Game plans, frustrations, Wright places and more talking points from Doncaster Rovers' win over Lincoln City

Against Lincoln City they delivered on a brilliant gameplan to secure another impressive win over one of League One’s top sides.

A stunning volley from Ben Whiteman just before the break did the damage but this was a victory earned with tremendous hard work and concentration off the ball.

After successive defeats and disappointing performances, it was pleasing to see Rovers deliver a reminder of just how strong they are capable of being this season.

But it was also difficult not to be frustrated at their failure to mimic such control against lesser opposition in the division.

There is enough evidence available now to confidently state that Rovers are at their best when their focus is on nullifying the opposition, either by denying space or controlling possession.

Give them a plan and they will follow it to the letter and, more often than not, be successful in doing so.

But when it is the opposition attempting to shut down Rovers, that is when Darren Moore’s side are lacking.

They have more than enough technical quality and attacking threat to better any side in the division, as they have proven against League One’s elite such as Portsmouth, Ipswich, Charlton and now Lincoln.

But as long as the pattern continues there will be doubts over their collective ability to work things out on the pitch when the opposition are presenting them a challenge to overcome.

Developing those smarts will be vital if Rovers are to fulfil their potential and take their place among the elite sides they are so adept at beating.

ALL WRIGHT ON THE RIGHT

More than a few eyebrows were raised when the line-up was confirmed, with three left backs on the pitch for Rovers.

The pre-match warm-up suggested Danny Amos would be playing at right back, as he had done for the final ten minutes at Plymouth Argyle in midweek.

But the biggest curveball was to come. It would be Joe Wright lining up at right full back.

Moore shifted his defence across to the right, with Amos coming into the side in his natural left back role.

It was a bold move. Breaking up the Wright-Anderson centre half partnership was brave, given their superb start to the season.

But it was the latest example of Moore’s horses for courses mantra - even if the finest tipsters in the country would never have seen it coming.

It may have caused a fair amount of confusion, but once again when Moore has thrown a curveball with his selection it has paid off.

Wright offered the height and physicality you would expect as he cut off a route through which Lincoln have had plenty of success so far this season. He dominated in dealing with crosses to the back post and was more than comfortable when the ball was on the floor.

The alterations across the pitch worked very well indeed.

Matt Smith pushed out from the pivot in midfield to play in the centre of the attacking midfield three, offering plenty of energy and tenacity to unsettle Lincoln high up the pitch but also in bringing teammates into play.

Reece James continued his tour around various positions on the pitch as he lined up in the pivot alongside Whiteman, offering good close control and neat and tidy play among the frenetic energy in the middle of the park.

REMARKABLE TURNAROUND

When watching Rovers deliver a plan requiring so much attention to detail and concentration, thoughts turned to just how Moore had managed to get them to do so after so little time to work with the group.

In just two days the Rovers boss and his staff presented the plan and hammered home the fundamentals of it, before the players went out and delivered.

It demonstrated the meticulousness of Moore but also how well the squad has been conditioned to adapt at short notice.

Much of the groundwork for that was put in place over pre-season and on those rare occasions when Rovers had a blank midweek. That international break last month was vital.

The mix of quality game plans and receptiveness from those expected to carry them out is a brilliant combination for Rovers to have.

WHAT ROVERS ARE ALL ABOUT

Whiteman put his goal down to an element of good fortune for how well things broke for him.

There seemed to be no luck involved as the move played out - and it demonstrated the technical quality Rovers have.

Jon Taylor’s deft touch to flick Whiteman’s pass up where Smith chested it into the path of the skipper, who had continued his run before connecting with the sweetest of volleys on the edge of the box.

All one touch, all incredibly accuracy, all very crisp.

Such ability is just what Rovers are all about in their attacking play. There’s no luck about it Ben.

THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE

Yet again Rovers created enough chances to win the game comfortably with Taylor and Josh Sims both missing good opportunities.

A wider scoreline would not have been particularly just, given the balance of play and how tight the game was from start to finish.

It always looked like being a contest of fine margins, where a mistake or piece of real quality would ultimate decide things - and so it proved.

Yet, Rovers had chances to open up a bit of a cushion. And for all Lincoln’s threat, they did not manage a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.

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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.