On a roll: James Coppinger double keeps Doncaster Rovers ahead of chasing pack

James Coppinger scored twice as Doncaster maintained a four-point lead at the top of Sky Bet League Two with a 3-1 win at Barnet.
ON TARGET ... TWICE: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeON TARGET ... TWICE: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
ON TARGET ... TWICE: Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The Bees, who went into the game having won six of their last eight games, took the lead after 13 minutes when John Akinde rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home. But their joy was short-lived as Doncaster equalised five minutes later, through Coppinger’s low shot.

Rovers were ahead after 28 minutes when John Marquis appeared to get the final touch in a goalmouth scramble, and Coppinger bent in a third just two minutes later.

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Afterwards, captain Andy Butler hailed what he regarded as one of the best performances of the season.

“It was a great comeback from us, particularly after going behind so early like we did,” said Butler. “Some of our forward play was excellent, I felt, and there was a great debut from goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, who fitted in really well.”

The result keeps Doncaster four points ahead of Plymouth Argyle, who recovered from an early setback to ease to a 4-2 win at home to Stevenage.

Matt Godden took just two minutes to put the visitors in front and although Jordan Slew and Jake Jervis put the hosts in front it was all-square by the break thanks to Steven Schumacher’s free-kick.

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The Pilgrims restored their lead in the 54th minute when Paul Arnold Garita diverted in a Graham Carey shot and David Goodwillie added a late fourth.

Barnet: Vickers, H Taylor (Tutonda 74), Nelson, Santos, Johnson, Champion (Kyei 61), Vilhete, Weston, J Taylor, Campbell-Ryce (Akinola 61), Akinde. Unused substitutes: Gambin, Muggleton, Nicholls, McKenzie-Lyle.

Doncaster Rovers: Lawlor, Blair, Baudry (Wright 84), Butler, Mason, Coppinger (Keegan 87), Houghton, Grant, Rowe, Marquis, Williams (May 88). Unused substitutes: Etheridge, Alcock, Middleton, Beestin.

Referee: J Brooks (Leicestershire).