Doncaster Rovers chief Darren Moore's praise for last-gasp goal hero Fejiri Okenabirhie

Darren Moore said he was pleased for Fejiri Okenabirhie after the 24-year-old netted a 93rd-minute strike to earn Doncaster Rovers a point at home to Sunderland.
Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore. Picture: Getty ImagesDoncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore. Picture: Getty Images
Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore. Picture: Getty Images

The former Arsenal attacker was deployed as a lone striker and cut an isolated figure for long periods of Saturday's League One clash at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Having spurned his team's clearest opening of the game when he shot tamely at Black Cats stopper Remi Matthews just after the hour-mark, it looked as if Okenabirhie was going to finish the game with nothing to show for a hard-working performance.

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But, he would eventually make his mark on proceedings, forcing home Brad Halliday's low cross from the right inside the six-yard-box to level matters with just seconds remaining.

Fejiri Okenabirhie nets Rovers' late leveller against Sunderland. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTDFejiri Okenabirhie nets Rovers' late leveller against Sunderland. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD
Fejiri Okenabirhie nets Rovers' late leveller against Sunderland. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD

"He put in a lot of effort for the team today, and obviously you want your number nine scoring goals and he scored another today,” said Moore after watching Okenabirhie take his tally for the season to six.

“So I was pleased for him because sometimes you play that position and you’re working, working, working, working.

"He had a couple of half-efforts that we thought, and he probably felt he could have done better with, got a better contact on one, but for him to get the goal is just reward.

"I'm really pleased."

Saturday's result leaves Rovers 11th in the League One standings ahead of Tuesday's home showdown with Blackpool.

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