Grant McCann full of praise for Doncaster’s growing maturity

Feb 1, 2025 2 min read
Grant McCann hailed his side’s display (Martin Rickett/PA)
Grant McCann hailed his side’s display (Martin Rickett/PA)

Grant McCann praised the growing maturity of his Doncaster side as they adapted to a “surprise” from MK Dons to secure a fourth successive League Two victory.

McCann admitted he was caught off-guard by counterpart Scott Lindsey fielding a back four with a diamond midfield at the Eco-Power Stadium.

But he lauded his players for quickly adapting without the need for instruction as they went on to win the game.

McCann said: “I’ve not seen a Scott Lindsey side in that sort of shape before and they even tried to pull the wool over our eyes in the warm-up with a back three, so we prepped for that.

“But what was really pleasing was how we adapted to it. It didn’t take me or Cliff (Byrne, assistant) to scream over to them – the boys adapted to it really quickly.

“Luke Molyneux and Ethan Ennis both spotted it really quickly and Joe Ironside dropped in alongside Jay Williams, which is where our first goal came from.

“We just wanted to be really intense, aggressive and press and I thought we did that.

“We want the boys to make those decisions and those sorts of calls on the pitch. I thought we were really threatening, in transition we were excellent and you have to be that against MK Dons because they’re so expansive.”

Joe Ironside gave Doncaster the lead in the 31st minute as he pounced on a mistake and confidently fired home.

Scott Hogan smashed in an equaliser just before the hour but substitute Rob Street broke clear and finished well after 73 minutes to secure the points for Rovers.

MK Dons manager Lindsey felt his side were hard done by as they emerged with nothing from the trip, with mistakes proving costly.

“I think we certainly didn’t deserve to lose that game in my opinion,” he said. “We were very good and went toe-to-toe with a side that started the day second in the division.

“I thought we were the better side. We made a mistake on the first goal, after there had been warning signs before that. That’s a poor decision from us, but I liked a lot from us today.

“I’m disappointed for the players because they put a lot into the game and we’ve come away with nothing. I feel for the fans as well.

“We got ourselves level but I didn’t think we managed the moments after that well enough and it became a bit of a basketball game.

“I don’t think we did enough to win it but I certainly don’t think we deserved to lose it. You can’t afford to gift top sides goals.”

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