Doncaster Rovers were held to a 2-2 draw by Stevenage at the SPORTA Arena on Saturday in a frantic match played in heavy rain throughout.
Rovers looked set for victory after goals from Jack Senior and Owen Bailey in the final 10 minutes put them ahead, but Stevenage forced a dramatic share of the spoils when Oliver Sanderson equalised just two minutes later.
Team Changes
Manager Grant McCann made four changes from the midweek cup tie against Middlesbrough. Loan signing Tommi O'Reilly, who arrived from Aston Villa, went straight into the starting XI. Owen Bailey, Tommy Simkin and Neill Byrne also started. Young midfielder Darren Robinson retained his place following an impressive performance against Boro.
First Half Action
Stevenage dominated the opening exchanges with several set-piece opportunities. Phoenix Patterson's free-kick from the right with two minutes played forced Simkin to turn the ball behind. From the resulting corner, Carl Piergianni rose highest in the six-yard box but sent his header over the bar.
Patterson continued to be the focal point of Stevenage's attacks, with further corners and crosses testing Rovers' defence. The home side created their best opening of the first half in the 28th minute when Roberts drove low from a wide angle, with his effort deflecting just past the post.
Rovers gradually came into the contest, with O'Reilly winning a corner after combining with Adelakun and Hutchinson. The rain intensified as the half progressed, with conditions becoming increasingly difficult for both sides.
Second Half Drama
Josh Magennis put Stevenage ahead against the run of play in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Rovers responded strongly, and goals from Senior and Bailey gave McCann's side what appeared to be a winning position with 10 minutes remaining. However, Sanderson's equaliser two minutes later ensured both teams left Hertfordshire with a point.
