Captain Owen Bailey scored an excellent first half double to fire Doncaster Rovers to a 2-0 derby day victory over Sheffield Wednesday in DN4.
Grant McCann made wholesale changes from the team that were comfortably beaten by Stockport County on Tuesday night. Jack Senior and Jamie Sterry returned to the side as Rovers reverted back to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, Will Keane made his first competitive start since March, while there were also opportunities for Isaac Hutchinson in midfield and Hakeeb Adelakun out wide, the latter making his first start since August after a period out of the starting lineup.
Doncaster Rovers started the first half in excellent fashion, playing with a real sense of exuberance and intensity that’s been lacking in recent losses to Stockport and Peterborough United. The hosts took a deserved lead when captain Bailey slotted the ball in from close distance after a corner. Rovers were then in dream land 10 minutes later when the skipper got his second of the game with an excellent finish from close range.
Sheffield Wednesday grew into the contest in the second half with Barry Bannan and Ali Al Hamadi both forcing Tommy Simkin into excellent saves from close distance. However, Rovers also posed a threat on the counter with Bailey going close to getting a hat-trick and Alfie May also missing the opportunity to claim is 100th career goal at League One level.
Here are our player ratings from the South Yorkshire derby between Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday at the Club Doncaster Sports Village.
5. Jack Senior - 8
The left-back's return brought greater balance to a Rovers team that had struggled to produce their best in a three man defensive system. Worked hard at both ends of the pitch. A very strong performance. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]
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6. Owen Bailey - 9
Making his 149th consecutive league start, the captain was in outstanding form scoring both goals in the first-half to help the team to a vital win. Even did a job at right-back for the last 20 minutes or so. | Howard Roe
7. Robbie Gotts - 8
Read the game very well and showed tireless workrate throughout the contest. A productive afternoon for a man McCann describes as one of the best number sixes in the division. | Craig Hawkhead/AHPIX LTD
8. Isaac Hutchinson - 8
Came back into the lineup and made the most of his opportunity with a tidy midfield display. Claimed an assist for Owen Bailey's second goal. | Howard Roe