Johnstone’s Paint Trophy 30th Jan

[slick]

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
30 Jan 19:45 Crewe v Doncaster 2.50 3.25 2.50 +8
30 Jan 19:45 Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers 2.20 3.20 3.00

Odds Bet365

[thehandicapman]

Can't help but think Bristol Rovers are looking a bit large at 3.45 to the Shrews.

Will look at it a bit closer tomorrow but although their away record is poor, W3 D4 L7, it took them 6 games to get a win and since that point, it reads W3 D3 L3.
In their last 2 aways they beat Rochdale and pushed Walsall all the way in a 2-2 draw.
They went to Derby last time out, taking all the plaudits in an unfortunate 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup
But as strange as it may sound, this is the really important one for Rovers. Shrewbury tried to arrange this game for last night - just two days after the Derby game.
Before the decision was overturned, the Rovers manager stated that he would send a reserve side out for the FA Cup if that decision had stood - such is the financial draw of a 2-legged area final against Bristol City.

What the team does lack is firepower and its unfortunate that loan target - Stuart Nicholson doesn't look like he's been signed in time to play.

What I don't know too much about is Shrewbury but they seem to have good form home and away, However what might prove crucial is that they haven't played for over 2 weeks due to postponements. They have conceded in each of their last 4 league outings while Rovers have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 6 league games.

If Rovers can take advantage of any rustiness in the home team they have a chance of emulating Barnet who went up their just before Christmas and turned them over 1-0.

Now then, any takers to come and piss on my bonfire? Shrewbury fans?

THM

[kompressaur]

don't be daft THM there's no-one out there who will reply never mind Shrewsbury fans. there's a lot of work to get them in too but we'll just keep trying. Till then we'll just have to make do with team news from soccernet

Crewe v Doncaster
Crewe are facing a striker shortage for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final first-leg clash with Doncaster.

Prolific young forward Nicky Maynard, who has averaged more than a goal a game since exploding onto the scene at Gresty Road, has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring strain sustained after scoring the second goal at Carlisle.

He is joined on the sidelines by Rodney Jack, who has a calf injury, meaning there could be a first start of the season for Pavol Suhaj or Lee Matthews.

Former Liverpool defender Jon Otsemobor is pushing for a place after returning from injury but midfield duo Gary Roberts and Ben Rix are major doubts.

Roberts is suffering from a hamstring injury while Rix has a suspected hernia.

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll may opt to rest one or two players.

Jason Price is suffering from fatigue, while there are big doubts surrounding winger James Coppinger (hamstring) and striker Jonathan Fortune (groin), the former of whom would be a big blow after his man-of-the-match performance in the weekend's 3-2 win over Rotherham.

He was brought off in the last minute as a precaution and although he has responded to treatment, he is not 100% fit.

O'Driscoll told the club's official website: ``There's no point playing him (against Crewe) then him being out for a long time - we'll see what he's like before the game.

``Whatever team we put out won't be a weakened side though, but if James and Jonathan don't amke it then we'll use one or two of the players who haven't featured as much this season.''


Shrewsbury v Bristol Rovers
Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters welcomes defender Sagi Burton back from injury for the rearranged Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern semi-final with Bristol Rovers.

Burton was forced off during the Shrews' 1-1 draw with Lincoln a fortnight ago with a thigh injury but has returned to full training and should resume his defensive partnership with Richard Hope.

A sequence of postponements means Peters' side have not tasted action since that draw with Lincoln and they have taken advantage of the time off to release four fringe players.

Danny Thomas, Neil Sorvel, Marco Adaggio and Gavin Cadwallader have all left Gay Meadow, while new signing Marc Tierney is unavailable as he is cup-tied.

Chris MacKenzie will start in goal as Scott Shearer has returned to Bristol Rovers and forward Derek Asamoah is in contention for the first time since before Christmas after the enforced break aided his recovery from an ankle injury.

Aaron Lescott's red card in the FA Cup against Derby at the weekend means Ryan Green will resume at right-back for Bristol Rovers.

Lescott begins a three-match suspension after he was sent off midway through the second half of Rovers' 1-0 fourth round defeat for a late challenge on Derby forward Arturo Lupoli.

Green had made the right-back slot his own this season until a groin injury earlier this month kept him out for two weeks.

Captain Stuart Campbell and fellow midfielder Sammy Igoe should keep their places in the side after returning from suspension at Pride Park.

Bristol City await the winners in the southern area final and Rovers boss Paul Trollope hopes the prospect of an all-Bristol final will spur his side on at Gay Meadow.

``It is obviously an added incentive but I would hope that the desire and the attitude of the lads would be the same whoever it was waiting in the final,'' Trollope told PA Sport.

``It's been a long wait for a competitive match between the two sides and to get that twice with the two legs in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final would obviously attract huge interest.''

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=212609&cc=5739

[thehandicapman]

The worlds a lonely place at times Komp!

there are always loads of 'guests' on here i notice.

so whats the plan for the recruitment drive?!

THM

[thehandicapman]

Rovers are out to 3.65 with betfair and I'll chance a few quid on them as I do think they have a better chance than the odds suggest.

THM

[rcgills]

Originally Posted by thehandicapman

The worlds a lonely place at times Komp!

Especially the world of Johnstone's Paint Trophy betting, I guess Good luck with whatever you go for, THM, although it looks an absolute minefield to me (this competition always does). I guess the best thing in that case must be to go with the longer shots.

[thehandicapman]

fair play RC, to be fair though we are at the business end of the competition with a fair few quid at stake.

Rovers to win @ 3.65
Unders as a saver @ 1.76 both with betfair.

Shrewsbury goalkeeping coach plays in goal as regular Scott Shearer - on loan from Bristol Rovers is not allowed to play.

Really quite fancy this one.

THM

[rcgills]

Great call on Bristol Rovers, THM

[thehandicapman]

cheers RC, every dog has his day

looking forward to thrashing them over two legs.

THM

[Kop66]

Good call at nice odds THM