HAYTS DELIGHTED WITH GOAL
James Hayter has been one of the most consistent performers for Doncaster Rovers this season. A player who held the 'top scorer' title for three seasons at AFC Bournemouth, Hayter perhaps hasn't scored as many goals as supporters would have expected - but his contribution to the games is clearly visible - especially in the 4-2 victory against Leyton Orient at the Keepmoat on Sunday afternoon.
I definitely think that the game was of two contrasting halves. I don't think that we were at our best in the first half - but the main thing is that we always stayed in the game. We managed to keep a clean sheet, which is important, because even though we weren't playing the best football, we defended well We came in at half time still on level terms, so we knew that we could improve in the second half and we went out and scored four goals, which is nice."
Going into the game, the clash against Orient was always going to be a test for Sean O'Driscoll's side. Prior to kick-off, the O's were sitting in 4th position, knowing that a win could see them leapfrog Carlisle into the top spot of League One.
"The table never lies. They were a very organised team full of players who know their jobs. I thought that they were a very good team and I think that come the end of the season, they will be there or there-abouts. But, at the same time, I thought that we came out in the second half today and really put them back. We really deserved the win at the end."
The second half saw Hayter partnered with the 'Afro Goal Machine' Jason Price, allowing for the game to be played with a big man/little man strike partnership. However, Hayter believes that it was also the attitude of the team that allowed the Rovers to fight on for a victory.
"He has a great touch for a big man. His physical presence also helps and he can win balls and take them down. He's got a good touch for a big man and it showed in his goal. I thought that the turn and finish for his goal was superb. I think that he helped, but it was as a team in the second half that we helped each other and it showed. We got our noses in front - but then even when we got pegged back, nobody's head went down and we carried on and went on to win the game."
"Determination played a huge part in the second half and you could see that on the pitch. Everybody played their best and never let their head go down. We kept fighting and we kept believing. We played positive football and with it got the win - and it was deserved."
To cap an impressive performance, which saw James Hayter receive a standing ovation from the Rovers faithful, Hayter scored a terrific goal - pouncing on a deflection off of Orient 'keeper Stuart Nelson and hitting home an acrobatic overhead kick.
"Paul Green got free from a free kick taken by Gareth Roberts and had a chance on goal. He had a shot at their 'keeper and it has sort of bounced up in the air and I ended up hitting an overhead kick. Luckily enough it has gone in and I was absolutely delighted with it. If you don't try things, then you never know. I tried it and it has come off for me! Definitely one worth looking at on the highlights."














