'Best' defence, game-changers, pitch perfect and delightful depth - Talking points from Doncaster Rovers' win over Oxford United

“I think that is the best defending I’ve seen all season,” he said. And: “I don’t think you saw anything other than individual brilliance from them at several stages.”

Three brilliant passages of play led to three goals from Jon Taylor, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Taylor Richards as Rovers showed a ruthless streak in a game where they were second best in terms of attacking play.

And then there was an incredible defensive effort to defend the lead over the majority of the second half - in particular after Olamide Shodipo pulled another goal back for Oxford following Sam Long’s first half strike.

Here, we take a look at some of the big talking points from another brilliant win for Rovers.

GAME-CHANGING QUALITY

It had been a difficult afternoon for Richards prior to showing his brilliance inside the opening six minutes of the second half.

He had struggled to impose himself on the game, failed to take any meaningful possession or put Oxford on the back foot in the manner in which he is capable.

For long periods, the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee looked to be off the pace and sluggish - though he was not the only one in a lacklustre first half for Rovers.

It would not have been surprising to have seen him withdrawn at half time, given his lack of impact and the available options off the bench.

But in the early stages of the second half he demonstrated precisely why he was worth persisting with.

First, with his well-weighted pass that put in Okenabirhie to score.

And then with his own brilliant solo goal that drew cries of ‘outrageous’ from members of the broadcast media as he deftly nutmegged one Oxford defender and danced past another before drilling in a low effort.

The 20-year-old himself has spoken of the doubts people have had over his workrate. And it cannot be denied that while there are times when he fights and battles as hard as anyone on the pitch, there are others when questions can justifiably be asked.

But, yet again, he has demonstrated why allowances are worth making.

WHAT MORE CAN BE SAID?

Another week, another incredible performance from Rovers in keeping the opposition at bay.

After their unbelievable efforts in holding off rampant Lincoln last week, they repeated the feat against an equally threatening Oxford side.

And on this occasion there was little need to call upon Ellery Balcombe as the last line.

Undoubtedly, defending is a team effort in this Rovers side and their collective resolve has been a major factor in the brilliant run since the turn of the year.

But the phenomenal contribution of the central pairing of Tom Anderson and Andy Butler deserves to be highlighted.

The composure and bravery with which the two go about their business is exceptional and provides Rovers with an incredible foundation.

The quality on the ball has not been as wide spread through the Rovers side recently as it has been for much of the season.

But the strong defence has made up for the lack of usual levels of control of possession to keep Darren Moore’s side motoring.

DELIGHTFUL DEPTH

One of the most reassuring things to see was the strength of the bench named by Moore on Saturday.

And beating that in the reassurance stakes was glancing at the stands to see James Coppinger and Josh Sims sat together to watch the game.

At the ideal time, with so many games to come in such a short space of time, Moore has plenty of options at his disposal, with even more to become available in the next few weeks.

Scott Robertson made his debut off the bench and looked incredibly promising. His style of play looks perfect for Moore’s approach, and the fact he played so well higher up the pitch than he normally would was a major bonus.

John Bostock’s debut was a brief one, but he showed some neat touches and willingness to battle and nip the ball away from the opposition.

Both will significantly strengthen Rovers in the weeks to come. And with the likes of Sims and Omar Bogle to come in, along with Coppinger, the plethora of options in key positions is looking very good.

PITCH BATTLE

Watching the rain drive down on Doncaster yesterday morning, you could have been forgiven for having doubts over whether this game would still be on.

But that was not taking into account the superb work carried out over the last year by the Rovers groundstaff, led by Andy Thompson.

The pitch looked immaculate throughout the game

Thompson strongly suggested that the usual summer renovation of the Keepmoat pitch be brought forward once the season was halted - and he has been proven wise in his thinking.

What was striking watching the EFL highlights on Saturday night was the feeling that Rovers are rightfully in with a shout of having the best pitch in the entire EFL right now.

And with a team that thrive on playing football with the ball on the ground, it should be something to be thankful for.

ONLY HALF WAY

It is staggering to think this was the game that completed the first half of the season for Rovers.

The campaign so far feels like it has been incredibly intense but it has been played out over five months. In short, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

The second half of the season will be played over a three month period that is going to task and strain every side in the division - but Rovers in particular who have played the joint fewest games alongside Accrington.

There is an awfully long way to go this season - but it is so far, so very, very good.

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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.