Darren Moore praised his side’s second half performance in the Emirates FA Cup replay after a rusty first half.
It was more than a week since Rovers played a competitive match and Moore felt his side suffered from that in the early part of the match.
“That first half was a product of not playing for 10 days,” he said.
“When games get called off, things get disrupted. You want to get that continuity which is why, after draw in the first match, I said to Glyn Hodges I’m glad for the replay, I want the games.
“The first 45 minutes was just rustiness, so at half-time we said, we had to up it and that would get us into the game. Ultimately that was what happened second half, we grew into it and got up to speed with the tempo of the game.”
James Coppinger scored the opening goal and provided an excellent assist for the second as Rovers midfield three dominated the centre of the park for much of the second 45.
“Whiteman, Sheaf and Coppinger – you’re talking about three instrumental players,” Moore added.
“They’re wonderful players and when they turn on their quality you can see the effect they can have. It’s not just what they can do for our team, it’s the problems they cause for the opposition.
“Coppinger has been a wonderful servant for this football club and he plays an instrumental part in what we’ve been trying to do here. He understands what we’re doing – you’re seeing him play a different role compared to previous seasons and he’s excelling in it.
“It was a wonderful goal as well – you saw calmness and composure from someone who has been in that position umpteen times.”
