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.
9. Leon Ayinde - 8
Showed a willingness to take on his defender and was a threat in the game due to his tremendous pace. | Howard Roe AHPIX LTD 07973739229 [email protected]
10. Hakeeb Adelakun - 7
Came into the starting lineup for the first time since August and produced his best showing of the season so far. Pressed hard in the first-half and was a threat with his runs in behind.
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11. Will Keane - 8
Making his first start since March, Keane was up against one his former clubs. The experienced striker held the ball up, linked the play well and provided a good focal point for his team. | Howard Roe
12. SUB: Alfie May - 6
Came on as a second half substitute. Tried to scored with an audacious chip when he could have perhaps slipped O'Reilly through. | Gareth Williams/AHPIX LTD