Rovers relegation is confirmed as a draw is enough to secure Burton Albion promotion to the Championship
Rovers - 0Burton - 0
Sunday 8th May, 2016
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster
Sky Bet League One
The respective fates of both clubs were all but sealed with Rovers 3-1 defeat at the hands of Crewe Alexandra all but relegating Rovers to League 2 barring an exceptional final day goal swing.
Burton, under the stewardship of Nigel Clough however, were set to be promoted to the second tier for the first time in their history if they equal third placed Walsall’s result.
The sides met in a pulsating encounter in the reverse just prior to Christmas where the lead changed hands three times before a 3-3 draw was a fair result to a game that could easily have seen twice the amount of goals scored.
This afternoon’s match however was not to be a repeat of the Christmas fixture.
It was a very slow start to the game from both sides, neither goalkeeper having much to do. Richard Chaplow caused a few problems down the right flank as did Taylor-Sinclair down the left with some powerful runs.
With very little to talk about in the first half, Remi Matthews made a comfortable save from Stuart Beavon’s weak effort in the area before the Brewers were appealing for a penalty for handball in the area. However the referee saw nothing and waved play on.
HALF TIME: Rovers 0-0 Burton
Darren Ferguson introduced Nathan Tyson and Riccardo Calder in the second half as Rovers looked to finish their season on a high.
However it was Burton who went closest, as a corner was delivered it fell to Cansdell-Sherriff whose volley from edge of the area went narrowly over the crossbar.
Under 18 player Will Longbottom was handed his debut by Darren Ferguson and shortly after Rovers had a huge penalty appeal turned down by the referee. A fantastic run by Tommy Rowe split the Burton defence before he played in Andy Williams. Looking to cut inside and shoot, there looked to have been a certain push on the striker but nothing was given.
The Brewers had the chance to seal their promotion as Butcher was released one on one. With all the time in the world to slot home, Remi Matthews was quick off his line and made a fantastic save to keep it at 0-0.
With injuries falling to Taylor-Sinclair and Calder Rovers had to finish the game with 9 men and despite their best efforts, there were no clear chances and the game ended goal less with Burton earning promotion to the Championship.
FULL TIME: Rovers 0-0 Burton
Team Lineups-
Rovers: Matthews, Alcock, Butler (c), Taylor-Sinclair, Lund, McCullough, Rowe, Middleton (Calder 54’), Chaplow, Williams, Mandeville (Tyson 54’)
Unused Subs: Marosi, Longbottom, Pugh, Whitehouse, Davies
Burton: McLaughlin, Edwards, Consdell-Sherriff, Mousinho, Beavon (Butcher 45’), Akins, McCrory, Naylor (Wier 79’), Duffy, Palmer, Choudhury
Unused Subs: Reilly, Harness, Walker, O’Connor, Bywater
Cautions: Choudhury 77'
Attendance: 9,883 (3188)