Charlton manager Lee Bowyer went out of his way to praise an “outstanding” Rovers side after they pushed the Addicks all the way in their Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final.
Bowyer’s side booked their place at Wembley after a penalty shootout win in the second leg at The Valley, but were given an almighty scare as Rovers fought back from a 2-1 loss in the first leg to force extra-time then the shootout.
"Commiserations to Doncaster, but they gave everything: they and their fans are a credit to their club,” he said.
“Grant McCann has done a great job and they were outstanding, we had to be good as well or they would have walked away with it.”
The mutual respect was clear, with Bowyer asking to enter the away dressing room afterwards to address the visiting players and staff.
He told them to be proud of their efforts and to keep their heads high despite the loss.
"I did say it would be a good game with two teams who like to play football, putting their bodies on the line and giving everything,” added Bowyer.