Saturday Night Takeaway: Is Darren Moore the problem solver the nation needs after Doncaster Rovers' win at Swindon Town?

When it comes to the logistical challenges of the Covid-19 crisis, the government may well be missing a trick in not appointing Darren Moore as an advisor.
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Rolling out vaccinations quickly and dealing with the intricacies of exactly what a lockdown should mean would be a piece of cake for a man who certainly can stick problem solver on a CV that is growing ever more impressive.

Moore, and his Doncaster Rovers side, have had plenty of problems thrown their way since the time when Father Christmas packed up his sleigh.

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A Covid-19 crisis which robbed them of a fortnight of the season they could ill-afford to lose, the departure of the talismanic captain, and even training being snowed off this week - they have been put through the wringer time and time again.

Fejiri Okenabirhie heads in Rovers' second at Swindon. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIXFejiri Okenabirhie heads in Rovers' second at Swindon. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX
Fejiri Okenabirhie heads in Rovers' second at Swindon. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX

But while good fortune may have evaded them since Christmas, their form and fighting spirit shows no signs of going anywhere.

A 2-1 win at Swindon Town was just rewards for the way they have rolled with the punches in recent weeks.

It was not the greatest performance from Rovers - certainly in the second half when they allowed their grip on the game to slip away - but they battled through to the end to claim the three points that keeps them firmly in the automatic promotion race.

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Fejiri Okenabirhie finished off an intricate move superbly after being sprung clear with only five minutes on the clock, setting Rovers on their way to a dominant first half showing where they had their hosts penned deep into their own territory.

And it was made to count on the scoreline when Okenabirhie lifted a header over the Swindon keeper to double the advantage in first half stoppage time.

The hosts, fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table, shook off their inhibitions in the second half and battled into the game, bombarding Rovers with balls into the box.

But, as they did against Blackburn the week before, Moore’s men stood firm and rebuffed the advances of the opposition.

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Hallam Hope slotted in from close range to give Swindon more hope with 17 minutes to play, and while the pressure on Rovers grew, the calm heads in the back line only increased in stature to ensure they held on for the win.

A defence as unflappable as Rovers’ is

Unfortunately the tough times are not showing any signs of easing, even before you take into account the incredibly taxing fixture list.

Reece James picked up his fifth booking of the season in the final game before the possibility of a one game ban was wiped, meaning he will miss Tuesday’s game with Rochdale.

Add to that a calf injury to Joe Wright that will rule him out for the rest of the month along with James Coppinger, plus the fact Tyreece John-Jules pulled up with a hamstring injury and there are plenty more problems for Moore to solve.

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But he has shown himself more than capable of conquering a quandary. It is time Mr Johnson got on the phone.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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