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League one play-off final: Doncaster Rovers1 Leeds United 0
FOR Doncaster Rovers, a return to a level they last graced half a century ago. For Leeds United, a summer spent wondering 'what if...?'
James Hayter's goal just 96 seconds into the second half ultimately settled the first all-Yorkshire play-off final in favour of the team from the south of the county.
But it will be the 15-point penalty imposed on the eve of the season by the Football League that those whose devotion lies at Elland Road will regard bitterly as the reason why Leeds will kick off next season still in League One.
Without that sanction for failing to follow the League's policy on insolvency when exiting administration, Gary McAllister's side would have finished the regular season just a point behind champions Swansea City and spent the past three weeks on a beach reflecting on a job well done.
As it is, all they have to show for what has been a year of having to continually battle against the odds is heartache and a sense of injustice that their often Herculean efforts have not brought the deserved reward.
Not that anyone sporting the red and white of Doncaster will care a jot about that this morning with their team destined for the Championship thanks to Hayter's first goal in more than four months.
Rovers' promotion proves that dreams really do come true in football, chairman John Ryan having told the Yorkshire Post several months ago of his premonition that his club would meet Leeds in the play-off final at Wembley. And that they would win.
McAllister admitted afterwards that the better side on the day had triumphed and it was difficult to argue with his assessment.
Sean O'Driscoll's men started better than Leeds with their measured passing game being combined with a high tempo to great effect.
They could – and but for the alert reactions of United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren would – have been two or even three goals ahead by the midway point of the first half.
As it was, they had to wait until the opening stages of the second period to gain their reward when Hayter intelligently timed his run to perfection to meet Brian Stock's corner and power a header past Ankergren.
Leeds huffed and puffed after that in an attempt to get back into the game and dominated possession.
However, a general lack of a cutting edge up front and composure in the final third meant that Neil Sullivan was rarely worried in the Rovers goal until Jonathan Douglas drove just inches wide of the target with five minutes remaining.
Promotion is a just reward for Rovers who, but for a shock defeat at Cheltenham Town on the final day of the regular season, would have gone up automatically.
They play a refreshing brand of football that is both effective and pleasing on the eye and there can be little doubt that Doncaster will be a welcome addition to the Championship next season. It is to be hoped, however, that many of those who travelled to Wembley yesterday can be tempted to the Keepmoat Stadium on a more regular basis.
As for Leeds, the summer break will provide McAllister with the chance to really stamp his mark on a squad that he inherited from Dennis Wise. Subtle changes to the style of play have already been made with the direct approach favoured by his predecessor having been largely jettisoned in recent weeks.
But it is clear more alterations will follow as McAllister puts together a team whose intention will be to go one better next term.
The United manager has already taken steps to improve the balance in midfield with the signing of Swansea winger Andy Robinson at last bringing some much-needed width to a squad top heavy with central midfielders.
That lack of width was undoubtedly a factor in yesterday's defeat with Doncaster winning the midfield battle in the early stages.
It took just seven minutes for O'Driscoll's men to fashion the first genuine opening when Paul Green ghosted past Douglas before pulling the ball back for Jason Price whose shot was blocked by Paul Huntington.
Slick passing then allowed Doncaster to open up Leeds three times in quick succession, meaning Ankergren had to race from his line on each occasion to avert the danger.
At this stage, it seemed more a case of when Rovers would score rather than if but, gradually, Leeds fought their way back into the game and came within a whisker of grabbing the opening goal just a minute before the break when Jonny Howson curled a shot just inches past the post from the edge of the area.
If United thought this would signal a change of fortune after the restart, they were wrong with it taking less than two minutes for Rovers to grab what would prove to be the only goal courtesy of Hayter.
It was enough to book Doncaster's place in next season's Championship and ensure the most traumatic of seasons for Leeds ended in stomach-churning disappointment.
KEY MOMENTS
7th minute:
Rovers threaten to take an early lead as Jason Price's close range shot is deflected over the bar by defender Paul Huntington. Midfielder Paul Green's trickery down the right flank sets up the opportunity.
10th minute:
Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren produces two brilliant blocks in the space of a minute to keep Rovers at bay. On both occasions, Ankergren comes off his line to challenge James Coppinger and then James Hayter who have burst clear and preparing to shoot at goal.
18th minute:
Leeds test Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan for the first time when Sam Hird's mis-placed pass allows Jermaine Beckford a shot from the edge of the penalty area. The effort fails to trouble Sullivan.
42nd minute:
After a lengthy period of Leeds pressure, Rovers striker James Hayter has an opportunity to shoot from 25 yards but blazes a shot over the bar. Moments later, Hayter is 'tackled' by goalkeeper Ankergren to quell another dangerous attack.
44th minute:
Midfielder Jonathan Howson, the two goal hero of the semi-final, goes close for Leeds with a curled shot from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Jermaine Beckford. His shot is only inches too high.
47th minute:
GOAL. Striker James Hayter heads Rovers into the lead from a Brian Stock corner. The striker, who has only got back into the side following suspension to Paul Heffernan, stoops low to score through a crowded penalty area.
58th minute:
David Prutton puts the ball in the net for Leeds but referee Andy D'Urso has already stopped play for a foul by Beckford on Jason Price at a corner.
60th minute:
Leeds step up the search for an equaliser and Beckford shoots straight at goalkeeper Sullivan after the ball breaks to him following a deflection off James O'Connor.
63th minute:
Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens begins to lose his battle against the pain barrier after a heavy fall following his tackle on Dougie Freedman. The influential player is substituted eight minutes later.
71st minute:
Leeds captain Jonathan Douglas produces a vital tackle to prevent James Coppinger doubling Rovers' lead. Coppinger has raced clear of the Leeds defence but Douglas's intervention enables Ankergren to gather the ball.
86th minute:
Douglas nearly equalises for Leeds with a thumping long range drive after Rovers fail to clear a long throw from Frazer Richardson. The ball fizzes past the top corner of the goal to the frustration of the Leeds bench.
90th minute:
Rovers goalkeeper Neil Sullivan frustrates his former team-mates by commanding his area and comfortably gathering two potentially dangerous crosses.
HOW THEY RATED
DONCASTER ROVERS
Neil Sullivan 7
Showed a safe pair of hands against his former club to keep a clean sheet. Also stood up well to the physical threat of striker Tresor Kandol late on. Booked for time-wasting.
James O'Connor 6
Powerful and solid display from the full back ensured Leeds made little headway down their own left flank. Also got forward in support of his team-mates to provide some telling delivery.
Sam Hird 7
Almost gifted the club he started his career at an early goal with a sloppy pass that was cut out by Jermaine Beckford, but otherwise could be happy with his afternoon's work.
Matthew Mills 8
On an afternoon when remaining sold was always going to be key, Mills shone at the heart of the Rovers defence. Booked for a late challenge on Beckford.
Gareth Roberts 6
Solid display. As with James O'Connor on the opposite flank, he was helped by a distinct lack of width in the Leeds side where four central midfielders means play goes through the middle.
Brian Stock 7
Formed a vital barrier in front of the back four where he broke up several promising United attacks. It was his corner that created James Hayter's goal.
James Coppinger*** 6
Was lively in the opening period but should have done better when played in behind the Leeds defence. Faded after the break, but never stopped running until substituted.
Richie Wellens* 6
Clattered four times by an opponent in the opening half-hour, the pre-match fitness doubt with a groin problem clearly seemed to have been targeted by Leeds. Sstruggled to make impact.
Paul Green 7
A constant threat with his intelligent running either with or without the ball. Always looked to play the 'killer' pass, and set-up a good chance for Jason Price early in the game.
James Hayter 7
The hero of the day after his 47th minute goal settled this match. Showed great intelligence to lose his marker and then time his run to perfection from the corner.
Jason Price** 6
Unfortunate not to score but despite several other promising positions, was unable to make the impact he would have hoped for. Got rapturous reception when substituted.
Substitutes
Lewis Guy*** (85 mins)
Mark McCammon* (72)
Adam Lockwood** (80)
Gareth Taylor
Benjamin SmithHOW THEY RATED
LEEDS UNITED
Casper Ankergren 7
Had to be alert but particularly so in the opening 15 minutes when saving at the feet of James Coppinger and James Hayter (twice). Could do nothing about the goal.
Frazer Richardson 6
Battled hard and gave everything for the cause. Also got forward often down the right flank but his delivery lacked sufficient quality to cause the Rovers defence enough problems.
Lubomir Michalik 6
The big Slovak was caught out a couple of times early in the game but then settled down. Has not hit the heights of his first stint with the club since returning to Elland Road for 200,000.
Paul Huntington 6
Vital block to deny Jason Price what seemed like a certain goal in the seventh minute, but was guilty of being caught out of position early on when Doncaster should have gone ahead.
Bradley Johnson 6
Kept his place even though Alan Sheehan was available again after suspension and did little wrong. Not a natural full-back, but stuck to his task and did, at least, offer width down the left later on.
Neil Kilkenny 6
United's most potent threat on the ball in the first half with his ability to spot a pass unrivalled in the Elland Road ranks. However, he was unable to find the 'killer' pass to unlock the Rovers defence.
Jonathan Douglas 5
Struggled to make much of an impact in the centre of midfield and was caught in possession far too often. Did, however, make an important challenge to deny James Coppinger.
Jonny Howson 6
Nearly opened the scoring just before the break with a curling shot that flew just wide. Supported the attack throughout but was guilty of losing his man when James Hayter scored.
David Prutton* 5
Booked for a mis-timed challenge on Richie Wellens during the first half and largely failed to get into the rhythm of the game despite running around with his usual industry.
Dougie Freedman** 6
Unable to repeat heroics of previous play-off finals. He cannot be faulted for effort and came within a whisker of creating a golden chance for Beckford only for his cross to be cut out.
Jermaine Beckford 5
Clearly not fit, but this display did nothing to dispel the belief that League One defences have managed to work out United's top scorer.
Substitutes
Rui Marques
Tresor Kandol* (69 mins)
Andrew Hughes** (77 mins)
David Lucas
Alan Sheehan
Referee: Andy D'Urso
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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