Doncaster Rovers climbed back up the League Two table with a 2-0 win over Tranmere Rovers at the Eco-Power stadium on Tuesday night.
As in their loss to Hartlepool United on Saturday, Doncaster started the game poorly, a sentiment that could be echoed throughout the first half. Danny Schofield’s side had lost three games on the spin going into this one and initially struggled to convince you that it wasn’t about to become four.
Tranmere, however, failed to take advantage in the first half when Regan Hendry forced a save from Doncaster keeper Jonathan Mitchell before midfielder Josh Hawkes attempted to test the keeper again, this time from distance, getting the same result.
Tranmere continued to be the side that had the chances when Ethan Bristow’s effort nestled against the outside of the post.
With 32 minutes on the clock, Doncaster’s top goalscorer George Miller attempted to break clear but, struggling for company, bought the foul with Hendry taking the bait for the visitors, collecting a yellow card in the process.
January signing Charlie Lakin, making his full debut for the hosts, followed Hendry into the referee’s book a minute later, for a similar foul.
Once again, the 5,775 spectators headed into the break with no goals.
The second half would be much better for Schofield’s side, who began to take the game for themselves. Winger Kyle Hurst had a shot blocked by Tranmere defender Tom Davies at the beginning of what would become a series of good chances for Donny.
Tommy Rowe, who has suffered with injuries throughout his third stint in Doncaster, was then forced off after 59 minutes, replaced by returning defender Joseph Olowu.
Central midfielder Ben Close took the initiative three minutes later, scoring his second goal of the season with a deflected effort leaving Tranmere goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt with no chance.
Another three minutes passed and another goal arrived for Doncaster, Kyle Hurst wrapping up the points with a typical finish into the far corner of the goal, assisted by Lakin.
The remainder of the game would go on to become uneventful with the South Yorkshire side defending their lead well and attempting to add to their tally with a couple of attacks.
Tranmere were frustrated in the closing stages and dropped to 15th after tonight’s defeat. Whereas, the hosts, who started the campaign seeking an immediate return to League One climb to 11th and are back within touching distance of the play-off places with two points separating them and seventh-placed Stockport County.