There was a sense of intrigue and optimism before Doncaster’s home game against Mansfield Town, something which is going to take time to get used to.
The game started pretty well for the Rovers, that is up until about 15 minutes in when a cross from the Mansfield right was headed out by Ro-Shaun Williams, only to find Ollie Clarke who volleyed into the top corner for 1-0.
Aside from a George Miller header that was brilliantly saved by Christy Pym, Mansfield were well on top. But then Harrison biggins made his biggest contribution to the half in getting clattered by James Perch in the box to give Rovers a penalty. Up stepped Lee Tomlin to coolly slot it home in first-half injury time.
The second half started much the same as the first; a solid first 10 minutes from Rovers with Kyle Hurst hitting the upright. From that Mansfield broke away and played some wonderful football, which led to George Lapslie laying off for Geogre Maris to tap home for 2-1.
Rovers could and possibly should of had a second penalty for a foul on Tomlin, but the referee waved play on only for James Maxwell to bring down the lively Lapslie near the byline. The ref pointed to the spot and the experienced Mansfield striker Lucas Akins stepped up and put the penalty away to Mitchell’s left. Game over.
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