How a mini-reset helped Owen Bailey get back on the goal trail for Doncaster Rovers
Given the ridiculous numbers he's been posting this season, Doncaster Rovers skipper Owen Bailey was effectively going through a 'drought' heading into last weekend's game with Blackpool.
The captain had not found the net in his last eight games - the longest stretch without a goal in what has been an outstanding campaign on a personal level for the midfielder. With 14 goals to his name in all competitions heading into Saturday's clash, you could forgive Bailey for not netting again this season, such are the superb figures he's posted.
But he was back on the goal trail with an excellent first half header, bravely throwing himself at a peach of a Robbie Gotts cross to lay the foundations for a vital 2-1 win for Grant McCann's side. Speaking afterwards, his manager admitted that a pep talk and a few days off helped recharge the 27-year-old's batteries for the run-in.
"He's brilliant, Bails but I thought he looked a bit leggy last Tuesday night (versus Luton)," McCann told the Free Press.
"I spoke to him this week and I gave him a couple of days off, on Wednesday and Thursday, just to keep him and a few of the other lads fresh and to just to get their energies back for today.
"We knew that Blackpool were playing on Wednesday night and had to travel as well. I think Tuesday against Luton was the first time he had no sprint distance in his performance, which was really surprising. And so I was worried about him, but then he comes and delivers again today. It was a really good header for his goal."
Rovers hit the road on Tuesday night, with a trip to third-placed Bolton Wanderers.