Sky Bet League One
Saturday 19th October 2019
Another day at the Keepmoat Stadium and a game where the result hinged completely on Seny Dieng's spot-kick save from Tom Nichols' weak attempt at the midway point during the first half.
Had the Bristol Rovers man found the target, there's every possibility the visitors would have simply stifled things up until half-time, then tightened up and been difficult to break down for the rest of the game.
In all likelihood, they'd have gone on to collect at least a point; if not three.
The Gas were decent value in the opening half-hour - pressing, squeezing and closing down to great effect, winning the ball in decent areas and probing with intent. Yet despite all their endeavour, hard work and commitment, they lacked a cutting edge. They were toothless.
It's best highlighted when you consider that Nichols has scored just three times in 87 league appearances - giving him an absolutely appalling average of one goal every 29 outings. I can only assume, for the large chunk of those appearances, he must have played in a different position other than an 'attacking role' - if not, it blows every other woeful goals-to-games ratio that I've ever known out of the water.
Given they've not exactly scored goals frequently this term, it's safe to say Jonson Clarke-Harris - top scorer and ex-DRFC player, was sorely missed.
If you can't score during periods of pressure then you leave yourselves open to problems and, though Donny were dodgy at the back in the opening half-hour, they looked bright and energetic on the attack and importantly made it count when Kieran Sadlier headed home with the half-time interval on the horizon.
It's been said so many times previously, but goals change games and after the opener, Darren Moore's team always looked in total control and capable of scoring again.
Despite Ben Sheaf being denied in a gilt-edged opening in first half injury-time and Niall Ennis being blatantly fouled inside the area when in a brilliant position, Jon Taylor (without doubt the real 'Man of the Match') struck on the rebound after Ennis was initially denied by the 'keeper.
Ben Whiteman then struck the upright with a ferocious drive yet the most outstanding aspects of the final half-hour was just how the hosts just totally out-thought, out-passed, out-manoeuvred and out-classed their counterparts. Graham Coughlan's team, simply put, didn't have any idea how to get back into the game and were well-beaten by the final whistle.
A special mention must go the referee, David Rock, as well.
It's been a while since an official has jumped out and caught my attention for being useless, however, Mr Rock is certainly worth remembering due to his inconsistent and baffling decisions which raised eyebrows in both ends.
The Bristol Rovers penalty, he got spot on - it was a high foot, dangerous play (to a degree) and I can totally understand why he gave it. If anything, questions still need to be asked defensively as it wasn't good enough throughout the build up and it could have proved critical.
However, a few moments earlier, the official had refused to give one down at the other end - which left Donny's coaching staff clearly annoyed on the touchline. Then in the second half, he didn't give a penalty for a 'stone wall' foul on Niall Ennis which was clear, obvious and nailed on.
Likewise, there was a further incident, where Bristol could have been awarded a second spot-kick.
I understand he's not going to give every one but his decisions lacked any sort of consistency and he made too many mistakes for my liking.
Another example of this was in a five-minute period when the Gasheads were on top, midway through the first half. In a string of incidents, he could have penalised visiting players for pushing, shirt-pulling, backing in, etc. All of it was evident and easy to spot and it's not down to Bristol to stop using these tactics - it's down to him to penalise them, yet he didn't and it's not good enough.
The Gasheads following also belted out a few renditions of 'Goodnight Irene' during proceedings which made me chuckle.
Granted, it's their anthem and it's only to be expected that they'll passionately sing it aloud, though whenever I hear the tune it'll always take me back to my last visit to the Memorial Stadium - Saturday 3rd May 2014 - and another occasion where their players couldn't hit a cows backside with a banjo!
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