In a game arguably overshadowed by the appearance of One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, it was Doncaster who came out on top as 6-0 winners.
Despite many fans being disappointed by the absence of Louis, the Doncaster players and following were left pleased with both their team’s performance and the three points.
Swarms of ‘Directioners’ filled the stadium with loud screeches and screams for their idol, who spent the majority of the time warming a seat in the dugout. This did not distract the players, with both teams having chances to open the scoring within the first 30 seconds.
Ignoring the media circus and screaming girls, this game was part of the team’s Central East Division campaign and the home team will be delighted with the victory – and a vital one at that judging by their starting line-up. Donny fielded experienced players such as Harry Forrester, Andy Griffin and first goal-scorer Kyle Bennett.
Doncaster’s trialist ran through after 10 seconds, only to see his shot blocked by Severn who stretched low to prevent an early goal for the home side. However, the early threat was followed by a goal as little as 2 minutes later, with Forrester sinking a rebound after Severn saving from a one-on-one with Syers.
To continue the exciting start to the game, it was only fair that Scunthorpe had a crack of the whip, Jamie Wooton volleying against the foot of the post after four minutes – the striker very unlucky not to equalise for his side. As little as a minute later, Kyle Wooton displayed great skill, cruyff turning the defender but shooting high and wide from just inside the area.
It took Doncaster ten minutes to double their lead, as Syers nodded in a near post header from an in-swinging corner.
It was 26 minutes before Scunthorpe threatened again, Grayson surging through but blazing over from the edge of the box. Four minutes later Scunthorpe’s hopes thinned, Forrester proving to be clinical – wriggling through a challenge and tucking the ball under a sprawling James Severn.
The Doncaster number ten continued to cause Scunthorpe problems, forcing a great fingertip save from the visiting shot-stopper as he tipped a long, curling effort onto the bar.
Jamie Wootton found another opportunity to open the scoring for the Iron, cleverly riding a challenge but seeing his finessed effort saved by Jon Maxted. This could’ve been a potential turning point in the game, but unfortunately Doncaster’s trialist cleverly used the outside of his foot to sink the ball into the bottom right of Scunthorpe’s goal just before half-time.
Reserve team manager Andy Dawson was left with a mountain to overcome at half-time, after witnessing his side succumb to a 4-0 deficit in the first 45.
Shortly after the restart, Scunthorpe were offered a glimmer of hope, referee Halliday giving a penalty for a foul on Jamie Wootton, who then saw his penalty saved to the keeper’s bottom left. This foreshadowed what was to come, with the trialist again proving to be very dangerous - scoring another impressive goal from the edge of the area literally seconds later.
The game quietened down, but it is safe to say that it was a great game to watch for the neutral – end-to-end football, some great goals, and rumour-has-it there was a celebrity in the stadium.
In extra time, Dave Syers got his second with an exquisite touch/volley combination, finding the roof of the net after a long range shot struck the post.
One positive to draw from the game is that Wooton and Wootton seem very comfortable and in-sync with each other, with the pair often finding and creating chances for one another throughout the fixture.
However, the difference between the two sides was certainly finishing – Doncaster’s goals were all very clinical, whilst Scunthorpe failed to take advantage of some early chances in front of goal.
Although most of the game went in One Direction (pun intended) Dawson was left to rue some below-par defending and squandered chances. However, both he and Brian Laws will be aware of the extra experience Doncaster boasted in their ranks.