the money in the premier league and European competitions there was a certain inevitability. Every fan agrees with the nonsense of semis at Wembley, so unnecessary with numerous large stadia across the country capable of hosting matches of this scale. I wonder whether awarding the cup winners a Champions League spot might increase interest with tbe top teams? All immaterial for us for another season sadly

 

Nevertheless it demeans a once great competition . It isn’t nowadays .