Doncaster Rovers achieved a healthy lead in their play-off onslaught, following a 2-0 win away at Crewe Alexandra. The South Yorkshire side’s manager Grant McCann believes there is still room for improvement.
After an impressive run of fixtures before the season’s culmination, seeing the Rovers unbeaten in the league since a 3-1 loss to Walsall on the 2nd March, McCann’s side dramatically rescued a worryingly dismal campaign and earned themselves a fifth-place, play-off spot. Spanning back to early February, Doncaster have won 13 out of their previous 17 games, excluding the semi-final first leg against Crewe. This unbelievable achievement has planted some excellent foundations for a promotion attempt.
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Doncaster Rovers are on the longest winning run (10) of any side across England's top four leagues. 35 games into the season, they were 20th. They're now 5th. 🤯
#DRFC | #EFL pic.twitter.com/2oh0ofaINS
— Betfred (@Betfred) April 24, 2024
The meeting at the Mornflake Stadium saw Doncaster come away with a prominent lead heading into the second leg, and with home advantage, the South Yorkshire side will be feeling quietly confident about their chances of playing at Wembley. A goal from Luke Molyneux in the first half and Harrison Biggins capitalising on a defensive error in the 48th minute, eventually sealed the match. McCann seemed openly impressed about their defensive resolve that accompanied a fairly decent attacking performance. However, the 44-year-old was concerned about the match feeling ‘cagey’ at times and will be hoping of a much smoother display on Friday.
Speaking to the press, the former Peterborough United coach offered his thoughts on his side’s latest outing:
“I thought it was a little bit cagey right up until we scored really. We didn’t get going and were a bit sloppy at times at the top end of the pitch, all of us really. We know Crewe are good on transitions and we lost the ball in their half lots.
“But we scored a really good goal – the one bit of quality we showed in the first half and a really good finish from Luke Molyneux. In the second half I felt we were in real control. We scored at a good time also.
“When we won two corners in the last minute we threw bodies forwards because we wanted another goal. This is the way we want to play. We definitely took the game to Crewe second half.
“We knew it’d be tough coming here tonight. People discuss form and things like that, but it means nothing in the play-offs. You have to be ready for what’s thrown at you. Crewe started strong and we had to weather it but after we scored we gained control.”
McCann was also asked about what the travelling support from the fans means to the club in a crucial fixture like this:
“They were very, very good. I could hear them all game. It’s a tremendous following and to have the whole stand over there it was pleasing to go over and celebrate with them at the end. But as you say, it’s only half-time. We just focus on Friday now.”
Writer’s View
There’s no room for complacency in the EFL, especially in League Two. Doncaster have been on an outstanding run of form recently though and will surely back themselves to replicate that in their next game. McCann has transformed his side this season from a struggling, relegation-threatened outfit to a playoff challenger.
With a healthy 2-0 lead going into the home tie, the pressure is on Rovers, but it could be an absolute whitewash if they get it right on the day. A high-scoring game seems probable, with Crewe desperately needing to overturn their recent disappointment.
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