Grant McCann hails Doncaster’s determination after Forest Green victory

Posted Sunday, September 17, 2023 by PA

Doncaster boss Grant McCann praised his side’s “grit and determination” after a stoppage-time winner against Forest Green to win 2-1.

Substitute Ben Close’s overhit cross drifted over Forest Green goalkeeper Luke Daniels to give the visitors their first win of the League Two campaign.

Harrison Biggins’ overhead kick was cancelled out by Jordan Moore-Taylor’s powerful header before late drama saw Doncaster take all three points.

“We got our rewards for the last four performances and I’m hoping it sparks us now, we have that step on the ladder,” added McCann.

Doncaster took the lead after 35 minutes when Biggins produced an overhead kick that slammed into the far corner from Tom Nixon’s wicked delivery.

McAllister should’ve equalised for Forest Green but he blazed wide from 12 yards out after Matty Taylor’s cushioned header after the break.

Forest Green found their equaliser through Moore-Taylor after he headed home an inviting Marcel Lavinier corner.

Substitute Ben Close won it in the final stages when his cross went over Daniels and into the net to ensure Doncaster moved off the bottom of League Two.

McCann added: “To come back and get the winner in the final minute felt good. We’ve had six Saturdays since the season started and we haven’t had that winning feeling, and it’s depressing when you have that feeling.

“We had to show that togetherness today so I hope they enjoy that result tonight because they’ve worked hard for it.”

On Close’s winner: “We all know he has really good quality, whether he meant it or not, you’ll have to ask him.”

Forest Green boss David Horseman said: “That’s the most sickening one this season and the way we lost it was tough to take.

“There’s some desperation to give everybody what they want which is the win. They do it with the right intentions but it’s just the clarity and calmness.

“It’s a huge slice of luck, he could do that a million times and it doesn’t go right in the top corner so it’s disappointing the way the game unfolded.”