Balcombe's brilliance, high standards, desire, a perfect end to a great week - Talking points from Doncaster Rovers' win at Lincoln City

Not to sound like a motivational speaker with a lack of self-awareness but pressure creates diamonds.
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And this was a diamond result for Doncaster Rovers.

In the face of a relentless tide of pressure from league leaders Lincoln City, Rovers held firm for a remarkable win, with Taylor Richards firing them ahead and Ellery Balcombe saving two penalties.

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

Ellery Balcombe saves from Anthony Scully's penalty. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIXEllery Balcombe saves from Anthony Scully's penalty. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX
Ellery Balcombe saves from Anthony Scully's penalty. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX

EXACTING STANDARDS

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If you had overheard certain sections of Darren Moore’s post-game media briefing, you could have been forgiven for thinking Rovers had suffered a heavy defeat.

The Rovers boss spoke as much of his disappointment in his side’s efforts on the ball as he did of their incredible work off it - demonstrating again the standards he sets for his players.

In a rare full week on the training ground, the mistakes of Saturday will be highlighted more than the successes. Moore is desperate for Rovers to get better and no matter how good their form is, the drive for improvement will not slow.

Taylor Richards is congratulated on his goal. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIXTaylor Richards is congratulated on his goal. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX
Taylor Richards is congratulated on his goal. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX

And Moore was not being harsh with the criticism. His players could have been better to ensure they did not come under as much pressure as they did.

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There were few passages of play that involved sustained possession, passing was sloppy and the desperation to get the ball as far away from the Rovers goal as possible saw clearances come straight back more often than not.

Moore’s critique should provide heart that there will be no rest in the search for perfection - even with the incredible run of form the club are on.

BRILLIANT BALCOMBE

Taylor Richards fires Rovers ahead. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIXTaylor Richards fires Rovers ahead. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX
Taylor Richards fires Rovers ahead. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX

As soon as Balcombe stopped and held onto Anthony Scully’s penalty, he sealed his place in Rovers folklore. Two penalty saves in one game to help secure the most unlikely of victories, with the keeper at the centre of things.

After the game, the humble goalkeeper spent more time talking about the fact he had conceded the second penalty in the first place. There was an element of beating himself up for the rash challenge, rather than basking in the glory of the spot kick heroics.

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But it was not just his two highest profile saves that deserved to be highlighted - Balcombe’s all round performance was excellent and certainly helped maintain the resolve.

He was exceptionally strong in claiming balls across his goal, particularly at the near post where his concentration levels were superb.

Cameron John tangles with Lincoln's Brennan Johnson. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIXCameron John tangles with Lincoln's Brennan Johnson. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX
Cameron John tangles with Lincoln's Brennan Johnson. Picture: Craig Brough/AHPIX

It is no coincidence that Rovers’ defensive solidity has only increased since the keeper’s arrival at the start of January - and he himself seems to get better with each passing game.

ALL ABOUT DESIRE

In beating AFC Wimbledon earlier in the week, Rovers demonstrated their determination to get their attacking game into full flow, with plenty of players desperate to get on the scoresheet.

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And there was an element of that in the goal that Richards scored at Lincoln. It came moments after a similar run forward, when he declined to lay the ball off to players into better positions and went for goal with a tame effort.

The build-up was the same but the outcome different as he found the bottom corner from 20 yards to put Rovers ahead against the run of play.

Richards was Rovers’ main attacking threat for as long as he was on the pitch, and seemed to relish that role.

And then there was the determination not to concede, demonstrated by the bodies-on-the-line defending and tremendous work rate to keep a rampant Lincoln side at bay.

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Rovers were not at their best on the ball but they were in no mood to let their chance for a superb victory slip.

THE STUFF OF PROMOTION WINNERS?

The cliche goes that sides that win without playing well tend to go on to win promotions and titles.

Not playing well is not particularly something that could be thrown at Rovers much this season but this was a victory that came when they were far from their best in possession.

With a string of tough matches to come in the next few weeks, there is likely to be plenty of occasions when doggedness is required much more than the slick passing that has become the trademark under Moore.

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Certainly more important than any cliche could cover is the togetherness in the camp, whether that be demonstrated in the collective effort to rebuff Lincoln or in the celebrations afterwards.

Manager and players alike may speak of only focusing on the next game but it was clear everyone was fully aware of the magnitude of the victory.

Racing along the front of the stand, wearing only towels as they left their temporary dressing room in search of a shower, each player remarked on ‘what a win that was.’

SIGNING OFF A SUPERB WEEK

In what has been an excellent season so far for Rovers, this could prove to have been a pivotal week of the campaign.

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Four signings, two wins, three points off top spot, at least two games in hand on sides above them.

The new additions have added a good deal of depth to the squad at a key time when the ravages of injury were beginning to push those available to the limits.

John Bostock and Scott Robertson’s arrivals certainly mean Rovers are well-stocked in midfield, which is the key area to how Moore wants to play.

Omar Bogle will add competition for Fejiri Okenabirhie and arguably a more natural fit when hold up play is required.

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And the return of Josh Sims could prove game-changing, given his incredible contributions in the first half of the campaign.

Even without efforts from the new faces, Rovers got the job done on the pitch to continue their remarkable run of form.

And beating the league leaders was the perfect way to cap off the week. It has set them up superbly for the string of tough games that now follows.

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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.