Break works wonders for Doncaster Rovers

Goals from Reece James and Brad Halliday saw Doncaster end Gillingham’s impressive run.

Rovers chief Darren Moore explained: “I gave them a few more days off than usual. It was about resting and recuperating to bring them back.

“I felt it was important to give the players and the staff that bit of a break. We came in and worked again excellently over Thursday and Friday and they put that into the game.

“I still thought we could have been even more effective. I felt there were even more opportunities for us.

“In terms of the first half, there were some wonderful passages of play. We did break them down at times and our flair and influential players at the top end of the pitch really came to light. They needed to as well because Gillingham have a stubborn rearguard.

“It’s another feather in our cap because they’re a tough team, a top team.”

Rovers dominated possession and looked the greater threat against their physical visitors, but Kyle Dempsey’s equaliser from 25 yards early in the second half demonstrated the fragility of the lead.

Doncaster broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Tyreece John-Jules brought down a ball on the edge of the it and laid off to James, who stabbed in first time.

After Dempsey struck, Ben Whiteman saw a shot saved by Jack Bonham, only for Halliday to charge in and slam home the loose ball.

Doncaster Rovers: Lumley, Halliday, Anderson, Butler, John; Smith (Coppinger 88), Whiteman, Sims, Richards (Taylor 75), James; John-Jules (Okenabirhie 81). Unused substitutes: Lokilo, Jones, Amos, Hasani.

Gillingham: Bonham, Jackson, Tucker, Ogilvie, O’Connor (Coyle 66); Samuel, Dempsey, McKenzie, MacDonald (Medley 46); Akinde (Mellis 46), Oliver, Mellis (Eccles 82). Unused substitutes: Walsh, Woods, Drysdale.

Referee: T Kettle (Rutland).