WATCH: James Coppinger's stunning 'dream' volley from Doncaster Rovers' friendly win

It turns out that practice makes perfect for James Coppinger - even if it is done in the back garden.
James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

The Rovers skipper scored a stunning scything volley in Wednesday night's 8-1 win at Deeping Rangers.

And he revealed afterwards a heads and volleys kickabout with his sons on Tuesday evening may have been the inspiration for one of the best goals of his career.

James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

"It's so good to score," he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I was in the garden until half nine the night before playing heads and volleys with the kids.

"It'll be good to show them."

"It's just instinct," he added.

"I saw the keeper clear it and I thought I'd just have a go really.

"As it's travelling, I still didn't know it was going in.

"It's something you dream about, scoring goals like that.

"Pre-season or not, it's unbelievable when you see it hit the back of the net.

"I'm delighted with it."

Though he netted a goal to remember, arguably the biggest plus point for Coppinger on Wednesday night was getting a further 60 minutes of playing time as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's nice to score a good goal and get 65 minutes in difficult conditions," he said. "It was a sticky pitch and hot.

"It was good to get through it.

"I missed ten days with injury which is probably only the second pre-season I've missed to an extent.

"It is difficult to get those minutes in. It's my second game and first start.

"It's just good to be playing a team that is doing so well.

"We played against Birmingham and the lads did ever so well.

"And again at Deeping, they applied themselves really well, got a lot of goals and played really well."