Story of the game as Doncaster Rovers make their point against Portsmouth

Three matches, three defeats – something needs to give for Doncaster Rovers and soon as they host early pacesetters Portsmouth, which you can follow as it happens.
Dan Gardner challenges Pompey's Clark Robertson. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTDDan Gardner challenges Pompey's Clark Robertson. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
Dan Gardner challenges Pompey's Clark Robertson. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD

Join us from the Keepmoat as Rovers look to kick start their season. Remember to REFRESH regularly for the latest updates.

*

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.

Doncaster Rovers 0 Portsmouth 0

ROVERS: Dahlberg; Knoyle, R Williams, Anderson (Horton 12), John; Bostock, Galbraith; Seaman, Close, Rowe; Cukur (Gardner 86). Subs: Jones, Blythe, E Williams, Smith, Barlow.

PORTSMOUTH: Bazuna; Freeman, Raggett, Robertson, Ogilvie; Tunnicliffe, Morrell (Williams 59); Hackett-Fairchild (Jacobs 62), Ahadme, Curtis; Marquis (Hirst 74). Subs: Bass, Brown, Harrison, Downing.

REF: Carl Boyeson

ATT: 6,660 (1,292 away)

More progression and a significant step taken

Another game, more evidence of progression and the significant step of getting the first point on the board.

That was Rovers’ best all-round performance of the season to date as they added a greater deal of threat to the strong work in midfield.

They also coped well without their skipper for the majority of the contest.

Pontus Dahlberg may have made a significant contribution to the point with a penalty stop and two excellent saves, but the afternoon did not rest entirely on the keeper’s shoulders.

Rovers looked more dangerous as they played up the pitch, though the lack of a fit and sharp striker still holds them back somewhat.

The midfield performance was excellent - and it is a major positive that while attention is put on getting Rovers firing in the final third, the cohesion and quality in the middle of the pitch just gets better with each passing week.

And it finishes goalless at the Keepmoat

SEVEN minutes

Kyle Knoyle, Doncaster Rovers

Dan Gardner replaces Tiago Cukur

78. AND IT’S SAVED!!

Pontus Dahlberg got down superbly to keep out the penalty from Shaun Williams before gathering it at the second attempt!

77. Penalty to Portsmouth

It’s a penalty to Portsmouth after Ro-Shaun Williams bundled over Gassan Ahadme in the box.

No real doubt.

Charlie Seaman did superbly on the edge of the box to work himself into space before unleashing a rasping drive. Pompey keeper Gavin Bazunu looked to grasp the ball but spilled it, only to recover at the second attempt.

John Marquis, Portsmouth

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.