Three cup disasters!

By: Dan Clough | January 6th, 2008

After becoming accustomed to cup runs it’s hard to take that we are now in January with only the Premiership to play for.

Last season we were unlucky to lose in the FA Cup semi final, the year before we were knocked out in the Carling Cup semi and the year before that saw another FA Cup semi final. I thought this year may see us push that bit further and hopefully get a place in a big cup final. Oh no…

Thursday 20th September - A surprise 2-0 UEFA defeat at Greek side AE Larissa in the middle of one of our best runs for years hurts everyone. Still, there’s time for us to come back.

Thursday 4th October - Larissa go ahead in the first half meaning Rovers must hit four to win the game and go into the group stages. Rovers score a penalty late in the first half to give us hope. An early second half goal sets up what could be a classic comeback but the Greeks held their own and Rovers were out. Incidentally, Larissa went on to lose every game of their group in the next round!

Tuesday 18th December - Arsenal’s reserves fly into a 2-0 lead against a full strength Rovers team. Santa Cruz gets one back to make it 2-1 in the first half of a lacklustre performance. The half time team talk does something to Rovers and they hit back in the second half, equalising through Santa Cruz and looking the more likely to hit a winner. Denilson is sent off for a rash challenge on Dunn and we look comfortable favourites for the win. Arsenal nick one in extra time and it’s all over.

Saturday 5th January - Coventry doe the unthinkable and fire four past Rovers shaky defence. Game over!

Ah well, bring on next season, not much to play for anymore!