Nigel Clough rues Burton’s profligacy in front of goal during Doncaster draw

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2019 by PA

Nigel Clough bemoaned a lack of ruthlessness from his as he declared two points dropped for Burton at Doncaster.

David Templeton and Lukas Akins both put Burton ahead but twice their lead lasted only four minutes as Rovers levelled through Jon Taylor and Kieran Sadlier.

The visitors the better of the majority of play, leaving Clough thoroughly frustrated as they were left with only a share of the spoils.

“We’ll remember this game as two points dropped and missed opportunities and missed chances throughout,” Clough said.

“It took us until the 35th minute to go ahead and before that we had numerous chances which we should have finished.

“Never begrudge a point away from home or dismiss it. It’s still a good point coming away to a very good team like Doncaster.

“But having gone ahead twice and not being able to hang onto a lead for any period of time, that is the most disappointing thing along with the missed opportunities again.”

Akins netted his 50th goal for the club from the penalty spot after Donervon Daniels brought down Joe Sbarra.

Clough added: “That goal should have been the winner. The second equaliser from them was certainly fortuitous.

“We have to seem to work a bit harder for our goals than other teams do.

“Over the course of the game, 20-odd shots away from home, controlled it for good periods.

“It’s just that lack of finishing in the first half-hour of the game that has cost us.”

In contrast to the opposition manager, Doncaster boss Darren Moore felt his side had gained a point after twice fighting back.

And he praised Burton for the manner in which they stifled his side.

“For me, it is a point won,” Moore said. “I didn’t think we played as fluently as we could have done.

“Credit to Burton, they came and stopped and nullified us. They came with a game plan and I’m sure for them the gameplan worked to a certain extent.

“Sometimes you look back at games over a long season and this will be a hard-fought point.

“I said to the players, while we weren’t as clean in possession of the ball, a part I was pleased with was the way we dug in.

“Through commitment and endeavour, we managed to win ourselves a point.

“When you look at the game itself, I’m honest and open with the performance and we weren’t as dominant as we have been in recent weeks but it is one for us to learn from when teams set up that way and play against us.

“We need to get the right answers to come up with the goods. The positive for me is the endeavour and the spirit.”