How a brief conversation led to Arsenal loanee Ben Sheaf’s superb first goal for Doncaster Rovers

Sheaf smashed in a left-footed effort from 25 yards to give Rovers the lead. It was his first goal for the club after he saw one netted at Southend United earlier in the season ripped away and given as an own goal.

Encouraging Sheaf to shoot has been something Darren Moore has been working on for a while.

But after watching him forgo an opportunity to shoot early in the game, Moore says he gave the Arsenal loanee a gentle nudge during a break in play.

“He had one before that and he didn’t pull the trigger and he passed it,” Moore said.

“We had a break in play not long after and we spoke about him taking the next one.

“And goodness me did he take it on with his left foot.

“It was a great goal, a great strike and it was a great performance from him.

“He was really good aerially, he was dominant. And on the deck he used the ball really well.

Moore hopes the goal will boost Sheaf’s confidence to take on more chances in the future.

“We feel that with him because he’s capable of doing it,” he said.

“Hopefully that’ll serve him well going forward.

“He’s struck it from distance with great precision and detail.

“It was a great strike and it gave us a deserved lead.”