Doncaster Rovers came from behind to secure a well-deserved 4-1 victory away at Rochdale, securing their place in the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy in the process.
Grant McCann made nine changes from the team that was thrashed away at MK Dons on Saturday. Josh Clarke was selected in goal, Jay McGrath and Tom Nixon returned to the defence while there was also opportunities for the likes of Harry Clifton, Darren Robinson, Bayley McCann and Brandon Hanlan among others. Jack Senior and Sean Grehan were the only players to keep their place in the starting lineup.
Doncaster Rovers got off to a challenging start and were forced into an early change after just three minutes when new arrival Will Keane was forced off with an injury. Hanlan could and probably should have put Rovers in the driving seat moments later, but was denied by a strong save by Sam Waller. Matters got worse after 15 minutes when the hosts took an early lead, latching on to a mistake from Sean Grehan, which allowed Ian Henderson to easily tap home from close-range on his record-breaking 532nd appearance for the Dale.
McCann’s men made more changes at the break, introducing both Owen Bailey and Jordan Thomas in an effort to rejuvenate their hopes of progressing to the next stage of the competition and it very much worked the trick. Rovers levelled proceedings in the 54th minute through Alfie May’s close distance strike after great work from Clifton in the build-up. The Vikings then the took the lead nine minutes later when Hanlan netted his first of the season from close range after some brilliant work by both McGrath and Thomas.
Bailey, who was brought on to play centre-back in the second half, put the game to bed with a close-range finish in the 88th minute, capping off a true captain’s performance from the 27-year-old. Subsitute Isaac Hutchinson then topped off a great day for the visitors with a goal from close distance.
Here are our player ratings from Doncaster Rovers’ final EFL Trophy group stage game.
9. Bayley McCann - 5
Showed a willingess to run at his defender but wasn't really able to create anything of note. Hooked at half-time. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]
10. Brandon Hanlan - 7
Worked tirelessly throughout the contest and notably scored a much-needed first goal of the season from close distance. | Howard Roe
11. Will Keane - N/A
The experienced striker was forced off with an injury just three minutes into the contest. Grant McCann will hope it isn't anything too serious. | Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
12. SUB: Alfie May - 7
Introduced as an early substitute in the third minute of the game. Created an excellent chance for Hanlan early in the contest and scored the equalising goal for Rovers. | Howard Roe