Captain James Coppinger was full of praise for his team-mates after they came back from 2-0 to defeat National League side Ebbsfleet United and book their place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Coppinger was influential in the second half turn around and chipped in with two goals, and he was delighted to see his side show great character after going behind.
“We had a scare being down two goals in the first half, it would’ve been nice to not have been down at all, but it’s really pleasing, especially after us all taking a bit of criticism recently, to come back and win how we did,” he said.
“Their goals knocked us off our stride, but to get two goals right before half time and respond like that it was massive, they were a good side and we made it difficult for ourselves.
“Getting those goals gave us a massive wake up call, but it’s great for us to score six goals because after half-time they didn’t really test us, and we always looked like scoring, so it is great to have our name in the hat for the next round.”
Coppinger was also pleased with the way his side stepped up in the second half, and he was quick to point out that the hard work the team have been putting in looks like it is paying off.
“We have a very young team, and the way the lads have picked up this new formation so quickly is pleasing to see because the hard work we are putting in on the training ground is starting to show,” he added.
“The average age of the squad is about 24, and you take me and Andy Butler out of that and it goes down a lot more, there aren’t many old heads in that dressing room and it is important that they learn quick, but the lads have been different class.
“The young lads show promise and they are coming in, working hard and wanting to improve every day, and so what you have in the squad is a group of young lads that want to do well for Doncaster Rovers.”
Rovers return to the Keepmoat Stadium to face local rivals Rotherham United on Saturday November 11, get your tickets from the Club Doncaster Box Office, on 01302 762576, or at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk