Doncaster boost bid for automatic promotion with narrow win at Accrington

Doncaster boosted their bid for automatic promotion with a 2-1 League Two win over relegation-threatened Accrington.

It was a second-successive win for Rovers – who moved up to second – while Stanley are battling in 21st and have now gone six league games without a win.

Doncaster had the dream start after two minutes when Jordan Gibson weaved his way into the area from the left wing and crossed for Harry Clifton to fire home the opener.

Rovers had the better first-half chances and Jamie Sterry rattled the crossbar from 35 yards.

Stanley came out more on the front foot after the break and got their equaliser after 57 minutes.

A Ben Woods corner was volleyed home by Stanley captain Seamus Conneely – his first goal since November 2023.

However four minutes later, the visitors were back in front when Clifton’s ball into the six-yard box was turned into his own net by defender Benn Ward.

For the second game running, Doncaster were reduced to 10-men when – after 89 minutes – substitute Patrick Kelly was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Ben Woods but they held on through seven minutes of added time.