Doncaster Rovers v Bury: Brown’s late strikes ensures Donny get full reward

The Geordie centre-forward spent most of last season on the sidelines injured but has started the new campaign in devastating style. Brown led the line superbly, displaying a deft touch and a subtle range of passing.

It looked as if Bury’s 10 men might hang on after captain Steven Schumacher was sent off in the 68th minute until Brown ended their stubborn resistance.

Bury opened the scoring in a pulsating match when full-back Joe Skarz forced the ball home at the near post after former Rovers defender Adam Lockwood had flicked on a fifth-minute corner.

Brown headed inches over the top and Kyle Bennett had a goal-bound effort deflected for a corner before Rovers deservedly equalised in the 36th minute.

A splendid passing move led to Brown laying the ball off for Bennett to brush off his marker and he scored in fine style from close range.

Mark Cullen squandered a good chance to restore Bury’s lead just before the interval and had cause for regret as Rovers dominated in the second half.

Schumacher was dismissed for a second bookable offence after tugging back the irrepressible Brown as he raced toward goal on 68 minutes.

Bury defended stoutly after that but Rovers’ persistence was rewarded when Brown latched onto a through ball from David Syers and beat the offside trap before slotting him to the delight of the home fans.

Doncaster Rovers: Woods; Quinn, Spurr, Jones, McCombe, Bennett, Cotterill, Syers, Woods (Harper, 77), Brown (Coppinger, 87), Paynter. Unused substitutes: Sullivan, Blake, Husband.

Bury: Carson; Skarz, Lockwood, Sweeney, Worrall (C Jones, 16), Schumacher, Bishop (John-Lewis, 65), Carrington, Hughes, Cullen (Marshall, 69), A Jones. Unused substitutes: Picken, Alliyu, Harrop, Dibble.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).