Half-time magic has Donny on the climb
WHATEVER Darren Ferguson said to his Doncaster players at half-time clearly worked as they produced a complete turnaround to defeat MK Dons.
The visitors were the only team in the contest in the first half, taking an early lead through Chuks Aneke before spurning several opportunities to extend their advantage.
However, it was roles reversed after the break, with Doncaster suddenly first to every ball after previously chasing shadows and they were eventually rewarded by Matty Blair’s winner.
Ferguson said: “I was very pleased with the second-half performance.
“We had to show a lot of determination and character about our performance, which we did.
“The early goal from Milton Keynes affected us too much and we were probably fortunate to be just the one goal behind at halftime.
“We couldn’t get any control of the game and they were dominant in the middle of the pitch, which was a problem.
“The second half, we showed the character you have to show at times, especially in this league.”
MK Dons had the perfect start in the third minute when Doncaster failed to clear George Williams’ cross, allowing Aneke to fire low into the net from the edge of the area.
The visitors could have been 4-0 up by the time a quarter of the game had been played as Doncaster goalkeeper Ian Lawlor denied Aneke a second twice in quick succession.
Scott Golbourne’s volley then hit the inside of the post after a poor Andy Butler header as the lead remained at one at halftime.
Rovers levelled eight minutes after the restart when James Coppinger’s corner was headed towards goal by Butler and John Marquis bundled in from a matter of inches.
The comeback was complete 20 minutes from time when Alfie Beestin fed the ball inside for fellow sub Blair, who shot between Lee Nicholls’ legs to score.
MK Dons boss Robbie Neilson said: “I thought we did everything we spoke about doing in the first half.
“We were direct when we needed to be direct, we passed it when we needed to pass it, we kept high lines and we made it very difficult for Doncaster to get in the game at all.
“The second goal was a big turning point in the game and the second half wasn’t acceptable – Doncaster got in our face and we didn’t stand up to the game.”