MATCH REPORT: Swindon Town (1) v (2) Doncaster Rovers

SWINDON TOWN slumped to second from bottom in the League One table as Doncaster Rover’s secured all three points at the County Ground in a well-earned 1-2 victory. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report from the County Ground.

Picture credit: Swindon Town FC

Hallam Hope’s second-half strike wasn’t enough to rescue a point for Swindon Town as Fejiri Okenabirhie's first-half brace was enough for Darren Moore’s Rovers to secure victory at SN1.

Fresh off their FA Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers, Darren Moore’s Doncaster took an early lead as John-Jules threaded a pass through the heart of Swindon’s defence for Fejiri Okenabirhie as the striker finished calmly with a left-footed shot past Mark Travers on his home debut at the County Ground. 

Behind after just six minutes, Swindon tried to force themselves back into the match with Matt Smith and Scott Twine attempting to bring striker Brett Pitman into the game with long balls upfield, however the quality of Doncaster’s pressing rarely allowed Swindon to get into the game during the opening stages.

Swindon had a chance to test Doncaster’s defence from their first corner of the match in the 16th minute but wasted the opportunity as the corner was taken short and Twine’s eventual delivery went behind for a goal-kick. 

17 league places separated the two sides coming into today’s match and you could see the difference in class between the two sides as Doncaster’s players linked up with fluidity and often dancing with the ball around thew edge of the Swindon box, whereas John Sheridan’s side rarely got into the final third and failed to make an impact in the match throughout the first-half. 

Swindon were forced into an early change as Zeki Fryers went off injured in the 27th minute with Taylor Curran replacing him to make his third league appearance of the season.

After taking an early lead Doncaster rarely threatened the Swindon goal with Travers making a few easy saves as their sloppy passing in midfield presented Town with opportunities to get back into the match.

Matt Smith earned Swindon their best chance of the half in the 39th minute after some great build-up play by Jaiyesimi and Thompson on the left-wing resulted in Smith’s curling shot going just wide of the upright.

Moments later Swindon Captain Dion Conroy denied Elliot Simoes a goalscoring opportunity inside the Town box with a brilliant last-ditch tackle, only for Doncaster to double their lead just four minutes later as Okenabirhie latched onto a header inside the Swindon box to score his second goal of the match.

The half-time whistle blew following the restart as both sides left the pitch with Swindon never looking likely of getting back into the game.

Doncaster attacked relentlessly as the second half got underway with Okenabirhie seeking his hattrick, but Swindon remained strong at the back as they sought to reduce the deficit.

Following his goal-of-the-season contender against Ipswich, Twine tried to get Swindon their first goal of the match with a long-range effort in the 55th minute but could only put his effort over the bar. 

Deemed to have seen enough Swindon manager John Sheridan opted for a double change in 57th minute with Jonny Smith and Hallam Hope replacing Matt Smith and Brett Pitman.

Three yellow cards in the space of ten minutes saw the game enter a period of sloppiness as Conroy, Thompson, and Andy Butler were all booked for rash challenges.

Improved in the second-half Swindon eventually got their breakthrough as substitute Hallam Hope latched onto Twine’s bouncing shot to poke past Balcombe in the 72nd minute and give Swindon hope.

A goal against the run of play gave Swindon the confidence to try and grab an equaliser whilst Doncaster struggled to decide whether to go for a third goal and finish the match or lock up shop at the back and defend their lead.

Town had opportunities to test Doncaster’s resolve from set-pieces in the closing moments of the game with Conroy’s 30-yard free-kick effort their best effort as his shot nestled onto the roof of the goal but despite an onslaught of attacks they just couldn’t find their way past a resolute Rovers defence.

Cameron John nearly got a third for Doncaster in added time after dribbling past Curran with ease and unleashing a powerful shot straight at Travers that momentarily caused the keeper some discomfort. 

Swindon tried to rescue a point in the six minutes of added time but never came close as Doncaster held on to secure a well-earned victory at the County Ground.