Grant McCann doffed his cap to goalkeeper coach Kyle Letheren for plotting a route to Rovers’ second goal in the win over Tranmere Rovers.
In researching the opposition, Letheren had spotted a trend from keeper Luke McGhee to race out and attack the ball and pointed out the possibilities for Rovers’ attacking players.
Hakeeb Adelakun heeded the words and took the opportunity to round McGhee and tap into an empty net for his first goal for the club - and to secure a welcome win for Rovers.
“I’ll give credit to Kyle the goalkeeping coach on the second goal because he’s done a lot of work on McGhee and he’d noted to us that he’s very positive in his position and wants to come out quick,” McCann said.
“Kyle said in the week to the forwards if you get in there and you make that run then go around him. Haks did that.
“Credit to Kyle and credit to Haks for making that movement to get the second goal.
“Haks was good today. You can see in parts that he’s a clever player, he sees pictures in front of him and he’s always trying to look for a positive pass.
“I’m pleased with the two goals we scored and I’m pleased with the endeavour. I’m disappointed with the goal they scored but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say it’s a good bit of play from Hawkes and a tremendous finish.
“We’ve got the job done and I’m pleased to give the fans three points. We wanted to do that and the last time we were here we were very disappointing.
“It was good resilience from the boys to get the job done.”
Joe Ironside gave Rovers the lead on 15 minutes when heading home a cross from Adelakun with Josh Hawkes equalising for the visitors after an hour of a competitive clash.
But Adelakun struck just five minutes later, with Rovers then demonstrating superb resolve to keep Tranmere out.
McCann was quick to turn attention to the trip to Salford on Tuesday.
“I was pleased with the win but all it is is three points,” he said.
“I said to the lads in the changing room ‘well done, you’ve won at home, it’s a good win for us but our focus will quickly turn to Salford on Tuesday.
“There’s lots to like about the performance - bravery of getting on the ball, waiting and being patient and I thought we grew into the game with it.
“Tranmere are a good team and Nigel [Adkins] has got them working very hard for each other. It didn’t surprise me to see that sort of transformation, knowing how good a manager Nigel is.
“It was always going to be a tough game for us and I’m pleased to come out on top of it.”
