Two successive clean sheets has coincided with the return of "Our Ropes".
Although many may argue that young Bennett is by far the better footballer in terms of ball control and passing i am still in the camp that believes our no-nonsense stopper is what is needed at this level.
With Roper, what you see is what you get. There are no fancy thrills, flicks or tricks as he is there primarily to defend. That is what Roper does best.
You can launch "half enders" at our Ropes and he will stand there all day and head them away. If it needs to be stopped then the gentle giant will somehow find a way to make sure it is stopped. It sure isn't pretty but it's certainly effective.
In Clive Platt and Izale McLeod (spit spit) MK Dons offered a strong and physical threat up front. However, with Roper in attendance the two big lads barely got a sniff of goal. Indeed, when one of them managed to get past Emblen who was it that raced across the goalmouth to put in a tremendous challenge to deny them a certain goal? Arise Big Ian Roper.
In this modern day of footballing jargon many players are referred to by their position and preferred foot.
I have to agree with a mad bloke from Willenhall who commented:
"ain't it great to have our no footed defender back"
Here, here.