AJ a-ok, unflappability, risks and praise for Lokilo: Talking points from Doncaster Rovers' win over Rochdale

Jon Taylor swept in from close range just after the half hour mark when he latched onto Brad Halliday’s knockdown from an excellent ball in by Matt Smith.

It was a clash between two sides determined to play football but equally insistent on stopping the opposition from doing just that.

So, while well-balanced, the game was not particularly free-flowing ensuring a battle of wits between the two sides, which Rovers came out on top with thanks to long periods of control and defensive resolve.

Here, we look at some of the talking points from the win.

GREAVESY DOES IT

The highlight of the night for so many will have been the impressive full league debut for AJ Greaves - the latest academy graduate to find himself in the spotlight.

The 20-year-old did not disappoint, with a typically all-action performance in the sitting midfield role which is pivotal to how Rovers want to play.

He was his usual disruptive self in harrying the opposition and putting in tackles but was also good when Rovers were in possession as he took up spaces to receive the ball and moved it on smartly.

Particularly impressive was the critical way he assessed his game in the press room afterwards, and the confidence with which he spoke about his position in the squad and future prospects.

Moore has shown faith this season towards several players who have emerged from the club’s production line and the success rate has been good.

There have been few moments where the likes of Lirak Hasani or Liam Ravenhill have looked out of their depth.

And in a time where the squad is stretched more than ever before - both in player availability and the number of games to be played in such a short period of time - being able to have faith in the young crop will be a valuable asset for Moore.

A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

The surprise name on the team sheet was that of Joe Wright.

Just a few days earlier we were told that the centre half would be out of action for a few weeks with a calf injury, yet here he was among the substitutes.

And he came on for the final few minutes to add height in defence and also a target up front when Rovers got on the ball.

Darren Moore revealed afterwards that he took a risk in naming Wright in his squad, and an even bigger one in sending him on.

But with available numbers depleted significantly, he felt it was a risk he needed to take.

And his willingness to take such risks may need to increase as he faces increasing challenges with injuries and the incredibly demanding fixture list.

RESOLVE

Once again it was Rovers’ defensive resolve that carried them through to the victory - and that has been a trend of 2021 so far.

In each of their three games this calendar year they have endured periods in matches in which the opposition have enjoyed the better possession and pressure.

And in each they have stood up superbly to the onslaught to ensure real clear cut chances have been few and far between.

Goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe has rarely been tested with anything too taxing - barring his excellent double save in the win over Blackburn - and his defence deserve plenty of credit for that.

After the win at Swindon, the word that came to mind about Rovers’ defence was unflappable and it was no different on this occasion.

And it was particularly impressive given the different tests Rochdale provided, with direct play to physical forwards and also in keeping the ball on the floor through runners.

There were few occasions where Rovers appeared panicked or having to scramble back, and the calm exuded by both Tom Anderson and Andy Butler certainly transmits to the rest of the team.

This will undoubtedly be important to any success Rovers enjoy in this weekend’s trip to West Ham United in the FA Cup.

But it will only grow in importance as the season as a whole progresses.

With increasing demands on the players’ bodies, the all-action energetic attacking style will be more difficult to deliver across a full 90 minutes. This should bring more pressure on the defensive side of the game but Rovers are showing that they are more than capable of handling it.

A STEP UP

It would not be too harsh to say that Jason Lokilo has not hit the ground running as a permanent addition to the Rovers squad.

There have been too many performances that have been largely ineffective, where he has struggled to make a significant impact on games either from the start or off the bench.

But his substitute appearance in this game was arguably the best performance he has delivered since first arriving at the Keepmoat on loan a year ago.

His touches in receiving the ball were outstanding, and it helped put him on the front foot and get at the opposition.

At times the Belgian winger has been guilty of overcomplicating his attacks, often switching back to come inside and having to beat his man more than once to do so.

As he showed in his ball in for Fejiri Okenabirhie’s second goal at Swindon, he has a real strength in hitting the byline and crossing, rather than cutting back onto his left foot and he should be encouraged to do this more.

His workrate off the ball and his tracking back were excellent too in an all-round impressive performance.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.