Tense draw pleases O'Driscoll

Rovers boss expects same again in second leg

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 9th May 2008

Sean ODriscoll

O'Driscoll: Expects another hard-fought contest

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Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll is expecting another tense contest with Southend after they drew 0-0 in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final.

The two sides failed to make a breakthrough at Roots Hall but it was an entertaining clash with chances falling at both ends.

The best opportunity fell to Doncaster midfielder Jason Price midway through the second half, only for home goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan to pull off a fine block.

Rovers had striker Paul Heffernan sent off three minutes from time after a mindless headbutt on Charlie Mulgrew, but the visitors stood firm for what O'Driscoll felt was a fair result.

Evenly-matched contest

"I thought there were two good teams and we both cancelled each other out," he told Sky Sports 1.

"I thought in the second half we may have got a bit on top, but credit to Southend, they came storming back. It is going to be tight in the next leg as well.

"I thought we were disciplined and organised and played when we had an opportunity to play, but we would have liked to create a few more opportunities."

Heffernan will now be missing for the second leg and the final, should Doncaster progress, and O'Driscoll is hoping they can take his absence in their stride.

"I didn't see it," he said. "We will have to take it on the chin. It's disappointing for him, he's going to miss three games and he's devastated in the dressing room now."