Source: Team_Talk
Play-offs still possible, says Irvine
A goal in each half, from Chris Brown and Neil Mellor, ensured the Lilywhites secured only their fourth away win in the league this season and their first since a 3-1 success at leaders Wolves on January 10.[LNB]Preston were clearly still smarting from their costly 1-0 derby defeat to Blackpool on Saturday and they responded with a professional performance at the Keepmoat Stadium to move four points behind sixth-placed Burnley with three games remaining.[LNB]The Lancashire outfit are still outsiders to finish in the top six, but Irvine insists all is not lost.[LNB]Asked if a play-off spot is still a possibility, Irvine said: "Yes it is. Obviously we're relying on other teams to slip up badly, but it is.[LNB]"We just have to do our own job, finish the season on a high and see where we get to."[LNB]He added: "It was a great response, we've all been hurting really badly after the game against Blackpool, to be honest I still am now, but I feel a lot better than I did this morning and I'm absolutely delighted with the way they went about their jobs.[LNB]"They were very professional in the way that they went about their jobs, especially without the ball because Doncaster are a very good football team.[LNB]"It was a great response from the players, not one that I'm surprised with because they've shown fantastic character all through the season and they are a terrific group to work with."[LNB]Irvine had a special mention for strike due Brown and Mellor, who were recalled at the expense of Jon Parkin and Stephen Elliott.[LNB]He added: "They have been desperately waiting for their chance and it's up to them to take their chance when it comes along. You don't get many chances in football so it's important that when they come along you really grab them.[LNB]"They've given me a problem for next week which I'm delighted about."[LNB]Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll was left frustrated with his side's lacklustre display, but once again refused to set a points target to ensure they avoid relegation.[LNB]Rovers are six points clear of third-bottom Nottingham Forest with three games to play.[LNB]O'Driscoll said: "It was chalk and cheese from our performance against Ipswich (a 3-1 victory on Saturday). We got what we deserved today.[LNB]"All season we've not focused on anything, people ask about targets and points and this that and the other, but we've always talked about performances and that has not changed.[LNB]"The first 20 minutes was tight. They are a decent Championship side. We gave up, I thought, after the first goal. We've got to set standards to be consistent game after game after game."[LNB][LNB]