Manager Darren Ferguson praised the reaction of his players as they came from behind to claim a memorable 5-1 win at Grimsby Town.
The Mariners led through Sam Jones’ powerful 34th-minute strike, but a hat-trick from John Marquis, added to by goals from Andy Williams and Alfie May, left Rovers on the brink of promotion to Sky Bet League One.
“The reaction after we went one down was excellent, in the second half we went on and dominated the game and I think we were magnificent,” said Ferguson.
“Five goals away from home is special, we had to change the game a bit because we got a few knocks in the week, but we reacted quite well to it, it was a great day and we are nearly there now.
“The work ethic of the players is superb, the chasing the ball down in the 90th minute and its there for all to see, that has been a big change for me and as a football club, no one outworks us.”
Marquis hit his 24th, 25th and 26th goals of the Sky Bet League Two season to put him three clear of Barnet’s John Akinde in the race for the Golden Boot, but Ferguson was impressed with the effort from all three of his strikers.
“His third goal was outstanding, and that is hard to pull off, when you are through on goal and someone is behind you, he just met the ball sweet and it flew in,” he added.
“I’m also delighted for Andy Williams as he has worked hard, his goal was superb the way he cut back onto his left foot and beat the keeper, and I think he is happy that it went in because Marquis would have killed him for not squaring it.
“All three of my strikers who were on the pitch have scored, it’s a really good day and we needed a reaction after our defeat to Plymouth and we well and truly got that.”