Rovers ended their pre-season campaign with an emphatic victory over Manchester United U23s at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Goals from Jon Taylor (2), Trialist 2, Madger Gomes and James Coppinger secured a comprehensive 5-0 victory for the home side.
Taylor gave Rovers the lead just 6 minutes in. Taylor Richards won the ball in the centre of the park and slid a ball into the path of the advancing winger. He picked the ball up just inside the box and shot towards the near post. It wriggled under Jacob Carney in the United goal.
The visitors had a few attacks of their own but a solid defensive outfit from Rovers meant their only shot on target came in the opening two minutes of the match – a shot Louis Jones was able to deal with comfortably. At the other end, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Taylor both had opportunities which they put wide of the post.
Taylor – who was unplayable on the right wing – was hacked down for a free-kick on the 25th minute. His curled ball into the backpost was met by the head of Trialist Two to double Rovers lead. The Rovers no.11 made it 3-0 just on the half-hour mark when he picked up the ball in space about 12 yards out and unleashed a fierce effort across goal.
At the other end, United registered a few half-chances. Captain James Garner curled one wide from the edge of the box and Luca Ercolani attempted a backheeled attempt from a corner which Jones collected comfortably.
There were plenty of changes for Rovers at the break with the introduction of Madger Gomes having an early impact. The Spaniard chipped just over from close range with his first chance but made no mistakes with his second as he secured his second goal in two outings for Rovers.
Taylor cut the ball back to Gomes about 12-yards out. He took a touch to set himself and then fired beyond Carney.
United continued to flash chances wide of Jones’ goalposts without truly challenging the keeper. While Hannibal’s two efforts which were on target were met by blocks from the Rovers centre backs.
James Coppinger had the final say in the game – curling a delightful ball into the top corner to wrap up a 5-0 win for the home side.