Dan Dodds snatched a 1-0 win for Hartlepool with their first effort on target in the 88th minute after hosts Doncaster failed to take advantage of their dominance.
Keith Curle's side had picked up just eight points on their travels all season before the game and have the worst defensive record in League Two.
Still, they kept Rovers at bay and punished them on the counter attack with the clock ticking.
Doncaster stay fifteenth and five points off the play-offs but have now lost more games in League Two than they have won this term.
Scroll down for our player ratings.
1. Match action
Harrison Biggins heads the ball back into the six-yard box. Photo: HOWARD ROE
2. Jonathan Mitchell - 6
Left with little to do as Hartlepool managed zero efforts on target until their goal in the 89th minute, a good finish which found the back of the net with the help of the far post. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
3. James Brown - 6
Clearly capable of contributing in both defence and attack. An encouraging full debut. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
4. James Maxwell - 6
Another solid defensive display but not too effective going forward. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD