Early-season form still promising after Dons hold off Workington

The Dons were rocked by injuries throughout and were forced to use four different full-backs in the first half.

But despite several of their squad having to play out of position they never lost their grip on the game and might have won by a bigger margin.

Substitute Aaron Dobek, making his first appearance following a shoulder operation in the summer, was the worst of the injuries when he was forced to come off with a suspected broken ankle in the first half.

Full-back Mick Butterfield and goal kicker Scott Spaven also took knocks and several other players also went off for treatment before being patched up.

It was entertaining from the start with both teams looking to attack but Doncaster’s defence was superb and they deservedly went ahead when Shaun Leaf dived over in the 13th minute.

Kyle Kesik snatched a super solo try after 30 minutes and Craig Fawcett also cashed in as Workington looked rattled five minutes later.

Spaven improved both tries to put Doncaster 16-0 up at the interval but he limped off early in the second half and Workington cashed in with a well-worked try which saw John Patrick go over the line.

Doncaster responded when Leaf touched down in the 48th minute after Jack Ely’s quick hands had set up the opportunity and a clever pass from Kesik put Ryan Steen over in the 64th minute to increase the home side’s lead.

The injuries stretched Doncaster to the limit and Workington responded with tries from Neil Frazer and Jack Pedley, but the home side deservedly remained resolute held out to clinch another impressive triumph.

Doncaster: Butterfield, Colton, Leaf, Morrison, Sanderson, Fawcett, Spaven, Scott, Ely, Sampson, Green, Steen, Emmett. Substitutes: Kesik, Dobek, Lawton, Carbutt.

Workington Town: Carter, Low, Mossop, Patrick, Frazer, Bainbridge, Kaighan, McDonald, Mattison, Coward, Whitehead, Shackley, Olstrum. Substitutes: Pedley, McGoff, Jackson, McKenna.

Referee: D Merrick (Pontefract).