'He's getting stronger' - Darren Moore's praise for Doncaster Rovers penalty hero Ellery Balcombe

The Brentford loanee made two penalty saves in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Lincoln City, continuing the impressive start to his life at Rovers since joining early in January.

While he hit the headlines for his spot kick heroics against Jorge Grant and Anthony Scully, Moore felt Balcombe’s all round performance was superb, to help keep rampant Lincoln at bay.

“He was excellent,” Moore said.

“I thought the two penalty saves were solid saves - and even better than that they stuck.

“He had the conviction to go both ways. They put it one side and then the other.

“He’s getting stronger. Long may the games continue and him getting stronger.

“We’re getting used to him and he’s getting used to us.

“I’ve seen a massive improvement in his game since he first came in. As long as he continues to do that then it’s great.

“He was someone we identified at the start of the season.

“With the situation what happened with Joe Bursik and the emergency goalkeeper, I had no hesitation with getting him in for the second half of the season.

“He’s got wonderful presence, he’s got great agility. He’s safe.”

The victory over the side that started the day as League One leaders also took Rovers three points off top spot.

But, characteristically, Moore was not getting carried away.

“People will talk but for me, we’ve won a game of football and it means nothing on the outside,” he said.

“I just look forward to getting the group back together and being ready to work.”

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