Gary McSheffrey gives honest verdict on Doncaster Rovers performance

A 1-0 defeat against Charlton yesterday has left Doncaster Rovers second bottom of the league and four points away from safety. 

Charlton had the chance to make it 1-0 just 15 minutes into the game when the Addicks were awarded a penalty but Jonathan Mitchell saved it to keep his side level.

However, Charlton had a number of chances and got a goal to show for it in the 66th minute when Stockley shot into the bottom corner.

Reflecting on his side’s performance, Rovers boss Gary McSheffrey told Doncaster Free Press: “We were lucky to be in the game at half time.

“In the second half we made a game of it and created a couple of chances and a bit of momentum.

“Ultimately we gave away a cheap goal from an enforces error. And the amount we were making it was going to happen.

“We got off lightly in the first half with three or four errors from ourselves and they should’ve punished us. Jonny made. couple of good saves to keep us in it.”

McSheffrey’s side only registered one shot on target throughout the game and the manager suggest this was down to a lack of composure as he said: “We got panicky moments and people trying to play too much one-touch football.

“I said to the boys that wasn’t because they were seeing passes, it was because they were nervous and trying to get rid of the ball too much instead of being composed on it.

“We want them to be braver on the ball and move the ball about but we were a bit too direct and panicky.

“You’re hoping for a goal rather than creating good opportunities.”

Although this result leaves Doncaster only four points from safety with the three teams above them all having games in hand over them, it does make the job of staying up that bit harder.

The Verdict:

This result is definitely not one