Analysis of Rovers' 2-1 win at Bradford
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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.