McCann: I have set a target of being top

DONCASTER Rovers boss Grant McCann has set his side a target of topping League One by the “end of the week” following their victory at lowly Plymouth Argyle.

McCann said: “We like to set small targets for the squad and, after this win, we have said we would like to be number one by the end of the week.”

John Marquis marked his 100th Rovers league appearance with a superb double, scoring in the 18th and 90th minute to sandwich Matty Blair’s 57th minute close-range strike.

Argyle – still to win in the league after 10 games – levelled through Ruben Lameiras after 40 minutes, but only got their second, through a Graham Carey top-corner rocket, late in stoppage time.

McCann said: “We got to Accrington next, on Tuesday, they are a good side. But I have set the group the goal of being top by the end of the week.

“We have got strength in depth and the attitude of the squad is good.

“Today the subs – Ali Crawford, Alfie Beestin and Alfie May – made an impact and that’s what you want. Alfie could have had two goals. I called the players over after John scored the first goal because I was concerned.

“We didn’t start the game very well which was disappointing.

“I think after we scored we let them get a foothold in the game.

“I had to raise my voice at half-time because I told them after we scored the first goal the way we were playing was not good enough to win.

“The response in the second half just shows you the character of the group.”

Argyle boss Derek Adams admitted: “We played well in the first half to get back in the game, but then the tide turned and I thought in the second half Doncaster were the better team.

“In the second half we didn’t really get back into the game until the last five minutes of the game.

“They took their opportunities well and they had a few good opportunities in the second half because of our poor defending.

“Our goals were excellent goals, but at this moment in time we are conceding goals quite easily.

“When I say easily I mean in that split second were are not defending well enough and teams are getting goals against us.”