Doncaster Rovers suffered a deserved 3-1 defeat against League One promotion hopefuls Luton Town in a disappointing evening at Kenilworth Road.
Grant McCann went with the same team that secured a 2-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend. However, there were a few changes on the subs bench with Alfie May and Tommi O’Reilly notably dropping out of the matchday squad. They were replaced by Harry Clifton and Jordan Thomas, while there was also a place for returning substitute goalkeeper Josh Clarke instead of youngster Jacob Bryant.
The match also marked a 150th consecutive league start for Owen Bailey, who has been a key figure in McCann’s side since his arrival from Gateshead.
Luton Town were on top for most of the first half, calling Tommy Simkin into a series of saves while also firing a wide through Jake Richards from close range. Rovers had their moments with Neill Byrne heading over from close range and Isaac Hutchinson and Will Keane both forcing James Shea into comfortable saves. Eventually the pressure told for the hosts and they took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Callum Marshall’s penalty after a shirt pull from Jamie Sterry on Kasey Palmer.
It left McCann’s side with the task of having to fight their way back from behind to get a result - something they’ve not managed since a 2-2 draw against Stevenage back in August. Rovers brought on Brandon Hanlan for Hakeeb Adelakun in an effort to try and change the flow of the game, but it was the Hatters that continued to control proceedings, doubling their lead through an excellent strike from Jamie Donley after 51 minutes.
The Hatters threatened to make it a thrashing after furthering their advantage through Donley, but Rovers did manage a consolation when Bayley McCann headed home his first Football League goal in the 84th minute.
Here are our player ratings from Doncaster’s trip to face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
1. Tommy Simkin - 6
Can't really be blamed for any of the goals. Showed alertness to get off his line and prevent a Nakhi Wells goal in the first-half. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD [email protected] 07973739229
2. Jamie Sterry - 5
Had a really tough evening against Kasey Palmer throughout the contest. Was booked for a foul on the winger and also conceded a penalty which allowed the hosts to take the lead. | Howard Roe
3. Sean Grehan - 5
Found it tough against the likes of Donley and Marshall in the Hatters attack. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]
4. Neill Byrne - 5
Missed a decent opportunity to open the scoring in the first-half. Again part of a defence which struggled to get to grips with Luton's attack. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]