Recap as dreadful Doncaster Rovers deservedly beaten by in-form Walsall

Doncaster Rovers make their long-awaited return to League Two action this evening when they welcome Michael Flynn’s in-form Walsall to the Eco-Power Stadium.
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Doncaster have not played competitively for 13 days with their most recent taste of action a 3-0 defeat to lowly Colchester United.

The Saddlers have been League Two’s best team over the last eight matches, winning five and drawing two.

Just one place and one point separates the two sides in the table ahead of kick-off.

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Doncaster Rovers v Walsall LIVE

Key Events

  • Doncaster could move back into the League Two play-off places with a win
  • Rovers have not played for 13 days following a blank weekend last week
  • Fixture moved to Friday night to avoid potential clash with England, which was avoided

Max Woltman gets hold of the ball after Walsall try a low delivery and opts to clear with no-one in front of him to receive the ball.

Very little invention from Doncaster with 65 gone.

Goalscorer Tom Knowles comes off for Douglas James-Taylor. Looks like an injury.

Woltman pings one into the path of Biggins, albeit quite at pace, and he sidefoots the ball wide.

Ro-Shaun Williams is beaten by Isaac Hutchinson on the left-hand side, whose low cross is poked home inside the six-yard box by Tom Knowles.

First opportunity for Walsall this half.

Rovers kicking towards The Black Bank now. They tend to do their best work in the second half so hopefully tonight sees more of the same.

George Miller lays the ball off for Max Woltman, whose shot at goal from the edge of the box is blocked for a corner.

The resultant kick is cleared as far as Ben Close, who tries a half-volley from 20 yard that looks to be heading in before it’s headed clear.

Ref brings the first 45 to a close after that. Doncaster need to find a way to break the lines if they are to make a breakthrough in this. Walsall have been too comfortable in the opening period and some sloppyness in defence has gifted them a couple of opportunities.

One minute added on

Thank God.

Another Walsall chance goes begging

Ro-Shaun Williams gives the ball away just outside his own box and Walsall work it into the six-yard area, but an attacker can’t connect with the low cross.

Rovers then counter but choose to go backwards when they have a man over. Wasted opportunity.

Adam Clayton is trying to gee up his teammates after a pass drifts harmlessly wide. A little flat on the pitch and in the stands at present.

Another great ball from Adam Clayton finds Kyle Knoyle at the back post. He connects on the slide but the flag is raised. Unlucky.

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