Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers - 0
Sheffield United – 1 (Murphy, 64)
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster

Saturday 15th November 2014

Sky Bet League One


A wonder strike from Jamie Murphy saw United take all three points at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Sheffield United started the game the stronger of the two sides and enjoyed early possession but quality was lacking in the final third to test Sam Johnstone.

Rovers first chance came five minutes in as good inter-play between Wakefield and Main set up Forrester in the area, but before the midfielder could release his shot he was pulled back for offside.

It was Forrester again who looked to test Howard as Coppinger picked up the ball in the six yard box. His lay off to Forrester was good but the resulting shot went well wide of the target.

 Wellens looked threatening on the ball and a great run from midfield saw him with a chance but his shot was blocked by the United defence.

The visitors first chance came from Baxter as he struck a fierce free kick from 25 yards but Johnstone punched the effort away.

There was then a strong appeal for the penalty from United as Stevens brought down Campbell-Ryce, but the referee awarded a free kick instead.

The teams went in level at half time with neither side having really threatened the opposition goalkeepers.

Half time score: Rovers 0-0 Sheffield United

It was the visitors again who started stronger but after a quiet opening 15 minutes of the second half Rovers were awarded a penalty.  Main’s lay off put Tyson through who then squared the ball to Coppinger. The Rovers captain was through on goal but was brought down by McCarthy before getting his shot away, the referee pointed straight to the spot.

McCarthy saw himself receive a red card for the resulting challenge as his afternoon came to an end.

Forrester stepped up and saw his penalty saved by Howard as the United keeper guessed the right way to deny Rovers the opening goal.

Just two minutes later the visitors took the lead as Jamie Murphy cut inside and curled a wonder strike into the top corner, leaving Johnstone with no chance.

Rovers searched for an equaliser and Curtis Main came close as he struck a shot from 25 yards, which was well saved by Howard. A run of corners followed for the home side, none of which came to anything.

Murphy came close to doubling his tally as Johnstone saw a shot go just wide of his right post.

In the search for an equaliser Kyle Bennett was introduced and looked lively. He almost made an instant impact as he saw a long range shot cannon back off the post but it was beginning to look like it wouldn’t be Rovers’ day.

There was a big moment for Youth Team player Jack McKay when he replaced Curtis Main to make his debut for the club, but Rovers chances were limited and after three minutes added time the referee blew for full time.

It ended Rovers 0-1 Sheffield United.

 

Team details -
Rovers: Johnstone, Wabara, Stevens, McCombe, Wakefield, Keegan (Bennett 79), Forrester, Coppinger, Wellens, Tyson (Robinson 71), Main (J.McKay 86).

Subs not used – .Marosi, P.McKay, Whitehouse, De Val


Cautions –  Stevens, Keegan, Forrester, Main

 

Sheffield United: Howard, Alcock, Harris, Wallace (Doyle 20), Basham, Murphy, Scougall, Baxter (McGahey 84), McEveley, Campbell-Ryce (Flynn 64), McCarthy

Subs not used – Reed, De Girolamo, Turner, Adams


Cautions – Basham, Campbell-Ryce, McCarthy (RED)


Attendance – 11,037

Away-  (4,269)