Grant McCann felt it was a case of patience paying dividends for his Doncaster side as they returned to winning ways against Barrow.
Harry Clifton’s deft 81st-minute volley saw Rovers end a run of three league matches without victory as they deservedly took the points.
Rovers enjoyed the lion’s share of attacking play but struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the game until Clifton turned in a fine cross from Jamie Sterry.
“We knew that Barrow are a strong team defensively and they don’t concede many goals,” McCann said. “They’re hard to play against – hence why you see their start to the campaign.
“But I’m really pleased. The boys showed a lot more bravery in the second half compared to the first.
“We were patient with our play and didn’t force things. We forced our passes in the first half and hit things long when we didn’t need to.
“It was about bravery in getting on the ball and making things happen.
“I thought we played well for spells of the game. It wasn’t a complete performance by any stretch of the imagination but we were strong defensively and we looked a threat.
“We got there in the end with a bit of quality from Jamie Sterry with the cross and a really good finish for Harry.”
Barrow head coach Stephen Clemence felt a tough week on the road had taken its toll on his side, who he admitted were second best.
The Cumbrian outfit travelled to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and then Gillingham in League Two before visiting the Eco-Power Stadium.
And with injuries mounting, Clemence said the demanding schedule had impacted the group.
“I’m disappointed because I feel that Doncaster deserved to win the game,” he said.
“We’ve come off the back of three tough away games at Chelsea, Gillingham and then Doncaster within the space of a week. I don’t want to make excuses but we’ve been hit hard by injuries.
“The disappointing thing was that they didn’t cut us apart in the second half but it was a cross and them having someone free in the middle to score. We have to be better than that.
“I think we’re asking a lot of some of the players in key areas. There’s players in there that I’m struggling to give a break to at the moment and they really need one.
“When you have a week like that it’s not easy. I’ve been there myself as a player with three away games on the spin. It’s tough.
“Normally there is a bit of rotation and we’ve not even been able to do that from the bench. It’s difficult.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
