Grant McCann thrilled with Doncaster response in draw with Crewe

Posted Sunday, October 13, 2024 by PA

Doncaster manager Grant McCann praised his ‘full throttle’ side for the manner in which they fought back to draw 1-1 at home to Crewe.

Max Conway’s fine individual effort had Crewe ahead early in the second half but Doncaster fought back, with McCann changing his system to ensure they were on the front foot.

Kyle Hurst drew Rovers level after finishing off a rapid counter-attack and McCann felt what he saw from his team over the final 30 minutes was exactly the sort of football he demands.

He said: “It was a tremendous response and if I’m being totally honest, in the last 20 or 30 minutes there was only one team trying to win the game.

“It’s disappointing we haven’t – or I’d probably say more frustrating. We had some really good opportunities.

“I told the boys after that I was really pleased with the response of going 1-0 down. We were on the front foot and it’s what it takes to be at this football club.

“In the first half we lost the ball and we retreated a bit. We didn’t counter press or get after the ball.

“It was the difference in the second half. We have to be full throttle to play in this team. When you lose it, you press rather than waiting to see what’s behind you.

“We didn’t have the edge I was looking for in the first half but we changed the shape in the second half and got all of our attacking players on the pitch to go for the game.”

Crewe manager Lee Bell labelled his side ‘outstanding’.

He felt the result was another indicator of Alex’s capabilities after they saw off then-leaders Gillingham a week earlier.

Bell said: “I think it shows the direction in which the players want to go and want to head.

“I’m continually asking them how hard they want to work – and that’s not just running around, it’s with the football as well.

“I saw some excellent passages of play on things we’ve been working on and it’s about just building on that confidence.

“It’s also the players stepping up to the challenge with the injuries that we’ve got at the minute.

“I thought we were outstanding to a man. The gameplan was executed brilliantly, we scored a terrific goal from Max and then I was really disappointed to get done on what was a fantastic counter-attack from them.

“The feeling in the dressing room is that they’re disappointed they’ve not got three points because we knew what to expect when we came here. On the flipside, no doubt Doncaster will be unhappy they’ve not won the game.

“From our perspective, I thought the players and staff were outstanding.”