Doncaster leave it late to beat Swindon

Posted Sunday, October 20, 2024 by PA

Joe Ironside’s stoppage-time penalty saw Doncaster beat Swindon 2-1 and keep up their title charge in League Two.

The striker scored his first league goal of the season when he hammered in from the spot in the fourth minute of added time after Miguel Freckleton handled.

A third win in four games kept Rovers a point behind leaders Port Vale at the top of the table.

Doncaster looked certain to score in the first half when Swindon goalkeeper Dan Barden dropped a catch from a corner but Joel McGregor somehow managed to block Joseph Olowu’s shot on the line.

After the break Jordan Gibson’s low effort from outside the box had Barden sprawling to tip behind.

He then got a hand to nudge away Billy Sharp’s stinging drive after the veteran striker had latched on to a long ball.

But he could not keep out Olowu’s far-post header from the resulting corner in the 58th minute.

Swindon striker Harry Smith slid in to convert a long cross from fellow substitute Rosaire Longelo in the 75th minute to give the Robins hope of a point.

Barden then did well to come out to deny Kyle Hurst twice from close range, but he could do nothing about Ironside’s fierce spot-kick.