DonnyEd made the trip to the Madejski to watch Doncaster Rovers take on Reading.
These are my views on just how the players did during the disappointing 4-3 defeat.
Sullivan 6
Couldn`t do anything with any of the goals and made a great save when Long was through on goal.
Dumbuya 6
Had a terrific tussle with Robson-Kanu especially in the second half, he was given very little support and was often left one on one.
Martis 3
He was lucky he scored on the mark would have been even lower. Had a shocker all afternoon and was actually being taunted by the Reading fans towards the end as the could see he wasn`t having a good game. Missed a fantastic chance to equalise in injury time when he was unmarked in front of goal but somehow managed to miss the target.
O`Connor 6
The normally dependable O`Connor also had a disappointing afternoon but I think it was more down to Martis giving him no help at the back.
Mills 7
Had another decent game at left back and was mainly untroubled down the left.
Stock 7
Played well in the middle with Oster and helped break up play and build attacks.
Oster 8 Star Man (Replaced 69 minutes – Hird)
Was pulling all the strings in midfield and if he wasn`t injured when taken off, then it was a poor tactical switch by O`Driscoll.
M. Woods 5
Had a poor game that was typified in the opening minute when he kicked the ball straight into touch when under no pressure. Struggled all afternoon, he did produce one great cross for the Martis goal but should have been the man taken off for Hird.
Coppinger 6
Was busy as usual fro Rovers and put in a great cross for Hayter`s goal. He missed a great chance to make it 4-1, which proved very costly in the end.
Hayter 7
Battled and linked up well with the midfield, great headed goal to get Rovers back on level terms.
Shiels 7 (Replaced 87 minutes – Webster)
Like Hayter, he battled hard up front and took his goal very well. Not the man to fill Billy Sharp`s boots though and Rovers need to bring in a striker on loan whilst he`s injured.
Substitutes
Hird 5
He was brought on for Oster as Rovers put five across the back. He was harshly penalised for handball that led to Reading`s equaliser.
Webster
Came on at 3-3 with three minutes remaining and went up front. Don`t think he did anything of mention during his short spell on the pitch.
Manager – Sean O`Driscoll 5
I am sure he will be wanting words with his defenders after this defeat. Tried to sort out the back line when bringing on Sam Hird and going five at the back. What was mystifying was how he could take off Oster who was running the midfield. He must have been injured otherwise he should have taken off the ineffective Martin Woods.
Usually wouldn`t say boo to a goose but was clearly furious with the linesman after he flagged for the free kick that led to Reading`s equaliser.
If you follow Rovers and would be interested in doing your views of the performance or agree or disagree with my views then please let me know.
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