Rovers goal a poor show

Last updated : 02 October 2006 By Paul Farrington
Emile Heskey
I would have been even more upset if a certain Mr Roberts had put it in.

I've watched the goal over and over again on Match of the Day (thatnk you Sky+) and here is my verdict.

Firstly, McCarthey was offside when the ball was humped forward over the Latics back line, but we can't expect too many 50/50 decisions away from home.

Secondly, the defence was too high up the pitch considering the pace of Arjan De Zeeuw and Matt Jackson compared to Roberts and McCarthey.

Thirdly, Mr Jackson did not follow the run of JR leaving De Zeeuw to cope with them both when the ball bounced.

And fourthly, Kirkland was wrong to come flying out his goal when he could not be sure of winning the ball. It would have been better for him to stay on his line and have a chance of saving the resulting shot.

A combination of errors, surely related to the fact that the team has not spent a large amount of time playing together. There is little doubt that things will click into place sooner of later and the Latics will put together an impressive run of form.

On the plus side, Emile Heskey's goal was of a high quality after his below par display last week.

Anyway, what do you think? Let us know on the messageboard.