More than anything, what Doncaster Rovers are taking into the second leg of their play-off semi-final on Friday is a mentality that feels impregnable.
If you were writing a handbook on how to win the play-offs, it would be very similar to how Rovers finished their League Two season. Arriving late is always helpful. Manager Grant McCann likes to point further back but in essence it started in stoppage time at Sutton United on February 3. Doncaster were 22nd in League Two at the time, Sutton in 23rd, the second relegation spot. The hosts were leading 1-0 when Rovers won a slightly dubious penalty, converted by Joe Ironside.
Craig only joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January. He made his Spurs debut as a substitute in last season's final-day 4-1 win at Elland Road but his first senior start was a 1-0 defeat at home to Newport County, his second a 5-1 thumping against Stockport County, his third the 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers at the start of this remarkable revival. “It's been a little bit surreal,” he admits.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Doncaster Rovers' control delights Grant McCann as Rovers on course for League Two play-off finalGrant McCann was delighted with the way Doncaster Rovers took control of their League Two play-off semi-final to put themselves in a strong position to reach Wembley.
Read more »
League Two play-offs: Crewe Alexandra v Doncaster RoversFollow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Crewe Alexandra vs Doncaster Rovers in the English Football League - League Two
Read more »
League Two play-offs: Crewe Alexandra v Doncaster RoversFollow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Crewe Alexandra vs Doncaster Rovers in the English Football League - League Two
Read more »
Richard Wood on why Doncaster Rovers missing club record could be blessing in disguiseCaptain Richard Wood believes Doncaster Rovers missing out on a new club record for wins in their last match before the play-offs was probably no bad thing.
Read more »
Gillingham v Doncaster Rovers; Giving fans a lift is play-off hopefuls' motivationThis week has provided Doncaster Rovers with a reminder of what football is all about. Regardless of what happens at Priestfield Stadium, there will be more on Saturday.
Read more »
Doncaster Rovers' recent resilience adds to their League Two play-off armouryTo look at their results, you would think Doncaster Rovers breezed into the League Two play-offs, but the way the final week of their regular season ended should stand them in good stead for the tougher challenges to come.
Read more »