Doncaster ease drop fears with vital victory

Victory ended a run of five straight defeats and, thanks to results elsewhere, saw them leap from ninth to fifth in the Conference North standings.

Doncaster took the lead in the 11th minute when Matt Gibson’s penalty corner strike was blocked but Daniel West was first to react and lift the ball into the net.

Five minutes later they doubled their advantage when a flowing move down the right involving Gibson and Matt White left Jonny Powell free on the far post to calmly lift the ball over the advancing keeper.

Gibson’s shot was then illegally stopped on the line and Andy Appleton stepped up to convert the resulting penalty stroke.

Cannock rarely threatened a comeback and with two minutes remaining Josh Pettinger sealed a fine win by deflecting home James Wright’s pinpoint pass.

Doncaster travel to third placed Loughborough Students on Saturday. One more win should be enough to secure their National League place for next season.

n Doncaster’s ladies remain on the coattails of Northern Premier Division leaders Leeds following a 5-3 win at Neston.

Holly Brown scored twice for the visitors as they came from behind on three occasions to go on and claim victory. Jay Noddle, Ruth Thomas and Katie Barnes also found the net.