RECAP: Rochdale 1 Doncaster Rovers 2: Richards at the double as professional Rovers relegate Dale

A Taylor Richards double saw Doncaster Rovers through to a 2-1 win at Rochdale which consigned the hosts to League Two.
Rochdale v Doncaster RoversRochdale v Doncaster Rovers
Rochdale v Doncaster Rovers

Recap the events of the game via our blog service below.

*

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.

LIVE: Rochdale 1 Doncaster Rovers 2

GOAL: Richards (30, 55)

ROCHDALE: Lynch; McLaughlin (Humphrys 63), Morley (Newby 78), O’Connell, Osho, Keohane; Lund (Dooley 63), Rathbone, Grant (Baah 63); Done, Beesley. Subs: Bazunu, McNulty, Shaughnessy.

ROVERS: Jones; Wright, Anderson, Butler, Horton; Lokilo (Sims 66), Smith (Greaves 88), James, Richards (Coppinger 66); Okenabirhie (Bostock 81), John-Jules (Bogle 66). Subs: Bottomley, Amos.

REF: Sebastian Stockbridge (Tyne)

5pm Another decent performance

That was a very good, professional performance from Rovers. They could have easily wilted in the face of the pressure from Rochdale in the first half - and probably would have in previous weeks.

But there was a decent energy about them today and some real incisiveness on the break.

As they did in the second half against Peterborough in midweek, they looked a genuine threat every time they went forward - and it’s been a while since we’ve said that.

They are doing a job of ensuring the season ends with a more positive mood than it might have.

A win for Rovers!

Unfortunately one that sends Rochdale into League Two

SIX minutes

No idea where that has come from but it’s popular here

AJ Greaves replaces Matt Smith

Matty Done pulls a goal back for the hosts.

A lifeline for Rochdale.

Louis Jones kept out a snapshot from Stephen Humphrys but couldn’t keep hold of it and Done followed up from close range.

As things stand, a point would keep Rochdale’s survival hopes alive

John Bostock replaces Fejiri Okenabirhie

Another really good break from Rovers, who work the ball quickly through the Rochdale half. James Coppinger played forward to Josh Sims who controlled, turned a shot, drawing a good save from Jay Lynch.

Aaron Morley forces a fine save from Louis Jones with a first time effort from 20 yards. I dont think Jones knew an awful lot about that as it came through but he pushed it away well.

Omar Bogle, James Coppinger and Josh Sims on for Tyreece John-Jules, Jason Lokilo and Taylor Richards

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.