'We wanted to make it ugly' - Grant McCann's verdict on Doncaster Rovers win over Blackpool
Grant McCann believes Doncaster Rovers played the conditions perfectly as his side sealed a vital 2-1 win over lowly ten-man Blackpool.
It was a game of relatively low quality with the over-used Eco-Power Stadium pitch showing visible signs of wear and tear. But Rovers managed the conditions better with goals from Owen Bailey's first half header and a second half strike from sub Hakeeb Adelakun. The Tangerines pulled one back late on through Ashley Fletcher but the dismissal for Fraser Horsfall – for a second yellow card – allowed Rovers to see out the win.
Speaking to the media post-match, McCann said: "It wasn't the prettiest of games, but given the nature of the pitch at this moment in time it's not conducive for playing on, particularly in your own half, because you're asking for trouble.
"I think you've seen us play against two footballing teams in the last two games, Luton and Blackpool, and they've adapted the way they play because of it, so credit to the players for sticking to what we tried to do today. We wanted to play in their half, we wanted to make it scrappy and ugly and I thought we did that better than them.
"We picked up more second balls, we looked more threatening, and we've won the game. It's not a game of football that I'm sure Ian Evatt (Blackpool boss) would like to watch. It's definitely not a game I'd like to watch back! I can't tell you how hard it is to pass the ball on that pitch. Until you go on there and pass the ball to each other, you probably wouldn't understand what I mean. It's difficult. It's kicking up. It's slow, bobbly. They're used to playing on good pitches, the boys, and when it's like that, it's tough."
Rovers were sporting their fourth kit - a striking green and white strip - as part of their annual Community Day. A bigger crowd was in attendance and McCann paid tribute to the fans who made plenty of noise, especially second half.
"The fans are brilliant," he added. "I love the fans. I've got so much love and affection for our fans. They're outstanding, they really are. I just want to try and make them happy. They were brilliant and they kept driving us on today."