Why is it that when Keith Andrews struck in the dying minutes of the game(with a great shot I might add) I felt as if we had clinched all three points. We were unfairly at 10 men the majority of the match. Maybe that’s why scraping a point felt so good.

But then there is the AV game. Really good stuff. Except for the score line. And us not getting any points. But the football was so good for the most part until we got desperate. And it was really really good. But we lost. So why the optimism? Is anybody else relating? Or is this just me?

And the Boro game oh the Boro game. How we should have won as well. But Benni Mac, equalizing header in the dying seconds of added time. Immediate elation. Confusion later.

As we slip to 13th in the table, looking broadly it’s easy to begin to question Ince and Co. But watching the games, looking at the stats and understanding that you’ll get stuck with the crazy new ref out to prove a point and maybe it’s not so bad. Or maybe it is. You tell me.

That being said, Rovers dominated the first hour of this match. Boro had some chances sure, but there wasn’t ever a real threat. Even when we seemed to be long-balling it, you could tell it was more direct like a long pass and not a clearance/I hope Roque wins this. Benni Mac, who during the Notlob game looked great, came on a sub and did fantastic. That header was calm, cool and collective and not only saved me from a pissy mood the rest of the day, but left me feeling like we won that game.
More on this after the jump!

More on Benni. Welcome back man. We missed you. I don’t know who gave ya a kick in the behind or whipped you into shape but it’s great to hit some sort of form and better now than never. Hope to see more from you in the coming weeks.

Carlos still has some bulk to build and some skills to improve on as he stopped short on a few runs, had a couple of noticeable slow moments and just overall lost most of the 50/50 and physical challenges on him. However, his flowing style of play really added a threatening element the first 70 or so minutes and prior to the Boro goal.

Matty Derbs, (and I know I’m bouncing from point to point but this stuff is all still fresh in my head now) Matty Matty Matty. I love ya man, I really do, but what were you doing out there today? Touches and masses and shots and that stupid frustrated yellow card you got… unbelievable man. You’re so good when you come on after the hour mark, why can’t you be that good all the time? Maybe you just need to grow some more. The potential is so there, but just not manifesting right now.

A huge scare occurred when Roque went down after that cross into the box. I don’t think I took a breath that whole time he was down until I saw him sit up and smirk. He really is something else and let us all be glad he wasn’t seriously hurt.

On the officiating: I’ve never seen a referee more in the way than he was today. Mike Dean was just always around and seemingly blocking sight lines and pseudo interfering with passes. I don;t know why but it was just oddly noticeable his position today. Also, he clearly hates Rovers. That’s all on that.

Treacy: You’re not as good yet as you think you are. There were plays where you needed a touch or two and had clear opportunities to pass and move it along, yet at least 3 times you kept going yourself was were dispossessed. Step your passing game up then worry about trick sticking down the line.

I thought the back four were relatvily solid with the exception of Nelson who can’t seem to play a game with out 3 or 4 daft moments that make me cringe and Olsson who had a few thoughtless moments but made up for them overall. Olsson is still growing and getting better; Nelson, you have no excuse.

All in all, Rovers had some fantastic chances. Roque, Emerton, Carlos etc. And the formation fluidity and adaptation was great and kept Boro on their back foot most of the game. Once Boro scored though, we clearly panicked and we were fortunate enough that the panic was in an offensive desperately pushing forward way and not a panic and give away more goals way. The game was largely entertaining and moved well the majority of the time. I would have loved to have taken all 3 from this, but can’t say I’m upset with the draw given the circumstances. the next game is only 4 short days away against Aston Villa. We’ll see what changes are made to the starting 11, and how it feels to root against Big Brad. Until then, UP THE ROVERS!!