Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood Town’s winning run ended at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon as first half goals from James Coppinger and Curtis Main secured three points for Doncaster Rovers.Coppinger opened the scoring for the home side as he flicked Aaron Taylor-Sinclair’s free kick beyond Chris Maxwell.
Rovers were two to the good midway through the half when Andy Williams played in Main in a two on one situation, and the striker slotted home from 10 yards.
Graham Alexander named an unchanged starting 11 for the third game in succession, having beaten both Bury and Colchester United in recent weeks.
New signing Victor Nirennold was amongst the substitutes for the first time after signing a two-year deal with the Club on Friday.
Town went close within the first minute as Lyle Della-Verde whipped in a dangerous free kick from the right which fizzed past the post.
Stephen Jordan later saw a header from an Antoni Sarcevic corner goes agonisingly over the bar as the visitors started the game well.
The pressure continued to be applied, and Jimmy Ryan struck a firm effort from distance wide of Thorsten Stuckmann’s goal.
Coppinger put Rovers ahead when he got a vital touch inside the box to guide Taylor-Sinclair’s driven free kick into the net.
Paul Dickov’s men grew in confidence, and Maxwell had to be alert to keep out efforts from Taylor-Sinclair and Andy Williams.
Main doubled Rovers’ advantage midway through the half when Williams broke upfield and slipped his strike partner in to slot home.
Sarcevic, making his 100th appearance for the Cod Army, combined well with David Ball but was thwarted by an onrushing Stuckmann.
Town still looked dangerous when in attack, and Jamie Proctor and Della-Verde threatened the home goal with decent efforts.
Alexander’s men were denied a way back into the game by the post at the beginning of the second half, as Sarcevic’s low free kick bounced back off the woodwork.
Stuckmann then had to be alert at his near post to keep out Bell’s cross, while Sarcevic crashed an effort into the side netting.
The Cod Army were dominating much of the play after the interval, and Proctor had an opportunity when played in on goal but he was denied by the home shot stopper.
Jamille Matt, fresh from scoring his first goal in 17 months last weekend, was introduced for Ball on the hour mark as they went in search of a route back into the game.
Town were indebted to Maxwell on 70 minutes as he produced a fine fingertip save to keep out Williams’ shot from the right hand side.
The Cod Army continued to push forwards looking for a way back into the match with subs Bobby Grant, Declan McManus and Proctor all having chances late on. However, it just wasn't Fleetwood Town's day as the hosts claimed their first win of the season. Next up for Town is Rochdale at home next Saturday.