Disappointed but not the end of the world - Andy Butler on Doncaster Rovers' exit from the Papa John's Trophy

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Andy Butler praised the efforts of his Doncaster Rovers side but admitted it is not the end of the world that they have exited the Papa John’s Trophy.

Butler continued his temporary stint in charge of the side for Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s.

Though disappointed with the defeat, Butler was pleased with the way Rovers were on top of the game for long periods.

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And he also believes not having another game in the competition could be beneficial to Rovers during a congested campaign.

Andy Butler.Andy Butler.
Andy Butler.

“I’m disappointed but I’m also pleased with the way we controlled the game,” he said.

“The result hasn’t gone our way but the way the players applied themselves, kept the ball moving, pressed and probed.

“Everyone is disappointed that we didn’t get through but to spin a positive on it, it’s not a game we’re going to have to fit in a congested fixture list.

“It might help us in the long run.”

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Butler felt Rovers did not deserve to lose Tuesday’s clash, with Wolves securing the win in the 88th minute courtesy of £35million teenager Fabio Silva.

He said: “I’m not sure we should have won it but we shouldn’t have been beaten.

“We kept the ball, we were organised in our shape but in the final third we lacked the killer edge that we’re used to.

“Fair play to Wolves. I thought they were organised and they went to a back five with three midfielders in front which caused us problems trying to get the ball into the feet of Fej [Okenabirhie] or getting the two number eights in pockets.

“Wolves were organised and difficult to break down.

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“It’s about thinking on your feet and coming up with different ways to break a team down. We just seemed to be a bit pedestrian in the final third.

“Wolves have got quality. They’re a Premier League outfit and they knew what they were doing.

“Two lapses of concentration have probably cost us but we won’t be singling anyone out for criticism.

“It’s about learning from mistakes and making sure you don’t keep repeating them.”

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