You have to go back to August 2004 for Rovers last home League win over Blackpool, Tim Ryan and Leo Fortune-West supplying the goals. Blackpool had never returned from the Keepmoat empty handed and it took something special to turn the course of this contest after an even first half.
Whenever those footballing alchemists James Coppinger and Herbie Kane get together you feel something special might happen and it did as half-time loomed. Coppinger fed Kane on the left and ten yards outside the Blackpool box he looked up and thought ‘why not?’ unleashing a thunderbolt. Goalkeeper Mark Howard got a hand on it, but couldn’t stop it as it cannoned in off the bar. One of the most spectacular goals you’ll see at the Keepmoat, or indeed anywhere.
The second half remained nip-and-tuck. The busy Alfie May had a low drive blocked and then Armand Gnanduillet, largely well policed by Tom Anderson, fired wide after good approach play.
It was that man Kane who initiated the move for Rovers’ second, twelve minutes from time. His shot was blocked but May worked the ball to John Marquis who fired a left-footer low past Howard and was able to celebrate his long-awaited 50th Rovers League goal.
Kane almost had the last word after substitute Mallik Wilks had been pulled back on the edge of the box. Kane duly curled the free-kick out of Howard’s reach but against the bar. We have a special talent amongst us: enjoy him while you can.
by John Coyle
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