A Bright Light in the Gloom of Doncaster

By: Andrew Doherty
Date: 15/02/2025

AFTER two good performances and wins, today we had a short trip to high-flying Doncaster. A number of times there have been doubts during David Artell's spell in charge about being overawed by teams at the higher end of the table.

The home victory against Port Vale and earlier away wins against teams now doing well along with the gradual appearance of developing self-belief among the team have dispelled that theory, so there was reason to be optimistic that we would put up a good show today. Having the best part of 2,900 supporters in today’s crowd of 9,961 cheering the team on provided an added spur here at Doncaster’s impressive Eco-Power stadium.

Town, in sky blue on this cold and rainy day, started unchanged with: Wright - Rodgers, Tharme, McJannet - Svanthorsson, Thompson, Green, Khouri, Hume - Rose, Obikwu. Lining up for Doncaster was Harry “formerly one of our own” Clifton. It was Clifton who brought out an excellent save from Wright following a crisp volley in the first minute. Svanthorsson was dispossessed as Town attacked, prompting a strong run from Sterry to the other end. Svanthosson then stopped Gibson and started a move which clipped Obikwu on the heel as Town threatened. On 7 minutes Town won a corner after Svanthorsson sent Obikwu away. Town started the more positive of the two sides. On 9 minutes cross from Hume found Svanthorsson whose pullback ran to Obikwu on the six-yard line but Obikwu missed the ball completely. Sterry had a good curled shot for Doncaster. But it was Town who were working the ball around nicely. Doncaster had a move on 14 minutes which resulted in Molyneux’s shot being aimed straight at Wright. Bailey struck a shot from range on 17 minutes but again Wright wasn’t troubled. The game stopped on 18 minutes for attention to an injury to Rose. On the restart Town won a corner on 21 minutes after determination and skill from Rose and Svanthorsson. McEachren then forced a low save from Sharman-Lowe at his near post. With a quarter of the game gone, Town were well in this game. Hume sent in a free kick on 26 minutes and was rewarded by a kick in the head from Gibson as the ball was returned. A really good move was started on 35 minutes by good defensive work from Tharme. Svanthorsson took the ball forward but there was no-one on hand to meet McJannet’s cross from the left. Town were back on the attack a minute later after Green and McJannet battled to win possession in midfield. Rose threaded the ball through to Obikwu who gave Olowu the slip and adeptly slotted the ball past Sharman-Lowe. Doncaster 0, Town 1. Town were ahead on merit after showing good intensity and endeavour. Svanthorsson was bowled over on 41 minutes. Free kick to Town who once again attacked. A foul on Crew ended the move. Four minutes were added to the 45. Town ended the half on top. Town’s fans who hadn’t stopped singing continued to celebrate. And we had every reason to be pleased as we went in at half time with a deserved lead.

Town had an immediate reminder that this wasn’t going to be easy as Doncaster started the second half on the attack. Molyneux’s cross to Gibson was converted but offside was given. Town responded with an attack. Rose went down, appealing for a penalty. But Svanthorsson was alert, picking the ball up on the right after a pass from Green and weaving through the defence. With Sherman-Lowe to beat, Svanthorsson struck from the tightest of angles. The ball caught Olowu on the foot and struck the roof of the net. Doncaster 0, Town 2. This was consummate skill and alertness from Svanthorsson. Rose was booked for a robust challenge on Sterry as Town matched their skill with fighting qualities. With 54 minutes gone Doncaster made a triple substitution. McEachren started a good move on 56 minutes but Obikwu was dispossessed as he attempted to go round Bailey. Sterry fouled Rose in 59 minutes in Doncaster’s half. Hume delivered from the left but it was too close to Sharman-Lowe. Typically Green won a 50-50 with Broadbent and started a Town attack. Svanthorsson was fouled as Town found themselves upfield. Hume’s cross this time found McJannet who headed over. A poor clearance from Sharman-Lowe saw Town on the attack again. Hume found Rose who turned and got a shot in but without enough strength to challenge Sharman-Lowe. Both sides battled. Bailey was fouled 30 yards out, but Doncaster couldn’t take advantage of Broadbent’s free kick which ran beyond the defence. Having made five substitutions Doncaster were now looking to work the ball forward. Time for a Town substitution? Doncaster were looking fresher. 70 minutes had gone. Indeed Town made a double change with Warren and Ainley replacing Rodgers. Five minutes later Barrington and Thompson came on for Obikwu and McEachren. Barrington was straight in the action, winning a corner. Sharp had to move in sharply to cut out Hume’s cross and in doing so conceded another corner. Town continued to stifle Doncaster and battle for every ball. A rearguard action kept Doncaster out on 78 minutes. In spite of the substitutions, Town were keeping their shape and discipline at tis point, seeking to win possession and keep it. On 84 mins with Doncaster struggling the home side attacked up the left. Molyneux hit a long cross, finding Street whose header looped over Wright into the right corner of the net. Doncaster 1, Town 2. Burns replaced Rose. Doncaster were fired up now. Sharp won a corner. Kelly’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by the surging Tharme. It was all Doncaster now as Town sought to hang on. Molyneux had a shot which went inches wide just as an extra 6 minutes was announced. Doncaster dominated as Town struggled to maintain possession. Doncaster won a corner on 93 minutes. Molyneux delivered from the right beyond the crowded defence. Olowu headed down but wide of the post. It was a gargantuan struggle. Doncaster pressed as full time came closer. Doncaster had the ball in Town’s box. Bailey found Molyneux’s but Ainley nipped in and was tripped. Time was up. The final score: Doncaster Rovers 1, Grimsby Town 2.

On the end, Town had to show plenty of character to withstand the pressure from Doncaster but let’s applaud an excellent team performance. Collectively the work rate and quality of movement were there to see. Balls were there to be won, and Town’s players made it their business to be there first. Both of Town’s goals came from the determination of players to win balls and make things happen. Individually we’ve seen major steps forward over the season from Green, Khouri, Svanthorsson and Obikwu but you can’t ignore the rest. Everyone played their part. And as I’m sure David Artell will recognize, our fans gave their vocal support without a break. It’s always gloomy in Doncaster. Town turned the lights on here today.

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