Rotherham's 14 game unbeaten run comes to a disappointing end

RHC V's Doncaster

After a flying start to the season in September it was today's opponent Doncaster that gave Rotherham a wake up call in their previous encounter. A flurry of goals for both teams that ended in a 6-6 draw. So Rotherham knew that Doncaster were a side to be respected, but with centre forward Jack Hartley's form improving from the last encounter and with defender Graham Ibbotson returning to the side Rotherham were positive.

With early possession shared and neither side able to cause many problems for in front of goal it was clear that Doncaster had travelled strongly. Without usual central defender Andy Downs Rotherham were without the big aerial option, but as they played the ball around they settled into the game. As they did confidence built and they began looking a threat going forward. Wingers Ricky Benton and Ben Davis were denied by Doncaster's keeper before Hartley found the net from a short range to give Rotherham the lead. Doncaster soon fought back though and equalised when Rotherham's defence were beat for pace by the quick Doncaster forwards. Hartley had other ideas though and gave Rotherham the lead once again before half time.

The second half was a tight affair with both sides having chances from both open play and penalty corners but neither could convert. As the half progressed luck began to fall for Doncaster and they equalised following a goal mouth scramble where the Rotherham defence were unable to clear the ball. Then, with 10 minutes to go and with a point looking likely Rotherham threw it all away. After defender Dave Baylis appealed a decision awarded against him he was shown a green card, meanwhile Doncaster played on and on the counter attack left the Rotherham defence helpless and took the lead. Moments later, with Rotherham still regrouping, Doncaster launched another attack, eventually picking out their forward at the top of the D with enough space to hit a reverse stick shot to the bottom corner of the Rotherham goal. Then reduced to 9 men with James Thomas shown a yellow, and with Doncaster sitting deep to protect their lead Rotherham couldn't fight back.