Resilient Rovers please Doncaster boss Darren Moore in Portsmouth win

Reece James netted 11 minutes from time to secure the win in a tight contest at Fratton Park.

Rovers had much the better of the first half but Portsmouth improved after the break.

Whereas in recent matches Rovers had struggled to keep a hold on the game, on this occasion they remained resolute, much to their manager’s delight.

“I’m really pleased,” he told the Free Press.

“It’s always pleasing to get three points at a difficult place. It was a difficult game.

“The biggest thing that I liked about it was we showed good resilience to stay disciplined in the game.

“It was a tight game. We controlled the first half, we started well and were dominant but we knew in the second half it would be difficult.

“It turned out to be that way.

“As it worked out, I was pleased with the way the boys stayed disciplined, kept getting the first contacts on the ball and kept the shape of the team.

“That was a big thing for me because it always kept us in the game.

“And when it came towards the end of the game and we had that one moment in the box, Reece showed that composure and we took the chance.

“Portsmouth got a lot of tackles and blocks in and bodies in the way throughout the game so there wasn’t a massive amount of chances.

“When that clear cut one fell, I was so pleased that we took it.”

Moore praised the organisation of his side as they dealt with Portsmouth’s pressure after the break.

“It was great to hear the players determined to stay disciplined and working as a unit,” he said.

“I was really pleased for them because they showed it and they’re going to have to show it more in the weeks and months to come.

“That part of the game today was really good.

“It’s nice to have that and show that resilience.”

Moore confirmed Jon Taylor was taken off due to an upset stomach.

READ MORE

Saturday Night Takeaway: Rovers answer the big questions with a brilliant win

Players ratings from the victory at Fratton Park

*

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription.

The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support.

We couldn't do it without you.

Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf.

Stay safe.