'˜Finish the job' - Doncaster Rovers on the verge of something special

Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis scores his side's second goal of the match against Grimsby Town. Picture: Jon Buckle/PA.

DARREN Ferguson says the outlook is rosy for promotion-bound Doncaster Rovers.

Last April, Rovers were on their way to being relegated and were void of confidence.

Fast-forward 12 months and their latest victory, this 5-1 dismantling of Grimsby Town, has seen them move within touching distance of promotion.

Ferguson said: “Last season was as low as it’s ever been for me as a manager. But the board have been great and there’s a different look and a different freshness to the club now.

Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis is congratulated by his teammates after scoring his sides second goal. Picture: Jon Buckle/PA.

“We need to finish the job off now. The place was stale and needed a massive lift. Hopefully, the first part isn’t too far off now.”

John Marquis was the undoubted star, hitting his maiden professional hat-trick in the space of 24 minutes.

Ferguson’s side started the brighter, in what was their first league trip to Blundell Park since 1990, but it was the hosts who took the lead through Sam Jones, who grew up in Doncaster, and who drilled home a shot from inside the area on 34 minutes.

It took Rovers just six minutes to turn the game on its head, thanks to two goals from Marquis. He nudged the ball past James McKeown from close range and the top scorer then made it 2-1 when he glanced a header home from an inswinging corner.

After the restart, Marquis secured his treble - achieved in just 24 minutes - when he fired past McKeown. Andy Williams added a fourth on 79 minutes before Alfie May nudged the fifth over the line on 89 minutes.

Grimsby Town: McKeown, Mills, Comley (Bolarinwa 71), Osborne, Andrew, Dan Jones (Vose 62), Boyce, Gunning, Clements, Dyson, Sam Jones. Unused substitutes: Pearson, Disley, Collins, Yussuf, Maxwell.

Doncaster Rovers: Lawlor, Alcock, Baudry, Butler, Blair, McSheffrey (Middleton 75), McCullough, Rowe, Mason (Evina 81), Marquis (May 86), Williams. Unused substitutes: Marosi, Wright, Keegan, Longbottom.

Referee: G Scott (Oxfordshire).