Doncaster Rovers 2 - 0 Northampton Town

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Wednesday Dec 26 2007 03:00

Northampton Town made it six successive away games without a win as Doncaster Rovers wrapped up the points with two goals in a one-sided first-half.

Rovers dominated possession throughout as they played the game at a high tempo and quickly closed their opponents down when they had the ball.

Big striker Mark McCammon, recalled to the starting line-up after a lengthy absence, put Rovers on the path to victory with a well-taken goal in the 11th minute.

The Doncaster build-up was excellent and Northampton were caught out at the back when James Coppinger crossed from the right and McCammon was left unmarked at the far post to take one touch, before slamming the ball into the back of the net on the half-volley.

Rovers continued to call the shots and visiting keeper Mark Bunn had to save at full stretch from Paul Green four minutes later, after Jason Price and McCammon had set up the chance.

Town's big striker Poul Hubertz was well contained throughout by centre-backs Steve Roberts and Adam Lockwood and the threats from the visitors were few and far between.

They only managed one shot on target in the first half and Andy Kirk's 20-yarder was saved by Neil Sullivan at the foot of the post.

There was little respite for the Cobblers and Rovers made it 2-0 in the 29th minute when Lockwood headed home in fine style at the near post from Brian Stock's cleverly flighted corner kick.

Town looked more determined in the second half, but there was no end product to their hard work and on-loan striker Dean Bowditch headed into the sidenetting from Joe Burnell's left-wing cross.

Rovers were desperately unlucky not to add a third in the 49th minute when Steve Roberts twice headed against the crossbar in quick succession in a goalmouth scramble following a corner.

Town never looked like fighting back although Jason Crowe missed a good chance when he fired straight at keeper Sullivan from close range seven minutes from time.

  • 90
    The ref has blown his whistle for full time.
  • 84
    Brian Stock is being taken off, Mark Wilson has come on in his place.
  • 83
    Joe Burnell is being taken off, Alex Dyer has come on in his place.
  • 77
    Jason Price is being taken off, James Hayter has come on in his place.
  • 76
    Joe Burnell goes into the referees book for persistent infringement.
  • 63
    Northampton are replacing Dean Bowditch with Colin Larkin.
  • 55
    Sean McDaid is replaced by Gareth Roberts.
  • 46
    The second half is under way with the score currently at 2 v 0.
  • 45
    The ref has blown his whistle for half time.
  • 29
    Goal!! Doncaster have scored with Adam Lockwood putting it in the back of the net.
  • 11
    Goal!! Mark McCammon scores for Doncaster.
  • 11
    Goal!! Doncaster have scored with James Coppinger putting it in the back of the net.
  • 0
    The ref has blown his whistle and the match has started.

Statistics

Doncaster Rovers
Shots on target 3
Shots off target 5
Shots off bar/post 0
Fouls 7
Offsides 1
Corners 8

Northampton Town
Shots on target 2
Shots off target 3
Shots off bar/post 0
Fouls 14
Offsides 3
Corners 5

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