Grant McCann: How Doncaster performed was irrelevant – it’s all about the result

Doncaster boss Grant McCann was only interested in the result and not his side’s “iffy” performance after they beat Bradford 2-1.

John Marquis scored either side of half-time to put Doncaster in command before substitute George Miller ensured a nervy finish for the home support when he pulled a goal back with nine minutes to go.

Not wishing to dwell too much on the performance after a positive result, McCann did concede his Rovers side made life tough for themselves towards the end of the game.

“We won the game so it’s irrelevant how we performed really because it’s all about the result,” he said.

“In terms of our performance, I thought we were iffy.

“We had some spells in the game where we dominated. We had some spells where we had to dig in.

“We had spells where we could have scored again but didn’t. Mallik Wilks could have put us 3-0 up.

“Then we end up making it a bit tough for ourselves and end up having to defend by putting bodies on the line in the last 10 or 15 minutes.

“We’ve shown that resolve this season. We showed it against Luton.

“I’m delighted with the result. It’s a first-class performance against a team that I don’t see being down where they are for too long, especially with the front three they’ve got.

“They can cause anyone problems in this league and they did for us.

“We’re delighted that we defended it to a man.”

McCann hailed goalscorer Marquis, who took his tally to seven for the season.

“John was excellent,” he said. “He’s been excellent this season.

“I had a feeling he was going to score with his left foot and I told him so in training on Thursday to get some left footers down the sides of people.”

David Hopkin says seeing positive signs in Bradford performances is no longer enough when they fail to pick up any points.

The Bantams suffered their third defeat in three games since Hopkin’s appointment.

But, in what is becoming a familiar story under the Scottish manager’s rule, their performance warranted more from the game.

“We’ve seen positive signs but we can’t keep saying the stuff,” Hopkin said.

“But the 18 boys that are training with me are giving me everything.

“The players are seeing the fruits of what we’ve been working on.

“They’re getting that wee bit fitter and stronger.

“We’re attacking teams and we put in some fantastic balls in the first half.

“How we’ve not scored through Sean Scannell, Jack Payne or even right at the death from Anthony O’Connor’s great ball in…

“We should have had a penalty, we’ve hit the post, we’ve scored a goal so it’s disappointing.”

The penalty decision in particular rankled Hopkin.

Doncaster defender Joe Wright looked to have hauled down Eoin Doyle in the box.

“I can’t believe it wasn’t given,” Hopkin said.

“The game was at 1-0. It was a blatant penalty. The game goes one each at that point.

“After I think we lost our composure for five minutes or so and before you know it we’re 2-0 down.

“The fourth officials don’t give you any answers. Linesmen don’t give you any answers.

“I asked the referee after the game and he said he thought he dived.

“When you’ve got two arms around you, six yards from goal, you’re going to tap the ball into the net, it’s a difficult one to take.

“We went 2-0 down but fair play to the players, we got back into the game and I thought for the last 10 minutes there was only one team going to score.”