Doncaster Rovers

The Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers based in South Yorkshire. 7^th December 2019 and Doncaster were at home to MK Dons. Doncaster looking to fight for promotion whereas MK trying to get out of the relegation zone.

Arrival at the ground and straight to the bar for a pre-match drink. One MK fan asked me what the score would be, 1-1 I said, even though I had no idea of the team’s form going in to this. Would I be correct? He said 2-2! Would he be correct? Or would none of us be correct? Into the ground, £21 to watch this League 1 game! Fair play!

Kick Off! “DIGGER DAGGER DIGGER DAGGER! DONCASTER!” Not the best chant I’ve ever heard… Chance for Doncaster after 2 minutes, Kieran Sadlier with the ball 25 yards out, shot, deflected…… GOAL! But it wouldn’t count as it deflected off his own man who was stood in an offside position. “They’re here! They’re there! They’re every f***ing where! Empty seats, empty seats!” Where are you Doncaster fans? Doncaster continued to cause problems, Alfie May receiving the ball on the edge of the MK box, he drove in, shot! Saved by MK keeper Lee Nicholls.

MK Dons weren’t out of it as Alex Gilbey picked up the ball on the left, cut inside to the edge of the Doncaster box and went for goal……… Great save by Seny Dieng in the Doncaster goal. Towards the end of the first half, Ben Whiteman played a 1-2 and got the ball back on the edge of the area on the volley! Good save again by Nicholls! Half time 0-0.

I don’t normally eat at football grounds, but I did on this day and the Hot Dog I had was delicious! Thank you Donny Rovers! Second half, MK Dons came out strong and wanted to capitalise on this spell of play. Alex Gilbey had the ball 6 minutes in to the second half, he played the ball forward and received the ball back 20 yards and fired at goal! Good Finish!! Alex Gilbey putting MK into the lead! 0-1.

Doncaster then started to dominate possession as MK started to sit players behind the ball to defend their lead. Corner for Doncaster, headers galore and the ball fell to Kieran Sadlier who volleyed……. Just over the bar! So close! 10 minutes left and Rakish Bingham had the ball in a dangerous position, who put the ball on a plate for Kieran Sadlier!! He scores… Offside again for Doncaster… Still 0-1. 5 minutes left and another corner for Doncaster, whipped in, and a GOAL! The ball hitting Cameron John unbeknown to him and into the net. A deserved equaliser for Doncaster! No more clear cut chances in the game meant the score stayed as it was and my pre-match prediction was right! If only I had a massive bet on that…

FT: Doncaster Rovers 1-1 MK Dons

Ratings

• Atmosphere: 4/10 – Not the best atmosphere, probably would have been better if there were more in attendance but they did have a drum.
• The Ground: 7/10 – It’s a nice ground, not too sure if the ground may be a bit big for Doncaster’s fan base though…
• Expense: 6/10 – A fairly open game in the first half but not so much the second but £21 a fair price.
• Overall Experience: 5/10 – It was alright but I’ve had better days.

22/40