Saturday Night Takeaway: Doncaster Rovers find a new level to overcome Gillingham

For weeks Rovers have seen their attempts to play out from the back and build up the pitch blocked by various means deployed by a wide variety of rivals.

And for much of that run they have toiled in the quest to create chances and score goals.

But with the 2-1 win over Gillingham, they produced their best response so far to an organised and drilled opposition with some wonderful passing play powered by superb movement off the ball.

So where the criticism recently has focused on an inability to stamp their authority on matches to the extent they would wish to, here it was that they did not secure a much deserved wider margin on the scoreline.

They burst out of the blocks from the start and played with the dynamism and energy required to find the gaps in the blue brick wall set up by Steve Evans’ side.

But as well as finding the gaps, Rovers also pulled them open themselves with their work off the ball. Dummy runs drew opposition defenders out of position, leaving space for Rovers to exploit.

Everyone in the side was involved, both in covering space departed by team mates and in making unexpected runs to make the visitors think.

The opening half hour was comfortably the most impressive Rovers have been in the last couple of months in the way they dominated play - as well as riling up Evans in the stands over his team’s own performance.

And they capped it with a goal as Reece James ran onto a Tyreece John-Jules lay-off and finished superbly with the outside of his boot.

A Gillingham response was always likely after the break, with Evans making two substitutions as well as altering his system.

And a major change in the balance of the game looked likely when Kyle Dempsey fired in from 25 yards with Rovers caught a little flatfooted.

But Darren Moore’s side responded superbly and were back in front two minutes later.

Ben Whiteman’s first time effort drew a reaction save from Gillingham keeper Jack Bonham but Brad Halliday charged in to fire in the loose ball to net his first goal for the club.

A nervier than necessary finish to the game was set up as Rovers missed opportunities to put Gillingham out of sight.

Halliday almost added a stunning solo effort following a superb run while substitute Fejiri Okenabirhie somehow hit the inside of the near post only for the ball to spin away.

It kicked off a run of four home games from the next five matches in the best possible fashion and should provide plenty of confidence of a top six placing for Christmas.

But the most heart will be taken from the level of performance they produced in circumstances they have struggled in for much of the season.

That performance will have raised plenty of concerns for upcoming opponents who are banking on shutting down Rovers.

The questions have changed.

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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. Nancy Fielder, editor.