Doncaster Rovers’ Andy Butler happy to be back playing in front of fans - even if they boo you

The Cobblers had a mountain to climb following Shaun McWilliams’s early red card, and goals from Tyreece John-Jules and Joe Wright meant the 1,000 returning home supporters were given little to cheer.

“It was great to have a crowd in the stadium, even if they’re booing you it’s a part of football we’ve been missing for a long time,” said Rovers defender Andy Butler, who made his first league start of the season.

“The game isn’t the same without fans, it adds to the occasion and gives you more of an edge when you’re out on the field.”

Ben Whiteman and Harry Smith exchanged long-range efforts but the game’s big moment came after only 18 minutes when McWilliams was given his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Reece James.

Doncaster were handed the opening goal in the 36th minute. Mark Marshall lost possession and John-Jules nipped in before dinking over Steve Arnold.

Arnold saved from James but Rovers scored their second just short of the hour-mark through Wright, who headed in James’s cross.

Butler’s return helped his side to a clean sheet at Sixfields.

He said: “I just tried to be myself on the pitch, it’s my first League One game since the play-off semi-final so it was a good one to get involved in.”

Northampton: Arnold, Harriman, Bolger (Adams 71), Horsfall, Hoskins, Sowerby, Missilou, McWilliams, Marshall (Ashley-Seal 63), Holmes (Rose 63), Smith (Chukwuemeka 76). Unused substitutes: Watson, Mitchell, Lines.

Doncaster: Lumley, Wright, Anderson, Butler, John (Okenabirhie 46), Whiteman, James, Halliday (Smith 46), Richards (Hasani 83), Sims (Williams 83), John-Jules (Coppinger 78). Unused substtutes: Lokilo, Jones.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).

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