Ram-raided by Rovers

What can you say? There seems to be a distinct split in NUFC fans at the current time. Half of us say that if you can`t win a game like that there`s no hope for the rest of the season. The other half say that sooner rather than later the floodgates will open and we`ll give someone a real hiding. I`m definitely in the latter camp but unfortunately time is running down in double quick fashion.

Team selection suffered a blow straight away due to the inclusion of Smith and Duff over Martins and N`Zogbia. Otherwise the inclusion of Enrique was a welcome point. Barton still managed to get himself picked, more down to a lack of options rather than any great playing ability.

Things remained pretty positive first half. Duff poked wide, shots were blocked and then Owen had a mare having rounded Friedal, scuffing his shot wide of the right hand upright. Harper then had to make a smart stop from Pedersen when the left winger was played in with acres of room. Unfortunately this set the tone for the whole match.

Half time came and went with chances still coming our way. Butt played a magic ball over the top for Owen to bag himself a headed goal with, only for Friedal to pull off a stunning fingertip save. The same pair were at it again as Barton played in Owen for a one-on-one only to see the keeper tip his weak shot wide.

Then, at the death, our corner was cleared to Bentley who slotted a great ball into the path of the onrushing Derbyshire who buried it past Harper. Collective disbelief. Five minutes of stoppage time flew by and we found ourselves pointless again, just as James Harper was scoring for Reading in the last minute at Boro.

So a pretty rough afternoon had by all part from the few Rovers` fans that bothered to turn up.

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