Doncaster Rovers v Blackpool: Rovers showing signs they can adapt to their 'dry, bobbly sand'
Doncaster Rovers will battle against Blackpool and their own pitch on Saturday as they look to pull away from the League One relegation zone, but Robbie Gotts say they are showing the adaptability to do it.
By modern standards, the Eco-Power pitch is not great at the moment, with a new rugby league season and a heavy football schedule putting strain on it. Saturday's will be its seventh football or rugby game in 25 days.
It is having a bearing on manager Grant McCann's selections but Tuesday’s performance against Luton Town – better than the 1-1 scoreline suggested – showed a team getting to grips with it. They should be more comfortable with this beach than Blackpool are.
"The pitch is not great at the minute, so technical players struggle and it was important we had the right personnel for the game," commented McCann.
"The groundsmen are working very hard but it's just dry, bobbly sand and sometimes when the ball comes you think it's coming to you and it bounces over your foot so concentration needs to be good."
But adapting is about more than just the pitch, and Gotts was pleased how his side preyed on Luton's weaknesses.
"You kind of play the game a little bit as well, which we did on Tuesday," said the midfielder.
"You want to get on the ball, play nice football, but you realise when something's working, like it was then – sticking it in behind and playing a bit more counter-attacking football – you want to keep going down that road. If it's working, you don't want to really change that.
"I love doing the other side of the game as well. I actually really like battling away and trying to get one up on your opponent."
Blackpool know victory will take them out of the relegation zone and above Rovers, three places and two points ahead.