The now customary pre-match gloom was today leavened by the news that James Coppinger had returned to the starting line-up. Could he be the man to turn Rovers’ fortunes and initiate a climb from the wrong end of the table?
On four minutes it appeared he could, as great work from Cameron Stewart and Andy Williams created a chance that Coppinger tapped home to put Doncaster in front at the Keepmoat for the first time since 12 December.
Peterborough looked nothing like the team that outclassed us at London Road, and not just because their away kit made them resemble oversized highlighter pens that had somehow evolved legs. As the first half progressed, Rovers showed promise at both ends of the pitch, yet seemed strangely reluctant to mark Ricardo Santos, who spent much of the half in an acre of space in front of the West Stand. This would prove to be Rovers’ undoing, as, just before half-time, a ball in from the right allowed Peterborough to draw level.
The second half saw Posh capitalise on referee Sebastian Stockbridge’s apparent unwillingness to brandish cards or control the game, as repeated Rovers attacks were stopped by challenges that would have been considered thuggish on a rugby pitch.
Although Rovers arguably had the better of the half, neither team was spectacular, and the draw seemed a fair result. Sadly, deep into Fergie time, Santos was on hand to give United the three points, and leave Rovers sinking into the bottom four.
by John Waugh
popular STAND fanzine 