'I wish we could have spoiled a few more parties' - Andy Butler on Doncaster Rovers' win at Rochdale

But boss Andy Butler said failing to get the results when they counted for Rovers themselves will always be a source of frustration.

Fresh from delaying Peterborough United’s ascension to the Championship in midweek, Rovers triumphed 2-1 at Rochdale to confirm the hosts’ relegation to League Two.

This was the day when Rovers’ faint hopes of making the top six were finally ended but Butler is hopeful his side can close the campaign on a more positive run of results.

“It’s a shame we didn’t spoil a few more parties earlier on in the year,” he said afterwards.

“We just need to go out there and play the game. There’s nothing more we can do. If it spoils the party then it spoils the party.

“But as long as we approach the game professionally, and apply ourselves well, the results will follow.

“It’s frustrating and disappointing, but at the same time let’s finish the season on a high.

“Let’s finish with two more wins and finish the season with momentum for the next one.

“We can get to 70 points.

“It’s frustrating to not get into the play-offs but that’s the past now and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“We knew it was going to be an uphill challenge if we didn’t get results and we never did.

“Unfortunately we shot ourselves in the foot with a few results at home.

“Let’s just concentrate on these next two and we’ll go again next season.”

Two goals from Taylor Richards put Rovers in command before Matty Done pulled a goal back for desperate Rochdale, who needed at least a point to keep their survival hopes alive.

While largely pleased with Rovers’ performance, Butler felt Rovers could have been more clinical.

“Rochdale play an expansive style of football anyway,” he said. “When they came to ours earlier in the season they’d been involved in games 3-3, 4-4. It shows you they’re an attacking side but an open side.

“If we just cleaned up on the details of our passes, we’d have scored a few more goals and created more chances.

“It’s unfortunate for them that they go down and we wish them well for next season.”

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