Rovers sink to fourth straight loss

Published: 06 Feb 2010 - 19:49:56

Rss feed

Reading secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season with a 2-1 Coca-Cola Championship win at Doncaster.Goals in either half from Shane Long and the recalled Brian Howard gave the Royals a deserved win, although they remain in the relegation zone one point from safety.Doncaster rallied late on when Billy Sharp pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after Royals defender Matt Mills was dismissed for handball, but Sean O'Driscoll's side were unable to avert their fourth defeat in as many matches.Brian McDermott's side took the lead seven minutes before half-time when Howard whipped in a delightful cross from the right flank and Shane Long rose above the Doncaster defence to head past Sullivan.As Rovers committed men forward in the second half the visitors doubled their lead. Church and Long combined to hustle Rovers out of possession deep inside their own half and the latter unselfishly slotted the ball to Howard, who capped a fine display with a deserved goal.Doncaster came back into the game in dramatic fashion in the 79th minute when Mills was sent off for handling Coppinger's shot on the goalline and Sharp drilled home the resultant penalty. The home side came agonisingly close to an equaliser when substitute James Hayter thundered an excellent strike against the crossbar in the final minute.