Paul Dickov’s men get off to a winning start in pre-season.
Theo Robinson got Rovers off to a solid start in pre-season as Rovers ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Bradford Park Avenue of the Conference North.
Robinson’s 61st minute opener was just reward for Paul Dickov’s men who were made to wait by the resilient hosts.
Defender Grant Black put through his own net just twelve minutes later to relieve the visitors of their frustrations and cap an evening that was about putting miles in the legs rather than the result.
The first half was a fairly even contest in which the hosts had the better of the early exchanges. Chib Chalaka proved to be a regular thorn in the side of the pairing of Luke McCullough and Peter Clarke and the striker’s efforts – in particular a shot across the face of goal from the angle of the box – were noticeable.
Long range efforts from Matty James and Richard Marshall were smartly saved by Jon Maxted, in the Rovers goal.
Rovers did have chances, mainly from set pieces with Kyle Bennett and Paul Keegan going wide and high of Tom Morgan’s goal, respectively.
The chance of the half undoubtedly fell to the host’s Sam Hewitt though. An inswinging corner from James saw Maxted and the Rovers defence caught underneath the ball before it dropped to Hewitt who prodded wide of the target.
The second half undoubtedly belonged to Rovers who notched their double with James Coppinger involved in the build up to both goals. His deft flick through for Robinson saw the Jamaican collect the ball on the half volley before connecting cleanly to rifle past Brad Dixon.
Coppinger laid on Dean Furman to race through and power a drive across the face of goal only for the unfortunate Black to put through his own net.
Some of the Rovers trialists may take time to find their feet in the Rovers shirt; however the promising Jon Otsemobor will have been disappointed to see his night end early as he went off injured.
It was tough on the gallant hosts, whose spark in the first half was laudable, but unfortunately absent in the second.
Bradford Park Avenue – First half – Morgan (GK), Howarth, Drury, Price, Qualter, Hewitt, Colbeck, James, Chalaka, Marshall, Frost.
Bradford Park Avenue – Second half – Dixon, Black, Miller, Kerr, Baker, Mallory, Jackson, Turner, Barraclough, Maw, Boshell.
Doncaster Rovers – First half – Maxted, Lund, McCullough, Clarke, Husband, Keegan, Wellens, Bailey, Bennett, Ferguson, Peterson.
Doncaster Rovers – Second half – Maxted, Otsemobor (Whitehouse, 82), Askins, Wakefield, Brown, Middleton, De Val, Coppinger, Furman, Kebbie, Robinson.