Gaffer grounded after stunning Sunderland.
Paul Dickov was refusing to get too carried away by the 2-0 win over Premier League outfit Sunderland in Doncaster’s penultimate pre-season friendly fixture.Goals from Cedric Evina and Harry Forrester – deployed as a lone striker – gave Rovers a victory that they thoroughly deserved, ten days out from the start of the League 1 campaign.
“I said to the players at half time to not get too carried away!” he beamed.
“They’ve set a decent standard for themselves and have to match that in training – which they’ve done so far to be fair – right to the first day against Bury.
“I thought the performance was good though. I’m really pleased with them again. We spoke about progression and I thought without the ball we looked hard to break down.
“The fitness levels were good as well, they’re a good team who kept the ball well at times but we were disciplined, but when you’ve got Harry [Forrester], Copps and Richie [Wellens] you’ll always create chances.”
The hosts did not risk many first team contenders on a night to savour against the top flight Black Cats – who had nine internationals in their starting eleven.
“There were 6 out and Jack McKay makes seven; there’s nothing too serious with any of them but if they’re not fit then it does no harm to look at something different,” said Dickov.
“Fitness wise the boys looked good, the younger kids were blowing a little bit but the front six that we finished with must be one of the youngest in history!
“So if you look at it, that’s a sign of progression and though its slow with a few minutes here and there they’ll take plenty of experience from coming up against some top class players.
“I keep repeating myself but its all about next week.”
Rovers host Bury on Saturday 8th August 2015 (3pm) – tickets are available HERE or via 01302 762576.