Doncaster Rovers 1 Lincoln City 0 - Rovers need to learn how to win ugly

DONCASTER ROVERS need to learn the art of winning when not playing well if they are to mount a serious challenge for promotion, believes captain Ben Whiteman.
Doncaster's Ben Whiteman celebartes his goal with Josh Sims. Picture: Howard RoeDoncaster's Ben Whiteman celebartes his goal with Josh Sims. Picture: Howard Roe
Doncaster's Ben Whiteman celebartes his goal with Josh Sims. Picture: Howard Roe

Darren Moore’s side have no issues with winning when playing at their best, as was showcased in Saturday afternoon’s fine 1-0 success over Lincoln City.

That victory lifted them to within two points of the top six and ended a run of two consecutive defeats.

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Whiteman scored the only goal of the game when he volleyed the ball into the top corner from 25 yards just before half time.

Doncaster's Matt Smith drives into the box. Picture: Howard Roe/AHpixDoncaster's Matt Smith drives into the box. Picture: Howard Roe/AHpix
Doncaster's Matt Smith drives into the box. Picture: Howard Roe/AHpix

It was the first goal the visitors had conceded in over 400 minutes of league action and helped to inflict a first defeat in four games on the league leaders.

It is the second time Rovers have beaten the team sat top of the league.

Whiteman feels that playing against teams higher up the table suits Doncaster but it is against the sides lower down the ladder where they need to be most cautious.

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Moore’s charges had lost back-to-back games against promoted sides Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle prior to their exemplary victory over Lincoln.

“We didn’t play as well as we had this season,” reflected Whiteman of the Plymouth defeat.

“Looking at the game, we had plenty of chances to win it.

“Sometimes it is the art of winning without playing well but today we played well and we won. We just need to get in the habit of when teams do try and stop us to get that first goal.

“We are missing chances sometimes in games when it is crucial.”

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He continued: “When we are coming up against the bigger teams in the division, who come and have a go, we tend to come out on top.

“When teams come to nullify us and build off that, it has been a little difficult.”

Whiteman’s winning strike on Saturday was his third league goal of the season but it was Doncaster’s discipline in defence that was most impressive.

Lincoln had 58 per cent possession and had 14 attempts at goal but Rovers prevented them from getting a single shot on target.

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At the other end, Rovers made sure Lincoln’s Alex Palmer was kept busy between the posts as the Imps goalkeeper made a string of fine saves over the course of the contest.

“The lads are obviously over the moon. The performance was outstanding to a man,” said Whiteman of the victory.

“We limited them to no shots on target. I think we could have had more goals on the counter attack but it is a great win.

“I definitely thought the back four were outstanding.

“We knew Lincoln were a good team and it was about us being resolute and hard-working off the ball, and we were just that, and really deserved the win.

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“Some teams come to play and some teams come to nullify. I thought it was a great game of football, they passed the ball well and so did we.

“It has been decided on just the one goal. I saw (Jon) Taylor in the pocket, I passed it to him, he flicked it round the corner and it sat up for me nicely and I struck and, thankfully, it went into the top corner.”

Given the delayed start to the season, the transfer window was a long, drawn-out process for many players and clubs.

Whiteman was the subject of much transfer speculation during the prolonged window but never itched for a move away from the Keepmoat.

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“I just left it and let my representatives and the club get on with it,” insisted Whiteman.

“I didn’t have a say in it and I just was ready to let whatever happened happen. My focus is here.

“I signed a contract in November and the club values me at a certain price and if that price isn’t met then I am not going to be going anywhere. I want to be in the Championship and, hopefully, that is with Doncaster. I am enjoying captaining the club.”

Like many stadiums up and down the country, the Keepmoat was without supporters on Saturday. Sterner Covid-19 restrictions set to begin this week has kicked the return of fans further down the road and Whiteman is desperate for the day the Rovers faithful can come back.

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He said: “Coming into the stadium is not great without the fans. The fans are the lifeblood of football. The sooner we can get them back the better.

“Today’s announcement is not great, we just hope that we can carry on for the fans watching at home and give them something positive.”

Doncaster Rovers: Bursik; John, Wright, Anderson, Amos; Whiteman, Smith; Sims (Lokilo 87), Taylor (Halliday 84), James; Okenabirhie. Unused substitutes: Jones, Williams, Butler, Coppinger, Ravenhill.

Lincoln City: Palmer; Edun, Jackson, Montsma, Eyoma; McGrandles (Archibald 69), Grant, Jones; Johnson, Hopper (Soule 82), Anderson (Scully 69). Unused substitutes: Ross, Howarth, Gotts, Roughan.

Referee: R Madley (Wakefield).

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