Doncaster overcome nerves to claim play-off spot

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2019 by PA

Doncaster booked their place in the Sky Bet League One play-offs with a hard fought 2-0 win over Coventry.

Goals from Kieran Sadlier and John Marquis saw Doncaster ride out the nerves to claim the win to clinch sixth place ahead of Peterborough United by a point.

The nerves appeared to have overcome Rovers in the early stages as they struggled to find any rhythm while Coventry showed no signs of easing off, with Brandon Mason going close early on.

With news filtering through that Peterborough had edged ahead at home to Burton, Doncaster knew they needed a goal.

Their lifeline eventually arrived on the half hour when Sadlier rose to head in a superb cross from Mallik Wilks for his third goal for the club following a January 1 move from Cork City.

The goal settled Doncaster, who grew in confidence, with Wilks drawing a save from Lee Burge with a curling effort while John Marquis drilled a first time strike narrowly wide.

Although Coventry refused to lie down, Doncaster had the better of the play in the second half, and they sealed the vital win five minutes from time when Marquis bundled home from close range for his 25th goal of the season.