Doncaster Rovers vs Newport County
Odds-on favourites Doncaster Rovers saw off Newport County at the Keepmoat Stadium with a 2-0 win. One goal either side of half time was enough to keep high flying Doncaster close to the summit of the League 2 table while dropping Newport into 22nd place, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
First Half
Newport’s manager Warren Feeney made two changes, with the experienced Darren Jones returning in defence in place of Paul Bignot. Midfielder Ben Tozer got the nod in midfield instead of Jack Compton. Both sides had chances early on, however on 17 minutes Doncaster won a soft freekick just outside the penalty area. James Coppinger stepped up and fired a freekick into the bottom corner and past a fully stretched Joe Day. Soon after Newport were forced to make an early substitution. Midfielder Joss Labadie was struggling after a knock and was replaced by Jack Compton.
Newport’s Jon Parkin then had two chances in quick succession, firing over from a Sean Rigg cross before almost taking advantage of Doncaster goalkeeper Marko Marosi failing to beat Mark Randell to the ball. Randell managed to find Parkin, who misjudged his shot with only defender Joe Wright to beat. Doncaster looked capable of hitting Newport for three or four, but the South Wales side were also creating chances. Newport were certainly not out of the tie at half time.
Second Half
The second half started at a much slower tempo than the first, but both sides still had chances early on. It was a defensive mistake by Newport which gifted Doncaster their second goal on the hour mark. Darren Jones had failed to clear a ball from within his penalty box. The clearance was charged down by Jordan Houghton, who teed up Andy Williams to fire a left footed shot past Joe Day in the Newport goal.
Despite the score, Newport certainly had chances to get back in the game. Especially after bringing on Marlon Jackson and Cardiff City loanee Rhys Healey. This gave the Exiles pace upfront, something that was lacking from target man Jon Parkin. But Newport failed to find a way back into the game and will travel home with nothing to show from a hard days work. Their defensive mistakes had given them too much work to do.
Post Match
After the final whistle, Warren Feeney was left frustrated by his sides mistakes in defence. Indicating that they must cut out the simple errors which are costing them dear if they are to start climbing up the league table.
Teams
Doncaster: Marosi. Blair. Wright. Butler. Evina. Middleton (Calder 61). Houghton. Coppinger (Mandeville 77). Rowe. Marquis (Longbottom (90+4). Williams
Subs: Etheridge. Garrett. Baudry. Mandeville. Longbottom. Beestin
Newport: Day, Turley, Jones, Bennett, Butler, Grego-Cox, Tozer, Labadie (Compton 24), Randell, Rigg (Healey 65), Parkin (Jackson)
Subs: Compton, Jackson, Bignot, Green, Cameron, Healey, Bittner
main photo via @drfc_official
