Armthorpe Welfare 2 Doncaster Rovers 3
A LATE James Hayter penalty clinched a narrow Rovers victory against a plucky Welfare outfit last night.
Armthorpe, of the Northern Counties East League, came from two goals down to almost snatch a draw against their more illustrious visitors.
But Hayter struck home a generously awarded spotkick ten minutes from time to get Rovers' pre-season off to a winning start.
Sean O'Driscoll fielded two completely different sides in the first and second halves at Church Street as Doncaster eased back into match action after returning to training on Monday.
And while there were only occasional glimpses of the fluid passing game they have become renowned for, supporters would be unwise to read too much into what essentially was a fitness exercise for the Championship club.
Welfare, who reported back for training almost three weeks ago, looked sharper in the early stages and full back Chris Brown twice tested young Gary Woods' handling with decent long range efforts.
As the half wore on Rovers grew in stature with James Coppinger a constant threat in wide positions.
Paul Heffernan hooked in from close range on 34 minutes to finally break the deadlock and, when Lewis Guy tapped home midway through the second half, only one result seemed likely.
Welfare, however, fought back and got a deserved goal when Bruno Holden latched on to a long ball and beat the oncoming Ben Smith to prod home from just outside the box.
Just two minutes later Armthorpe were level as Liam Hardy played in Stuart Preston to slot home from close range.
But Rovers' next attack saw the hosts harshly penalised for a challenge on Hayter and the forward duly obliged from the spot to seal a hard-earned win.
Rovers first half: G Woods, O'Connor, Lockwood, Fisher, Roberts, Spicer, Wilson, Clark, Fairhurst, Coppinger, Heffernan.
Rovers second half: Smith, Chambers, Hird, van Nieuwstadt, Towler, Stock, Guy, Shiels, Fairhurst, Hayter, Trialist.
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Weather for Doncaster
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
