arbitro

I sit somewhere in between both opinions. Before the recent winning streak we were the epitome of inconsistent. When winning I thought we deservedly did so but that applied to losing too. It was almost like watching two different teams and for me was a real worry. It left me (still does to a degree) that Tomasson is learning about the Championship on the job and needs to have a different way of two of playing depending on who we are playing. That said his decision to play our wing backs on opposite sides against Sunderland and the rationale behind it was quite ingenious. But I do have a feeling deep down that Tomasson might be one of them 'lucky'managers who seem to get the rub of the green. Yesterday for example Birmingham should have got something out of the game, maybe even won. A combination of good goalkeeping and bad finishing saw us through. That has happened before too. And so far, with one notable exception we haven't had any big refereeing decisions go against us.

Having watched and refereed reserve team (the old Central League) and friendlies I would say there is more intensity in the former. Clearly the first team is the priority but usually players are more competitive when there are points to play for.

One aspect I would criticise Tomasson for is at defensive corners when he has everyone back in our penalty area. I understand the likes of Gallagher and Brereton being there but when they went off we had Dolan picking up a Brum player. Surely he would have been more useful higher up the pitch occupying a couple of defenders and giving us a real chance to counter or at least an outlet to hold the ball up whilst we get further up the pitch.

Matching coat and hair - how decadent.

He won't have a friend running the show and errant owners who wouldn't know accountability if it bit them in the bollocks.

I actually thought he was playing with a knock - he seemed to be flexing his right let a lot during stoppages.

It looks like the big tanker had a couple of punctures today and then it's engine management failed. Still it won't be his fault - Teflon Tony 😁😁

I have to say Birmingham were the best team I have seen at Ewood this season. They made it really difficult for us and their manager deserves lots of credit with his quadruple change which really put us on the back foot. That is why, in many ways it makes the win even sweeter as we really had to dig in but we relied on Kaminski a little but too much for my liking. He was excellent today denying them in three one on one situations and some top drawer saves. In front of him Hyam was his usual self although I thought Scott Wharton looked a little low on confidence at times. The midfield three were really good too with Travis doing his own stuff, the dirty stuff he is good at. Adam Wharton and Morton looked to get us in behind whenever possible and Adam's goal was really well executed as he showed maturity beyond his years. All in all it's a great win against a very good side so we should all be proud of our young team.

1-1 now with Whiteman equalising from the spot.

Thanks for that. Personally I would have though a 90 minute competitive match would be more beneficial to the players than a BCD friendly.

There aren't too many names I recognise in today's under 21 game. There is no Harlock, Leonard, Gamble, Pratt and a host of others I would have expected to start. Strange to say the least.

The opportunity to get half season tickets on sale early (whilst we are doing well) shouldn't need supporters to 'suggest' that to them. Isn't increasing revenue part of Swag's brief?

And Mowbray chucking in his tuppence worth after speaking to the media about Dack's metrics, something which Rovers have never gone public about. Mowbray is no doubt paving the way for Dack to join him in January perhaps at a knockdown fee.

Apologies if this information spoils the game before it starts but tomorrow's referee is Gavin Ward. He is held in such poor regard that when any other referee is having a bad game some fans say 'he's 'avin a Gavin'.

I was just checking Birminghams Twitter and noticed that they have half season tickets on sale and 25% of the money goes to supporting local food banks. Well done Birmingham on both counts. Hopefully our half season tickets are on sale soon to cash in on the current league position. And the sales blurb surely has to offer the inducement of that lot at home in March.

I really think there was doubt in the officials minds as to whether or not Wharton actually touched the ball. There was an instruction several years ago where they were told to give the benefit of any doubt to the attacking team.

The penalty is about opinions and he was theatrical but he is clearly caught and we would be screaming for a penalty if it was at the opposite end. Wharton is offside.

You are correct in everything you write. However the goal came from a free-kick when Hedges played it into Wharton who was marginally offside when the ball was played. At this level I don't believe that assistant referees should be missing that.

I thought we got the rub of the green with Pawson's decisions. I called it a penalty in real time and Wharton is clearly offside for the second. If it's any consolation I thought the best player on the pitch was Roberts who might, after several years be fulfilling his potential. Seeing Mowbray throw three substitutes on reminded me of how many times he did that here with no plan. At times after that it looked like a kids game with your players all over the place just running around.

Am I right in saying Tomasson has a 61% win ratio in all competitive games this season? Phenomenal.

Although we made it a little nervy at times all in all it was a comfortable win. I'm chuffed to bits with the clean sheet and although there were few under par performances it matters little in the grand scheme of things. I personally thought Hyam was once again our best player - it's surprising how many times I have said that since he signed. Garrett gets a special mention too as he did the Travis things and more besides. And breaking the frustrating sequence of WLWL gets that particular monkey off our backs. Keeping clean sheets is usually the cornerstone of Championship success and hopefully we have many more between now and the end of the season.

I might be wrong but I don't believe that Preston v Blackpool has ever been a bubble match. I was highlighting a significant difference as we have heard human rights and civil liberties as a reason to not bubble our matches but South Wales Police are doing a bubble with strict criteria.

It doesn't appear that they have the same Human Rights in Wales as we do. For Cardiff fans it's compulsory coach travel aka the bubble. https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/away-days-ticket-news-swansea-city-vs-cardiff-city-0

Hopefully a clean sheet is forthcoming tonight as I believe we can score against the Mackems. I really hope Sky don't make this match too much about Mowbray coming back and blathering on about him. I would pick Garrett as the replacement for Travis and bring Carter in for Phillips as the only changes from Saturday keeping the same shape.

Mowbray's interview is real 'woe is me' stuff. He had probably the easiest five years of his footballing life with errant owners, a CEO he pretty much appointed and a passive supporter base. He was under no pressure whatsoever and eked out five years on a decent salary which has probably set him up for life.