So we sart the new year with a long trip up to Rotherham.
Like Albion, Rotherham have had a recent change at the top with the departure of Joint Head Coach, Anthony Posa, thus leaving Matt Smith in sole control.
This change was brought about by a lacklustre close to last year winning 4 out of the 16 games to date and drawing a fifth. With their last win being a narrow one pointer against bottom club Canterbury in mid December, one has to go back to mid-October for their previous victory away to Chinnor.
However, now with a sole Head Coach, this may bring about some stability to the Titans, whilst Albion, having undergone a complete change at the top will be looking to make the problems of the Cinderford game a distant memory.
Historically, Albion don't start the new year too well having lost 6 of the last New Year fixtures and winning 3 - the sixth was postponed. Another bad omen - Rotherham is not a happy hunting ground for Albion, losing 5 out of 6 of the fixtures in the last 10 years - last year by 28 points to 14. However, if we are looking for omens, the one win, in 2011, was on New Year's Day albeit by a single point.
Whilst Albion are 17 points ahead of Rotherham (in the last relegation spot) this game is significant in that it could settle either side as we progress through the remainder of the season.
With the weather set to be a little chilly, but well above average for the time of year. Little or no rain is forecast in the days before the game and it should remain dry throughout. A gentle breeze should not influence the game to any great extent.
Prediction - difficul to judge. Albion's current form is better that Rotherham's but history gives the advantage to Rotherham. With coaching changes on both sides, it will be a case of whoever brings the right game plan and executes, is likely to be a clear winner. It is hard not to say Rotherham.
Obviously, a difficult place to go with a long journey included but I'm sure the players will embrace the challenge. It will need a solid game plan that the players keep to, an inspirational team talk and a resolute approach when things aren't going our way during the game. A great opportunity to start 2020 in a positive way.
Interesting selection - looks like a strong bench line up.
As Igwok said, Rotherham's form has been poor.
Last up they were thumped at Sale, and in November they were beaten at home by Cinderford (so it isn't just us).
Cinderford is a small village in the Forrest of Dean ,Albion should beat them 🤔
A statement heard at the game. Cinderford is the second largest club in The county of Gloucestershire probably drawing players from Gloucester and our welsh friends Newport Gwent Dragons , Just saying 👏👏😁😁
If not top six, which rightly or wrongly is where we think we should be, then comfortably mid table with passionate home wins keeping the crowds stable. Away performances continue to disappoint.
We love going to Brickfields and I still imagine our support as the noisiest in the league which somehow lends a certain on-field expectation. Our away support is much documented and lauded. Long may that continue and thanks to the work load that goes in to that.
After a two week build up, home match days acquire a certain emptiness at full-time and personally I clamour for CityBus post-match connection to help elongate the fans together experience. I then miss the comedy and drama afforded by our wonderful merry band around the ground until next time. I don't stay at the ground because I don't really drink and maybe the marquees lack the intimacy of a packed and chattering cosy bar . Let's pop to Richmond a few weeks back. Winning was a joy as were our fans throughout. But there were 6 games going on in the vicinity of the double roomed clubhouse. With players, families and supporters packing the basic but cosy bars, atmosphere and cash was everywhere. Food as much as beer.
Creating a longer inclusive match day experience could only bond the club together. How? No idea but a round table discussion.......
Increasingly there seems scant drip feed of official social media. To keep the public/live supporters connected and therefore maintaining an interest. Building an audience is key. Ask any business. Albion's on-line presence isn't much fun. Argyle fans probably click in couple times a day.... just saying.
National 1 is a grand old league. Some tough teams with admirable collectivity : Cinderford, Old Elts, Rams and Chinnor. New clubs on the block but easily an on-field match for us. There is the inevitable chat of closing off the Premiership. Do we then become Exeter B. Much for historic Albion to cling on to and play for.
Meanwhile today we are at struggling Rotherham. I don't doubt it will be tough. Eyes on the DRs to step up. Herbie? I only want to see him when he is fit. Same goes for any of the returning casualties.
And finally. We a need a B team playing competitively .... No?
Thanks for reading. You all know a lot more than me. I remain totally anon-expert. Happy New Year.
You might see the comment that Mills dropped the ball but this was missed by the officials and he was still awarded the try. In the post-match social at Rotherham (the third half, available on youtube), Alex Ducker confirmed this. So, perhaps we were a little bit lucky.
Still, had that not been awarded who knows what would have happened.
Albion have not yet released a full match report - only a very short summary.
The authorship is attributed to Kevin Westlake, which is a little odd as he had earlier announced that he was having to cease his Albion duties. The report is also quite detailed with information about Albion that the Roth twitter feed did not disclose. Is there a ghost writer in the vicinity?
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