Doncaster Rovers 0 Sheffield United 1: Fergie says sorry for '˜boring' derby

The Blades, who came into the game on the back of a lacklustre run of one win in their past six league outings, claimed a morale-boosting result and performance as they deservedly took the spoils as Rovers’ winless streak was extended to six matches.

The decisive moment arrived shortly before the break when Che Adams coolly netted his eighth goal of the campaign following Jose Baxter’s excellent pass.

On his side’s display in a derby which left him ‘bored to tears’, Ferguson - who served a one-match touchline ban and watched the game from the stands - said: “It was one of the most boring games of football, certainly derbies, that I have ever seen.

“I can’t defend that performance. It was the complete opposite to what we wanted.

“There was no tempo or energy. Quite honestly, I was bored to tears.

“It was a real off-day and a surprising performance. That is what I said to the players.

“It was a really, really poor performance. One of the worst since I have been here.

“I wouldn’t have been happy watching that. I would like to apologise for that performance.”

Commenting about his side’s much-needed win, as they sealed a seasonal double over Rovers, Adkins added: “It was a good derby win away from home. It was good to get a victory and a clean sheet for the team.

“It was a super goal from Che with an unbelievably brilliant pass from Jose.

“We changed the shape a little bit and Che was a threat throughout the course of the game and I thought Reedy (Louis Reed) who came into the side in the middle of the park also had a fantastic game alongside Dean Hammond.

“I also thought Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making his first (league) start and debut also did ever so well.”