Doncaster Rovers boss admits his side were subjected to an ‘eye-opener’ in their encounter with Lincoln City last night.
Grant McCann said it was ‘pretty obvious’ we were the best team in the division as he watched his side struggle to create a single effort on George Wickens’ goal.
City, meanwhile, had a plethora of chances, including a missed penalty by Rob Street, and shot back off the inside of the post by the same player, and a goal disallowed from Ryley Towler. In addition, a Ben House brace, one in each half, ensured we not only won at the Keepmoat for the first time in league action, but also lifted the League One title.
“I think it’s pretty obvious we’ve been beaten by the best team in the division, comprehensively really,” Rovers boss McCann told the Doncaster Free Post after the game
“They’re a really good team and we struggled with their physicality, with their pace and their power and also their set-plays.”
One of the Imps goals came from a long throw, the other from a mistake at the back by former Imp Matthew Pearson, forced by the Imps relentless style. All over the pitch, we were quicker and stronger, and that’s a benchmark others will follow.
Even McCann agrees after suggesting he wanted to get out of League One quicker than we have managed in the pre-match build-up.
“They’re a benchmark for us, to see what it takes to be the champions of League One. I think the game is obviously moving in that sort of direction now where physically you need to be that sort of team and they’re a strong team and are really, really hard to play against.
“We never laid a glove on them tonight. I know there were little bits of spells in the game, but not enough to even threaten their goal and we deservedly got beat so it’s a good eye-opener.”
They’re good words from McCann, whose side has had a moderate season back in League One. They’ve suffered with injuries recently, having lost Luke Molyneux and Frankie Okoronkwo among others, but on last night’s showing, there is a lot of work to do on the field before they’re considered a top ten side.
Off the field, Rovers were perfect hosts, with Rob Street getting a warm ovation from the home support, as well as Timothee Lo-Tutala applauding our fans before leaving the field of play.
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