Sky Bet League One
Tuesday 7th January 2020
A straightforward and comfortable win for Doncaster Rovers who, against a backdrop of negativity in the stands last month, are now just two points off the play-off positions.
Niall Ennis got the opener within five minutes as he seized upon a defensive howler, before Tom Anderson's header with a quarter-of-an-hour to go ensured the three points.
Shrewsbury weren't dreadful; certainly not poor as some folk have suggested, and they actually played some good football in parts.
That said, for all their endeavour in trying to impose themselves well and dictate the midfield battle, they didn't create enough openings or properly test Seny Dieng. Neither manager Sam Ricketts or his players can have any genuine complaints with the outcome as they were second best.
An element of praise also needs to go to Rovers' defence which is currently the fourth-best in the division behind Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United and Ipswich Town - all of whom are in the top six positions!
Overall, the result means Darren Moore's men have now averaged two points per game from their last five fixtures which has elevated them up the table to 11th position - within touching distance of the play-off spots and firmly 'in the pack' at this stage of the season.
Whilst it's all positive in that respect, this result still shouldn't disguise the need for improvement in some areas - one being infront of goal. A clinical marksman would have almost certainly ensured a bigger margin of victory tonight, given some of the chances created, and in another game the misses might have proved costly.
Other positives that can be drawn from proceedings is the performance of Ben Sheaf, who grew into the action - made a great tackle not long before half-time and subsequently produced a really strong and solid second half display. Anderson, needless to say, remains the leading figure across the back-line and deserves the plaudits he'll receive for another good game where he was hugely effective in both boxes.
Max Watters' introduction late on, again off the bench for the fourth time in the last five home games, was pleasing and a sign that he remains very much in the manager's thoughts.
On a mild night in South Yorkshire, it was difficult to know what to expect beforehand given that there's been some indifferent performances so far this term and Shrewsbury, firmly embedded in mid-table, have been just as indifferent.
Rovers opened the scoring after just four minutes in somewhat bizarre fashion when Kieran Sadlier's cross into the box initially looked harmless until Ethan Ebanks-Landell got his head on it and diverted it straight towards Ennis who couldn't finish from a couple of yards out.
It meant the hosts had something to hold onto and, for the next half-hour, Shropshire's only Football League team enjoyed their best spell - moving the ball, playing some nice stuff and enjoying the territorial advantage.
However, they couldn't convert their best openings as Daniel Udoh was foiled by Joe Wright's good, last-ditch challenge when he broke through, before the centre-back made a vital clearance after Dieng horribly miscued a ball into the box.
Rovers still looked bright at the other end and by the half-time whistle, it was surprising there hadn't been any further goals as it was a relatively open contest.
After the re-start, Donny then took things up a few notches and dictated the midfield battle much more - yet three good chances went begging before James Coppinger missed a 'sitter' when he got on the end of a dangerous ball across the box, which evaded Shrewsbury's defence, but saw his effort somehow go wide, via a deflection.
It mattered little in the end though as Anderson rose high to convert Jon Taylor's corner with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining to maintain his popularity with the home fans, who've been impressed with his consistent displays to date.
The rest of the game was stress-free as Rovers kept the ball well, run the clock down, did things professionally and were worthy winners.
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