Darren Moore calls on Doncaster Rovers' 'true grit' for West Ham cup clash

Rovers have shown a real confidence in the defensive side of their game since the enforced break over the festive period.

In each of their three matches in 2021, they have endured periods of pressure from the opposition but have demonstrated calm and composure to ensure they ended all three with wins.

Understandably, Moore believes the trait will be important when Rovers take on Premier League West Ham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“It is without doubt because of the level of the player that you’re coming up against,” he said.

“That side of the game is something we’ve been working on.

“From last year I would like to think there are sides of the game both in and out of possession that we’ve improved on.

“I’ve said many times that we consistently work in and out of possession. We believe that if we do that then we will get better.

“The messages are clear, that is what you’ve seen.

“It’s been really pleasing over the last two or three games to see that gritty side, that determination and harder to beat mentality in the group.

“We’ll need that in abundance on Saturday because of the level of the opposition we’re playing against, they’re a good team.”

While Rovers’ central defensive pairings have received plenty of praise this season, Moore emphasised the importance of the collective effort of being difficult to score against.

And he said Rovers are going to have to be strong in possession too in order to cause an upset at the London Stadium.

“People may talk about the goalkeeper or the back four, but it is a group effort,” he said.

“When we score goals, we score as a team. When we concede, we concede as a team.

“Everyone shares in the load, in attacking and creating, and in defending your goal.

“It’s been pleasing to see that in recent weeks.

“You’ve spoken about some of the things we’ve been doing off the ball. We’re going to have to be better at using the ball, using it better, smarter and quicker against this opposition because they certainly will against us.”

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