Grant McCann insisted Doncaster still have it all to do before they can seal a League Two play-off final date at Wembley, despite Monday night’s 2-0 first-leg success at Crewe.
Goals in either half from Luke Molyneux and Harrison Biggins put Rovers into a commanding position ahead of Friday night’s second leg at the Eco-Power Stadium and continued the stellar form McCann’s side have shown since a 2-0 home win against their play-off opponents on March 9.
The victory was the first of 10 consecutive victories for the visitors as they leapt from nowhere to secure a play-off place.
In contrast, since defeat in Yorkshire, Crewe managed only two wins in their last 10 games to limp into the end-of-season knockouts.
But McCann stressed: “We knew it was going to be tough coming here.
“People can talk about form, but it means nothing in the play-offs. Crewe started strongly and I thought it was a cagey game until we scored. We didn’t get going up to then and Crewe caused us problems when we lost the ball in our own half.
“We scored a really good goal with a little bit of quality and in the second half, we were in control.
“We tried to go for another goal and we threw ourselves forward in the closing stages.
“We wanted to take the game to Crewe and we looked the much better side in the second half.
“But this is only half-time, that is all it is and we will focus on Friday now. It’s impossible for me to influence 13,000 fans, I can only manage the team. They are a good group of players and they will stay focused on the job in hand.”
While Doncaster have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 20 times during April, Crewe had scored just five goals in their 11 outings since losing at Doncaster.
Rio Adebisi tested goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala with an early header as the hosts mounted a bright start but they rarely threatened and their passing out from the back proved their downfall.
Rovers made the most of an opening with Matt Craig combining with Hakeeb Adelakun before teeing up Molyneux to fire the opener into the roof of the net, 11 minutes before the break.
Biggins struck the crossbar with a first-time shot and it was the midfielder who doubled Rovers’ lead soon after half-time when veteran Crewe skipper Mickey Demetriou failed to deal with a through ball and Joe Ironside slipped clear to square the ball for Biggins to drive home.
Crewe boss Lee Bell tried in vain to inject some life from the bench into his side’s lethargic attack, but Chris Long failed to help on a Zac Williams header at a corner despite standing close to Lo-Tutala’s goal line.
Bell insisted his side were not out of contention and said: “We started the game extremely well, but we made a couple of mistakes in each half which put them on the front foot and Doncaster are good at what they do.
“We have got to regroup now and galvanise ourselves as we’ve got 90 minutes left and we’ll have a real go.
“The crowd were amazing and hopefully we’ll have some players who are able to start the game on Friday.
“I’ve told the players not to go home and sulk; I know what is capable from them and we have got to be optimistic and have a right go.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025