DONCASTER Rovers boss Grant McCann felt his side 'deserved much more' in their EFL Trophy defeat to Huddersfield Town - and refused to criticise his players after their winless streak extended to seven matches.

Rovers, who led thanks to Leon Ayinde's first goal for the club on 40 minutes, dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second half against their League One rivals, but crucially failed to grab a killer second goal despite a spate of chances.

They paid a big price in the final quarter against their Yorkshire counterparts, with goals from substitute Jamie Spencer, Joe Low and Lasse Sorensen giving Town a 3-1 victory.

McCann said: "It was some of the best football we've played this season.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann points the way in the EFL Trophy game against Huddersfield Town. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann points the way in the EFL Trophy game against Huddersfield Town. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"So, it's obviously tough to stand here after a defeat, when I thought we deserved much more. We were on top and I thought we were for the first half.

"We scored a really good goal, a tremendous goal. The composure, the passing, the link, the move, the finish. Everything that we sort of drive to the players was really good.

"We didn't get the second in the second half, in the first 15, 20 minutes. And it's been a case probably a little bit this season, where we have to take that opportunity to go 2-0 up. We haven't been in that situation yet this season.

"And I think if we do, then we win the game comfortably. The players have made some mistakes for the goals, I can live with that. I can live with the players making honest, genuine mistakes.

Huddersfield Town's Jay Sway gets away from Doncaster Rovers' rival Bayley McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

"And I said that to the players after the game.

"Look, the first goal was just a mistake. We didn't clear the box from across and it's a good finish from there.

"The second one, we get muddled up. I don't know why, but because the players have markers and blockers, and we get muddled up and we don't do the job on Low. And the third one, it could have easily been a foul.

"But there were really good performances tonight. I was really pleased with Leon and really pleased with Jordan Thomas and Bailey McCann.

"Leon's a really good player and he's a young player. He's obviously stepping up from the National League to League One. It's going to take a bit of time. Plus the likes of Jordan Thomas and there's another one, Tommi O'Reilly.

"We've got quite a few of the players in this team that we really believe in. I think as the season goes, everybody will see what I'm talking about. But I'm really pleased with some of the performances and I think it was a really positive display."