Swindon Town roll into town on Easter Monday for the first time in almost five years looking to pick up three points and put pressure on Rovers who continue to lead the pack in League One.
The Robins will have the unenviable task of getting a result at the Keepmoat, something which has been somewhat of a struggle over the years as they are yet to pick up three points whilst visiting our home.
Swindon last visited Doncaster in April 2008 and it would be a memorable night for Sean O Driscoll’s side who cemented a place in the playoffs with victory and kept alive their hopes for automatic promotion. There were five changes to the Rovers side that had drawn 2-2 at Huddersfield Town in their last game and it unfortunately showed, as the previous classy passing game eluded them but it was replaced by a hardworking performance that was too much for the visitors.
Lewis Guy warmed the palms of visiting keeper Petr Brezovan and signaled Rovers’ intent but it wasn’t until six minutes before the break that the home side broke the deadlock. Gareth Taylor played Sean McDaid in behind the Swindon defence and he duly dispatched the ball past Brezovan to score his first goal for the club.
Just before half time there was a moment of brilliance from Brian Stock who was within inches of scoring the goal of the season as he saw the Robins ‘keeper off his line and hammered the ball goalwards from almost the half way line but it fell agonisingly wide of the post.
The visitors had looked rather toothless up front to this point but they were gifted a wonderful chance with just over 30 minutes to go when Steve Foster sliced his clearance to Billy Paynter. He fired at goal but found Neil Sullivan in determined mood who made a wonderful save to deny the striker.
Ten minutes later the miss would be rued as Rovers were to given the opportunity to double their lead when Hasney Aljofree hauled down Mark McCammon, without hesitation a penalty was awarded and the Robins defender was sent for an early bath. Up stepped Brian Stock and he coolly finished from 12 yards to end the game as a contest and leaving Rovers just three points behind Carlisle United who occupied second spot in the table with just three games remaining.
Bet Butler
Rovers have a swift opportunity to make amends for their surprise Good Friday reverse at Coventry as they welcome promotion rivals Swindon Town to the Keepmoat. Rovers maybe deserve a change of luck after several near-misses at the Ricoh Arena at the start of the Easter Bank Holiday and are 17/10 to pick up the three points Click HERE for all markets.
Weather
Dry with cold temperatures and the possibility of some sunny intervals.