By Rovers Reporter Zak Armitage.
Rovers secured their first win in six on Tuesday night by defeating fellow promotion-chasers Portsmouth 2-1, in what was a thoroughly entertaining encounter at the Keepmoat Stadium.
The home side made a positive start to the fast-paced encounter and took a deserved lead after 12 minutes when former RC Lens midfielder John Bostock supplied an excellent pass to Reece James who slotted the ball past Craig Macgillivray in the Portsmouth goal.
Pompey nearly produced an instant reply and came close to an equaliser through the means of Jack Whatmough who's effort went narrowly wide.
There were a couple more chances at either end before the half time break with Bostock seeing his attempt from the edge of the box saved, while Ellis Harrison went close to equalising for the visitors against the run of play.
Doncaster saw out the first half with a 1-0 lead which they were deserving of, with an impressive first half of football under new boss Andy Butler.
After the break, Portsmouth started the second half a lot more lively and looked likely to level until they were struck on the counter-attack by Rovers, with Fejiri Okenabirhie adding the second with an emphatic finish from a narrow-angle. This putting Doncaster very much on their way to a much needed three points in their fight for the top six.
There did prove to be a nail-biting finish for Doncaster after former Rovers striker Jon Marquis reduced the deficit, and had it not been for the bravery of James who threw his body at a late shot, Pompey may have snatched a draw from the game.
Ultimately Doncaster held on for a crucial victory after a strong showing in the first game under Butler. In doing so they boosted their playoff credentials with what was a mightily impressive victory, that put a stop to their miserable run of form.
