Doncaster Rovers: James Coppinger dedicates goal in win over Walsall to fan Pieman

James Coppinger dedicated his goal in Doncaster Rovers' 4-1 win at Walsall to supporter Jake '˜Pieman' Power.
James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

Coppinger produced a sublime finish to net Rovers' third in a comfortable win at the Banks' Stadium.

And he raced off in celebration to a Pukka Pies advertising hoarding to acknowledge the memory of popular supporter Power, who died at the age of 27.

James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The entire first team squad went to Power's funeral on Friday and Coppinger felt the occasion was the inspiration for Rovers' win.

'I felt like I was going to score today,' Coppinger said.

'We all went to Jake's funeral yesterday and it was a massive inspiration for me, as it was for the rest of the lads.

'I went home yesterday and it puts things into perspective.

'I knew I was going to score, I knew it was going to happen.

'I'd already lined up the Pukka Pies sign.

'Just seeing how much football and Doncaster Rovers means to people. To him, to his family and to everyone who was there yesterday,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'It was an emotional day but at the same time it was inspiring.

'It didn't surprise me that we got that result after what we did yesterday.'

Coppinger admitted he had already thought about the Pukka Pies sign being an ideal tribute to Power, widely known as Pieman, before scoring his goal.

He said: 'I'd already spoken to John [Marquis] about it.

'It's a nice gesture and we'd like to thank the family for yesterday because again it was an experience we shared together and it will make us stronger as a team.'

READ MORE