'We are going to have to be better' - Darren Moore wants more as Doncaster Rovers welcome Oxford United

That is the verdict of boss Darren Moore who is plotting Rovers’ follow-up to their win over Lincoln City against an Oxford United side that have won their last nine matches in all competitions.

Rovers defended resolutely in their 1-0 triumph at Lincoln but struggled to threaten on an off-day in possession.

Moore says his players must be much better with the ball as they welcome Karl Robinson’s side to the Keepmoat.

“Without a doubt,” he said.

“I look back at last week’s game and I see where we needed to be.

“We knew we had to be in a mid to low block because energy levels were depleted. But we had a 15 to 20 minute spell at the start where we had two or three chances and took one of them.

“For the rest of the game we defended resolutely and put bodies on the line, and the lads really dug in.

“We know Oxford use the ball really well, they’ve got wonderful patterns, and great individual players at this level all over the pitch and they know their way around.

“We know the task ahead of us with the team that is coming to town. We’re going to have to show that commitment and endeavour and be good off the ball, and on the ball as well to cause them some problems.

“There’s been time this week when we’ve looked at both those aspects as well as integrating the new players.

“We are going to have to be better in both aspects.”

Having lost eight of their opening ten league games, Oxford have not been beaten since and have won nine of their last 13 games.

Moore said: “We always felt they were capable of going on a run of games. We always felt at the start of the season until they really clicked into it, they were in a false position for that group of players.

“It’s been a wonderful turnaround. Karl is a really experienced manager, he knows this division inside out and he knows what it takes.”

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