Doncaster Rovers recorded their first home win of the season as they fought back to beat Southend United 4-1.
Ben Whiteman was the Doncaster hero with a ten-minute hat-trick early in the second half as Doncaster came from behind to beat a Southend side that arrived at the Keepmoat in good form.
Stephen McLaughlin and Simon Cox both wasted early chances for the visitors but it was the home side that came closest to breaking the deadlock in the game when John Marquis saw his effort hit the crossbar.
Doncaster enjoyed a good spell in the game with Andy Butler and Tommy Rowe both having opportunities.
Southend went ahead seven minutes before the break when Anthony Wordsworth, who was fortunate to still be on the pitch after kicking out at Doncaster midfielder Jordan Houghton, headed the visitors ahead as he ran onto a clearance header from Niall Mason.
Doncaster scored a crucial equaliser in first half stoppage time when Marquis poked home from close range after good work from Rowe.
Whiteman fired Doncaster ahead early in the second half when he reacted well to a James Coppinger effort that had come back off the crossbar.
The on loan Sheffield United midfielder scored his second of the game to put Doncaster further ahead with a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the area.
Whiteman completed his ten-minute hat-trick from the penalty spot when he sent Oxley in the Southend goal the wrong way.
A bad afternoon for Southend was compounded after the final whistle when defender Anton Ferdinand was shown a straight red card by referee Darren Handley.
It was however, a great afternoon for Doncaster and Whiteman as they enjoyed a first home win of the season.
Doncaster Rovers
Lawlor, Mason, Wright, Butler, Toffolo, Coppinger (Blair 76`), Whiteman, Houghton (Fletcher 90+3′), Marquis (Garratt 88`), May, Rowe
Subs Not Used
Jones, Alcock, Ben Khemis, Mandeville
Southend United
Oxley, Leonard, Ferdinand, Timlin, McLaughlin, Kyprianou (White 25`), Wordsworth, Bwomono, Wright (McGlashan 53`), Cox (Robinson 65`), Ranger
Subs Not Used
Hendrie, Bishop, Yearwood, Fortune
Join Vital Donny
Join Vital Doncaster Rovers!
With news and views, along with a forum, polls and article comments, everything you need in a fans site is right here!
Vital is also 100% interactive. Not only can you have your say on the articles and the forum but you can also suggest an article or a poll so you can air your views.
So why not join Vital today?
It’s easy to register here and enjoy getting involved
Message Board
To visit the message board, click here.
Get involved
Vital Doncaster on:
Vital Doncaster on:
