Analysis of Rovers' 2-1 win at Bradford

Doncaster Free Press

26/10/2024

Transcript

00:00Good evening, here from Valley Parade after a really good day at the office for Doncaster Rovers.

00:06A 2-1 win at Bradford City. That probably doesn't tell the story of the game, the scoreline.

00:12Came out of the box really quick at Doncaster, really energetic.

00:18Obviously looking to make a response after the shot loss on Choosey to Bromley.

00:22It was a strange one because Bradford bossed the ball early doors.

00:27Rovers kind of looking to hit them on the counter. They had so many opportunities that first half.

00:32Molyneux, Hurst were unsharp as well up front. They were a constant menace for Bradford.

00:41You were thinking it was going to be one of those days again, like it was against Bromley,

00:45where they get opportunities but they just don't take them.

00:47There's no cutting edge, there's no killer instinct, which obviously Grant McCann has been calling for.

00:52Thankfully, it didn't cost them in the end. They had so many chances first half, went in at 0-0.

00:58But then after that, they finally made the breakthrough. Kyle Hurst, who created both goals,

01:03the first one was really good. A bit of skill to take on his defender and then just lays it off to Molyneux.

01:10A good finish from him and then they built on that, which is the key.

01:13That's what Grant McCann is obviously wanting. He's wanting them to not just get one goal and hold on.

01:18He wants them to go for the jugular and get 2-3-4.

01:22Obviously, they built on that. Sharpe, with his 50th goal for Rovers, tapped him.

01:28But again, it was Kyle Hurst who made it. I think there's no doubt about it.

01:31He was a man of the match today. Two assists on his second league start.

01:34He had plenty of praise from his manager afterwards when we spoke to him.

01:39Bradford made it interesting at the end. Andy Cook with the header, which again,

01:43Grant McCann said he puts the blame on himself for moving Jay McGrath away from the central.

01:50He moved Owen Bailey, who had a bit of a reshuffle at the back in defence.

01:53Cooks obviously took advantage of that and made it 2-1.

01:56Then you're thinking, is it not going to be their day?

01:58Are Bradford going to get back into it? But thankfully, they held out.

02:01Sharman Lowe made a really good save right at the end when it was evenly poised.

02:05They did hold on. It was something I asked Grant McCann about afterwards,

02:10the changing mentality in this team.

02:12Twelve months ago, they'd have probably wilted and dropped points here.

02:16But this team has got a different mentality, a different mindset.

02:19They held on for the win. On balance, they do deserve it.

02:23Like I said, I thought Kyle Hurst was unplayable at times.

02:27Molyneux again getting on the score sheet. I think he's up to seven now for the season.

02:31Billy Sharp getting in the goals again.

02:33You look at the players that weren't even involved today.

02:35Jordan Gibson, a lot was made about his return.

02:38He was on the bench. He was an unused sub.

02:40Joe Ironside got a couple of minutes towards the end.

02:42Joe Sabara not involved again.

02:44You think of the players that aren't even involved.

02:46Westbrook, Anderson, Wood.

02:48The strength in depth has probably been highlighted today by the fact Jack Senior has come in.

02:52First appearance since I think Newport was probably his last start or maybe Everton.

02:57He slotted in seamlessly.

02:59A really good performance from him to say he's coming from the cold.

03:02So all in all, a perfect day at the office, I would say.

03:06Three points on the road and a derby win.

03:08Not won here for a long, long time.

03:10They've shook that particular stat off.

03:13It bodes well.

03:15Another change of competition now.

03:17The FA Cup is next Saturday, but before then it's the Yorkshire derby at Barnsley on Tuesday in the trophy.

03:24They'll obviously be looking to progress in that competition.

03:28Stick to the free press.

03:30Like I said, there's plenty over on the website.

03:32The player ratings are up and there's a McCann reaction to come up later this evening.

03:37And of course, across the weekend we'll have all the usual stuff before we build up to that game at Barnsley.

Analysis of Rovers' 2-1 win at Bradford

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