Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Sunderland

Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Sunderland
Sky Bet League One
Sunday 29th December 2019

It's pointless trying to overly articulate just how much of a desperately turd performance this was from Doncaster Rovers.

Simply put, it was unacceptable and not good enough - one million miles away from being anything remotely near to being good enough or the standard required to get a decent result. As a collective performance, it was lethargic, flat and grossly underwhelming.

It was the worst display of the season, bar none; absolutely no doubt about it!

Usually I try and seek the positives and not act in a 'knee-jerk' fashion, but there was barely anything positive to emerge and nobody can have any complaints whatsoever.

Although Sunderland have been besieged by their own problems in recent weeks; mid-table and woefully out of form, they dominated. It was, coincidentally, probably their best display in a few weeks (if not the season to date) and it'll give Phil Parkinson a few days respite considering the growing pressure that he's been under in recent weeks.

A different 'story' to the game would probably have seen the visiting fans get on his back and voice their discontent. A different result may have even seen the Sunderland boss sacked, but instead, the Black Cats had it all too easy.

From the outset, the visitors pressed high, set the tempo and controlled the play. They were authoritative and in command whereas Rovers weren't, didn't close down enough, stood off way too much, didn't get in their faces and didn't show enough desire.

Lynden Gooch's sixth-minute opener was too easy. It was a good, curling finish from the edge of the box but he was afforded too much time, too much space and was able to pick his spot. Lackadaisical defending from a Donny viewpoint - but more concerning was the fact they'd failed to take heed of the warning signs prior to this opening.

Yes, Rovers' performance did fractionally improve after this ridiculously sloppy start, but barring one or two attacks during a spell of pressure not long prior to Jon Taylor's equaliser, Darren Moore's team just simply didn't seem to be able to get any serious foothold or get going.

The game had a frantic pace to it; Sunderland controlled it better, hustled and harried much better, and if you actually split the game into quarter-of-an-hour sections, the Black Cats were on top in all but one - such was the difference between the sides.

Too many Donny players just didn't turn up. Too many long balls from the back were aimless, fruitless and 'gobbled up' by the grateful visitors who were able to regain possession as a result and then go about creating danger. Things just didn't function in the midfield and those up top were feeding off scraps.

The performance certainly posed more questions than answers.

Far too much was lost in midfield. Ben Whiteman's presence was entirely nullified courtesy of a game-plan which the Black Cats implemented to perfection and Madger Gomes, alongside him, just seemed to lack the capability, positional nous or technical ability to be influential. In truth, Gomes was a hindrance more than a help and in hindsight, maybe if he'd been booked for either of his two rash challenges in the first half, it might have planted a seed in Darren Moore's mind to substitute him before the referee red carded him.

It was desperately frustrating to watch, barring the spell of pressure in which Taylor equalised from James Coppinger's brilliant piercing ball towards the back-post, and once Sunderland got ahead for a second time near to the hour mark, it was hard to see how things would change as there wasn't a vast array of options on the bench for Doncaster to turn to.

Kwame Thomas was the obvious choice, given his aerial threat, but the lack of other potential options/strength in depth poses more questions than answers and firmly underlines the undeniable fact that new faces are needed in the upcoming transfer window.

Had it not been for some excellent acrobatic saves by Seny Dieng (one of the few players who deserve any credit for their own individual display), the result would have been much more emphatic - and undeniably a fairer reflection on how the game panned out.

Rovers ought to be thankful they weren't booed from the pitch at the final whistle. For anyone who wasn't there, it really was that bad a performance!

If one thing is for certain now, it's that a massive, massive response is needed when Oxford United rock up to the Keepmoat Stadium on New Year's Day.

The U's, in my opinion, are the best attacking team in League One and if there isn't a stark improvement, it's going to be a long afternoon! Hopefully, scalded pride, dented egos, tough opponents and the next game coming so soon will be a big driving force for Rovers to deliver a big response!

Talk about relegation or at least a scrap for survival, which I’ve seen in some quarters, is ridiculously premature and a typically predictable response from some folk who are always negative. Lets, not forget that a few days ago, the same players won convincingly at Peterborough.

However, by the same token, this sh*t show of a performance can’t be repeated.

Who knows what will happen!

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Accrington Stanley

Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Accrington Stanley
Sky Bet League One
Saturday 21st December 2019

A fair result in a game which the visitors just about shaded.

Rovers, nevertheless, were left to rue a late defensive lapse at a set-piece which cost them two points after Jon Taylor's superb counter-attack opener had them in front.

It means the winless streak is extended by another game and, annoyingly, there were plenty of 'doom merchants' airing their views on the way out of the Keepmoat Stadium.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm at a different game to what some people watch! Although the performance wasn't great (it did improve after half-time) and there IS substantial room for improvement, credit has to be given to Stanley for their hard-work and endeavour. They are tricky opponents and, in my view, probably don't get the respect they deserve because of their unfashionable status as a club.

That is something which has to be recognised in any criticism of Rovers' performance!

Yes, there's a distinct lack of potency up top which needs to be addressed once the transfer window opens - and if that means the board have to 'dig deep' then so be it. Yes, there was sometimes a lack of urgency to get the ball into wider areas quickly which probably would have hurt the opposition. Yes, Accy made their presence felt more effectively and controlled parts of the game. Yes, the 'playing out from the back' philosophy is frightening sometimes and invites unnecessary pressure.

On the flip side, however, there was a marked improvement in the second half.

In small doses, there were some good periods of possession in dangerous areas (as opposed to passing side-wards or backwards) - one of these was around the 75-minute mark in a move which ended after Madger Gomes mis-controlled the ball. There was also some good defensive shape on show which thwarted the visitors and helped to keep things tight.

It wasn't vintage. It wasn't vastly entertaining and the critics calling for Darren Moore's head, fearing a relegation battle, need not react in such a 'knee-jerk' fashion. This could have been three points had it not been for a defensive lapse, not dealing with the second ball, in a set-piece where Offrande Zanzala stabbed a shot home from point-blank range.

Yes, it could have also been a defeat had Seny Dieng not made a superb save on the brink of injury-time, but that's football. Goals always have and always will alter the course of games.

A win is needed and a win will eventually come. What is noticeable to fans will be more than noticeable to the manager who'll feel the highs and lows of results more than anyone watching in the stands, and it'd be foolish not to expect business in January!

Aside from the fall-out of the result/performance, referee Andy Haines needs a mention for yet another dreary and underwhelming display.

Thankfully, he didn't make any major screw-ups or annoy either manager that much they wanted to shoot him afterwards (as Darren Ferguson wanted to do after a 1-1 draw with Plymouth, about this time two years ago).

That said, his penchant for bringing play back (thus not allowing an advantage) was irritating, he made quite a few poor decisions - affecting both teams and also didn't seem to want to penalise the visitors for quite obvious time-wasting from inside the opening 10 minutes.

Plenty of biased critics were dishing out abuse for not penalising Accrington's defenders for some allegedly 'rough' tactics, but on the flip side, Kwame Thomas escaped punishment for giving one of their players a bloody nose.

In some ways, it's a relief that he oversaw a pretty nondescript game at this stage of the season and might not now officiate either team later in the season - where tensions are higher, the stakes are cranked up and the pressure is on.

I'd certainly be happy if I never saw him again!

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 2-3 Scunthorpe United (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 2-3 Scunthorpe United (U18s)
Football League Youth Alliance
Saturday 14th December 2019

Doncaster Rovers' title hopes in the Football League Youth Alliance suffered a significant setback as they were beaten 3-2 by Scunthorpe United in freezing cold conditions at Cantley Park.

The Iron had decent shape, structure, kept the ball on the deck and did some excellent pressing to emerge as worthy winners thanks to Joey Dawson's first half opener and a brace from Harry Jessop after the interval.

Nathan Dimou and Junior Smith got Rovers' goals to make things interesting in the closing stages, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

The result means that Scunthorpe move into second spot in the league table - two points behind Rovers at the summit albeit with a huge four games in-hand.

It was a typical winter's morning for what was the last FLYA fixture before Christmas and there was a decent turnout on the sidelines including quite a few scouts - clearly attending in the knowledge this was two good teams going head-to-head.

Rovers fielded a trialist (Alex Andrassy-Escritt) at centre-back which meant skipper Ben Blythe moved across and played at left-back, with Lewis Cunningham named on the bench.

Despite sunshine as the teams took to the pitch, by kick-off the skies had turned grey and the heavens had opened with rain lashing down. A swirling wind, blowing towards the end which Scunthorpe were attacking, also meant it was freezing cold for the opening quarter-of-an-hour.

Unsurprisingly, during that spell, there wasn't much in the way of early goalmouth action.

The visitors adapted slightly the better, seeing more of the ball, and carved out their first opening after 16 minutes when Raynner Silva tried a speculative shot from the edge of the area which didn't have the accuracy to trouble Ben Bottomley.

Rovers 'keeper, however, was called into action for the first time soon afterwards when he got a hand to Jessop's close-range header - somehow diverting it wide of the post, before a couple of corners were defended.

Junior Smith drew a routine save at the other end of the pitch, whilst there was also a stoppage on the half-hour mark when Charlie Bell needed treatment following a 50/50 challenge.

By this point in proceedings, the rain had eased though it was still bitterly cold.

Scunthorpe had constantly pressed well, kept their shape and were working extremely hard, and they soon reaped the rewards for their efforts when Dawson latched onto Levi Gallimore's low cutback from the byline and emphatically smashed the ball home from eight yards.

It was a deserved lead after a fine, free-flowing move, but one they nearly squandered almost straight away because, only two minutes later, Smith seized upon a loose pass a few yards into the visitors' half, got behind the high defensive line and accelerated away towards goal. It looked for all the world as if he would keep his composure to finish, but the Iron 'keeper came out on top - spreading himself well to make a crucial save.

Rovers suddenly had momentum and Blythe went close when he hit a thunderous volley, straight off a corner, which had to be cleared from within a packed goalmouth. Elliott Walker then made a crucial goal-line intervention, off the counter-attack, to prevent Jessop from scoring.

The visitors remained ahead at the break, despite a bit more Donny pressure - mainly involving Jack Watson who was causing problems with his movement and general hold-up play.

After the re-start, the Iron got back on top, imposing their game-plan very effectively once more, though Finn Shrimpton wasted a chance when he was played through and saw a low 15-yard drive saved by Bottomley, when it would have been a better option to let fly.

However, the Rovers back-line didn't take heed of the warning signs and only a few minutes later, it was 0-2. Andrassy-Escritt was beaten too easily by the impressive Jessop, who worked his way down the left, opened his body up and picked his spot perfectly. It was a decent goal, deserved - collectively and individually, and the hosts now had a mountain to climb.

Paul Stancliffe's side did begin to knock the ball around better, and changed shape around the hour mark with Marius Conradi replacing Bell.

Opportunities to reduce arrears were still at a premium though. There were some good touches and intelligent lay-offs, including one or two by Conradi and fellow substitute Luca Nelson (who came on for Owan Derrett at half-time) but Scunthorpe were defending strongly.

On 65 minutes, the result would have been put beyond doubt if Bottomley hadn't made an instinctive stop on the edge of his box to deny Jessop, following a clever pass from Shrimpton.

Rovers then made another change as Max Jemson replaced trialist Andrassy-Escritt, but they were still struggling to carve out clear-cut opportunities and, although a header from a set-piece went wide, Tom Collins was rarely troubled in the visitors' goal.

On 80 minutes, the lads halved their deficit in fortuitous circumstances as Collins misjudged a vicious, wind-assisted free-kick into the box and fumbled it on the goal-line where Dimou gratefully smashed the ball into the empty net. The Scunthorpe 'keeper and his team-mates claimed that he'd been impeded, but the referee was having none of it and the goal stood.

All of a sudden, Rovers had a spring in their step and began applying more serious pressure and would have equalised if Watson had managed to get a shot away when a low left-wing cross reached him, at speed, at the near-post, but Collins plucked the ball from the striker's feet.

Then, almost straight down at the other end only a minute or so later, Scunny seemingly put paid to any hopes of a comeback as Dawson combined with Jessop, who tucked a low shot past Bottomley for his second goal of the game.

It was proving to be a topsy-turvy finale and the visitors came unstuck once again at a set-piece on the stroke of injury-time when Will McGowan's corner found Smith, whose perfectly-cushioned header reached the target.

Four minutes of injury-time were added by the officials and with the very last kick of proceedings, McGowan couldn't find the target - curling a left-foot free-kick over the upright, as Scunthorpe hung on to pick up a deserved three points.

On reflection, though it wasn't a dreadful performance by any means, the visitors worked harder off the ball, pressed brilliantly to force Rovers backwards, and imposed their game-plan for long periods. In open play, they were never properly cut open; both goals came from set-plays and Smith's big one-on-one chance came from a misplaced pass. Also, the 'keeper wasn't worked anywhere near enough to warrant achieving a positive result.

Credit has to go to Scunthorpe and on this display, they're worthy title contenders. They've got good players all over the pitch such as Charlie Barks at the back, Harry Jessop up top (who is very similar in movement to Jack Watson and an effective player), and also in wide areas.

So absolutely fair play to them and I've got no complaints with the result.

Team: Ben Bottomley, Elliott Walker, Alex Andrassy-Escritt (Max Jemson), Nathan Dimou, Ben Blythe (C), Will McGowan, Charlie Bell (Marius Conradi), Liam Ravenhill, Owan Derrett (Luca Nelson), Jack Watson, Junior Smith. Unused Subs: Lewis Cunningham, Kian Johnson.

My 'Top 10' games this year...

Saturday's Youth Alliance fixture between Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe United at Cantley Park (weather permitting) will be the 100th game which I've watched this year.

With that in mind and in an attempt to keep the blog ticking over, these are the 'Top 10' games which I've enjoyed the most this year...


10. SLOVAN BRATISLAVA 2-0 SPARTAK TRNAVA - Sunday 3rd March

This makes the list for no reason other than it was the first match in Slovakia's new national stadium.

It was close to a sell-out and a 'grudge match' as Spartak Trnava are the second most successful club in the country, with Slovan Bratislava being the first.

The game wasn't a classic (both goals came in the second half) but there was a lot of pre-match razzmatazz, etc, with a light show, balloons, kids on the pitch with flags, etc. During the second half, the ultras unveiled flares and a banner which translated to 'Welcome to Hell' - such lovely folk.

They also blatantly aimed monkey chants at a Trnava player taking a throw-in, but it went underreported because these things tend to happen quite frequently in Central/Eastern Europe. However, it came as no surprise when they were forced to a play a game behind closed doors in the UEFA Europa League earlier this season, for committing a similar offence.

9. SALFORD CITY 0-4 FOREST GREEN ROVERS - Saturday 28th September

An absolutely outstanding performance by the away team and one which convinced me they'll get promoted from League Two this season.

On a stereotypical wet day in Greater Manchester, the visitors dominated, out-passed and out-classed Salford and it was impossible to get the ball off them. They were two goals clear quite early on, 3-0 up by the half-hour mark, and then added a fourth in the second half.

Aaron Collins, who I once scored an absolute screamer for Notts County against Boreham Wood, bagged in this game and set up another before doing a daft goal celebration.

Salford fans dished out plenty of criticism towards Graham Alexander and their own players, but did at least come up with a witty chant 'Stop eating our grass!' aimed at their vegan-loving visitors.

8. DONCASTER ROVERS 0-2 CRYSTAL PALACE - Sunday 17th February

A monumental day where the TV cameras flocked to the Keepmoat Stadium though there was no cup upset.

It was the FA Cup Fifth Round (Last 16) - the first time Rovers had reached this stage in something like half a century, it was a sell-out and had all the razzmatazz to go with it.

Palace won comfortably enough with Jeffrey Schlupp scoring early on, but the key moment was when Max Meyer doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. From that point, Donny never looked likely to get back into it, but there was a proud moment for Rieves Boocock when he came on as a late substitute.

I also took a brilliant panoramic photo before kick-off too, which I'm still proud about now.

7. BURY 3-1 NORTHAMPTON TOWN - Monday 22nd April

A game which has since proved to be the penultimate Football League fixture that was played at Gigg Lane.

It was Easter Monday, the weather was absolutely glorious, and there was a lingering smell of smoke in the air as there'd been moorland bush fires over the previous weekend. Northampton boss Keith Curle, somewhat oddly, also had a brand new car delivered to the ground about an hour before kick-off.

Bury's problems were documented at this stage though it hadn't quite become a big topic of discussion amongst football fans - that was yet to come.

Andy Williams put the visitors ahead after a sluggish start before Chris Stokes quickly levelled. Danny Mayor put Bury into the lead midway through the second half, then Nicky Maynard scored in injury-time to seal the win.

The result meant the Shakers moved back into an automatic promotion spot - again, something which has since proved to be a contentious topic given what happened over the following months!

6. DONCASTER ROVERS 2-0 COVENTRY CITY - Saturday 4th May

The day when Doncaster Rovers secured a play-off place and there was a partisan, albeit somewhat nasty, atmosphere in the South Stand with some idiots fighting with stewards.

There were plenty of sub-plots given the other team hoping for a top six berth was Peterborough United, who had sacked Grant McCann a year or so before and they now had Darren Ferguson as manager.

On the pitch, Kieran Sadlier struck an opener on the half-hour mark before John Marquis extinguished any lingering doubts of a successful afternoon with a second goal with five minutes to go.

It meant more wild scenes and a pitch invasion at the final whistle.

5. SCUNTHORPE UNITED (U18s) 1-2 DONCASTER ROVERS (U18s) - Friday 27th September

This was by far the most enjoyable youth team game which I've seen this season as it was a comeback victory which also put an end to a poor run of form.

The weather was wild and wonderful throughout and it was a new ground for me with the game being played at Winterton Rangers.

Scunny led courtesy of a great set-piece strike and although Junior Smith equalised before half-time, a massive improvement was needed in the performance at that point.

In a pleasant surprise after the break, the lads raised their game and Jack Watson converted a penalty to get the three points. Will McGowan was also stretchered off with a neck injury which meant there was also a boat load of added time, too.

It was a great win and just gave everyone the boost they needed.

4. CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2-3 DONCASTER ROVERS - Friday 17th May

One of them nights where, although Charlton progressed, you couldn't help but applaud the efforts of the Donny players who were absolutely outstanding and played their part in a nail-biting play-off classic.

The game reminded me a lot of England's Euro '96 semi-final - penalties coming after Rovers had fought back from two goals behind on aggregate. John Marquis bagged again in extra-time before Charlton equalised, then came the 'if only he'd connected' moment when someone (can't remember who) just missed getting on the end of an inviting ball across the goalmouth deep into extra-time.

Due to train times and potential problems, I rushed around the ground and witnessed the penalty shoot-out from the home end where Tommy Rowe's missed effort ultimately proved decisive.

Again, despite losing, the Rovers players were absolutely magnificent. It's a shame (albeit not surprising when put into context) that the team broke up so quickly in the aftermath.

The song which always reminds me of this game is 'Run Boy Run' by Woodkid which, up to a few years ago, was used on the title sequence for Sky Sports' play-off coverage.

3. NEWCASTLE UNITED 3-2 EVERTON - Saturday 9th March

A highly-entertaining game as Newcastle came from two goals behind to win their fifth straight home game and wipe the smirk off Jordan Pickford's little face.

The England 'keeper was sticking his tongue out when the Toffees led 2-0 on the hour mark - a lead which was fortuitous as their first goal was dubious and the Toon weren't playing badly.

However, Salomon Rondon pulled one back before Ayoze Perez scored a quickfire double in the closing stages; the second of which was absolutely miles offside. The three points were another massive step towards securing safety and Newcastle's best home form in the top flight since the 2003/04 season.

Despite perfect blue skies, it was absolutely f**king freezing as well!

2. NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-1 MANCHESTER CITY - Tuesday 29th January

A night when St James' Park was absolutely bouncing as Newcastle inflicted an unexpected defeat for Man City which should have cost them the title.

I joked beforehand to the geezer sat next to me that it might still be 0-0 after 30 seconds, but even that proved untrue as Sergio Aguero scored with the first attack of the game.

A second goal was disallowed, which upset Pep Guardiola big style, before Rafa Benitez's black and whites fought back with Salomon Rondon equalising before Matt Ritchie converted a spot-kick after a lengthy delay. Tensions and nerves were high during the closing minutes but the hosts hung on.

The final whistle was met by huge cheers and celebrations (comparable to the Everton game mentioned above). It turned out to be the only time City dropped points in the second part of the 2018/19 campaign as they battled back to win the Premier League ahead of Liverpool.

1. ASTON VILLA 2-1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION - Saturday 11th May

An absolutely rip-roaring, roller-coaster of a play-off semi-final and easily the best atmosphere I've experienced in this country in a long while.

I was very, very, very lucky to get a ticket (in the Doug Ellis Stand) and Villa Park was just full of pure noise, passion and utter adrenaline for 90 minutes with those flame-throwing machines and flags draping from the stands beforehand creating a f**king brilliant atmosphere.

Villa took some time to get going as Dwight Gayle's penalty put WBA ahead, but they slowly got back into it and finally equalised through Conor Hourihane with a quarter-of-an-hour to go. They were absolutely roared on at this point and after Jack Grealish was brought down, Tammy Abraham scored the resulting penalty to provoke more wild celebrations.

There were no further goals though Gayle was red carded late on which meant he missed the second leg. With him, it could have been a very different outcome in that game.

Doncaster Rovers (U23s) 3-2 Walsall (U23s)

Doncaster Rovers (U23s) 3-2 Walsall (U23s)
Central League
Tuesday 10th December 2019

Doncaster Rovers survived a late fightback to pick up three points with a 3-2 victory over Walsall in the Central League.

On a wild, windy and wintry afternoon at Cantley Park, the hosts dominated the first 45 minutes and led at the break courtesy of Joe Wright's headed opener.

Further goals by Branden Horton and A.Trialist gave Rovers a commanding three-goal cushion, before two Walsall goals in the space of as many minutes in the dying stages ensured quite a nervous finale.

For a multitude of different reasons, Gary McSheffrey named a strong starting line-up - including a string of players who are in and around the first team such as Tom Anderson, Joe Wright and Niall Ennis. Shane Blaney skippered the team.

Walsall also named a line-up which included a few experienced individuals, whilst under-pressure manager Darrell Clarke was also present on the sidelines.

A strong, cross-field wind meant conditions were difficult for both sides, but Rovers wasted no time in settling down as they enjoyed large swathes of early possession.

Their first opening came when Tom Anderson picked out Elliott Walker with an intelligent cross-field pass out towards the right flank. The youngster advanced and then hit a teasing cross through the goalmouth which just evaded Max Watters.

A few minutes later, Watters was in the action again when his quick shot from the edge of the box, following Wright's pass, was comfortable enough for the visiting 'keeper.

By the quarter-hour mark, Rovers were on top; pressing well, squeezing, looking fluid, controlling the tempo and looking good in possession. Nevertheless, AJ Greaves was cautioned following a late, mistimed challenge on the halfway line.

The Saddlers had offered very little up to this point but went close to an opener when Anderson inadvertently sliced a right-wing cross goalwards - thus forcing Louis Jones to react quickly and turn the ball wide of the woodwork.

Back up at the other end, Blaney saw his curling free-kick palmed away as Rovers forced their opponents into their own defensive third once again.

Watters then went close to an opener near to the half-hour mark. Firstly, he showed good strength and footwork inside the area and, though his initial shot from an acute angle was blocked, he managed to get a second effort away with a cheeky chip that was only just plucked out the air by a back-peddling 'keeper.

Only moments later, the youngster drew another save with a quick turn-and-shot towards the bottom corner from 20 yards, which nearly found it's way past a wrong-footed 'keeper.

What Rovers really needed was a goal to show from their dominant display up to this point and it eventually came on 36 minutes with Wright rising highest inside the box to guide home Greaves' teasing set-piece ball.

Greaves was tenacious and determined as ever in the middle and nearly bagged himself prior to the interval when he planted a shot narrowly wide following a good lay-off from A.Trialist, who wasn't having a bad game either.

Two changes to Doncaster's frontline were made at the interval with Ennis replaced by Myron Gibbons, whilst Watters was substituted for Rieves Boocock.

Walsall seemed to 'up their game' after the re-start, whilst Rovers' intensity dipped a little, and the visitors forced Jones into action with a free-kick on 52 minutes.

Soon afterwards, Anderson was booked for dissent by referee Dane McCarrick after the official wrongly (and blatantly wrongly) awarded Walsall a free-kick out wide. Wright also didn't hold back in voicing his displeasure at the very poor decision and he was replaced by Cody Prior on the hour mark, which led to a change in shape with the substitute taking up a central midfield position, whilst Anderson and Blaney were left as a central-defensive pairing.

Rovers went close to doubling their lead when A.Trialist had a shot saved, but it wasn't long until a second goal did arrive - and it was courtesy of some excellent work by Prior.

The youngster was persistent and threatening in equal measure as he won possession in the middle and carried the ball forward. A pass was eventually threaded through towards Horton, who opened up his body up perfectly and slammed the ball beyond the 'keeper to make it 2-0.

Although Rovers were in a strong position, Walsall knew that a goal for them would instantly shift momentum - and only a good, back-peddling save by Jones to keep out a chipped attempt after 72 minutes, prevented the visitors from reducing arrears.

With under a quarter-of-an-hour left to play, the game looked all over as a contest when A.Trialist showed some fine work and movement to go on a great, weaving run - advancing into the box where he tucked a low drive into the net. It was a goal which was just reward for his efforts.

It seemed that if there were to be any further goals then it would be in Doncaster's favour and Boocock soon flashed a shot narrowly over the upright from a cutback, whilst strike-partner Gibbons went close as well in a separate move.

Strangely, however, Walsall rallied in the closing 10 minutes.

One powerful effort had to be watched carefully by Jones, before the visitors had a goal disallowed when their frontman got on the end of a left-wing cross and finished somewhat untidily, but he was quite harshly penalised for handball and then booked by the over-eager referee who seemed to just want to be noticed.

With three minutes remaining, Walsall got what seemed to be just a consolation goal after they broke forward on the counter-attack and stretched the Rovers backline. Although Blaney just about recovered and was able to get a challenge in to prevent one shot, the ball ricocheted towards another opponent who skipped his second attempted tackle and fired past Jones from 15 yards.

Incredibly, only a minute later, the visitors struck again to threaten what would have been an absolutely monumental comeback - this time as their frontman got on the end of a forward-pass and rounded Jones, before he slotted home from a tight angle.

All of a sudden there was a palpable sense of tension and nerves in the air; especially after last week's events against Grimsby, where Rovers relinquished a two-goal lead and ended up losing.

About five minutes were played in total, during which Blaney was booked for time-wasting after he kicked the ball away, and Greaves and A.Trialist held the ball up well in the corner. The visitors struggled to get the ball past the halfway line as precious seconds ebbed away and the final whistle was met with a welcome sigh of relief.

Overall, it had been a dominant performance with quite a few positives, but the unexpected, bizarre and dramatic finale is a definite cause for concern.

The inclusion of some first team players definitely ensured a 'mature' performance and aided the development of those around them. Given the horrible, wild wind and challenging elements, the lads definitely made the correct choice to try and pass through Walsall - thus keeping the ball on the deck as opposed to going long and potentially losing possession.

It was also the last development game this year as next week's Central League Cup tie with Rochdale has been postponed and re-arranged for early January.

On a player-by-player basis, these are my reflections:

Louis Jones: Did well, communicated with his defence and was vocal throughout proceedings. He saved some teasing efforts and looked solid enough. Possibly unsighted for the first goal which meant he was unable to keep it out.

Elliott Walker: Advanced down the right flank with menace - much more so than in a lot of other recent games. Showed a good touch, control, and played a string of decent balls into dangerous areas.

Joe Wright: Scored, led things at the back, carried a threat at set-plays and enjoyed a solid afternoon. Played for an hour and was very, very comfortable.

Tom Anderson: Looked solid and his experience helped those around him. Played some fine balls out of defence - including one which nearly led to an opening goal.

Shane Blaney: Steady enough wearing the captain's armband. Advanced forward a few times to supplement different attacks. Got turned a bit too easily in one instance on the counter-attack when he perhaps needed to be closer to his marker to prevent the turn. That said, his improvement over the last few months, coupled with his footballing intelligence, is evident. If he can supplement this with becoming physically stronger, then he'll achieve plenty.

Branden Horton: Took a while to get into the game but carried a threat down the left channel, overlapped well, and was very lively in the second period. Took his goal superbly, in a brilliant bit of link-up play with Cody Prior, and is improving in every game.

Will McGowan: The undisputed playmaker who lives for a 'one-two'. His passing opened up the visitors on a few occasions and he was heavily involved in many passages of play. Had a decent game, though there's still areas to improve upon. Will only get better and better by playing alongside experienced team-mates in games such as this one.

AJ Greaves: Tenacious, combative and determined. Thought he might struggle after his early booking (and with the red card at Aston Villa in mind), but it was completely the opposite as he had  a very good, solid game. Setting high standards which he now needs to maintain, progressing well and setting the benchmark for others who want his starting place to aspire to.

Trialist: Same lad who featured against Grimsby last week. Played on the left of a front three. Looked lively, absolutely worked his socks off and took his goal well. Positional sense was good (on the whole). Very worthy of another look.

Max Watters: Got some shots away, troubled the Walsall defence, and had an okay enough showing. Maybe would have had a goal if he'd gambled on Elliott Walker's early ball through the box.

Niall Ennis: Enjoyed a couple of runs and posed problems for the visitors' defence - particularly with his movement. Drifted in and out of things a bit, but most importantly came through the 45 minutes unscathed.

Cody Prior: An impressive showing from the substitutes bench with some great work for the second goal. Did well last week (versus Grimsby) and seems to be thriving with confidence at present. Loan spell at Sheffield FC appears to be doing him good, too.

Rieves Boocock: A quiet afternoon by his usual standards. Got a shot away which went over, linked up with team-mates but didn't see a huge amount of the ball.

Myron Gibbons: Had one shot smothered and flashed another effort over the upright. Worked hard, but with little reward as most of the attacking play in the second half came down the left flank.

Team: Louis Jones, Elliott Walker, Joe Wright (Cody Prior), Tom Anderson, Shane Blaney (C), Branden Horton, Will McGowan, AJ Greaves, Trialist, Max Watters (Rieves Boocock), Niall Ennis (Myron Gibbons). Unused Sub: Ben Blythe.