Doncaster Rovers vs Port Vale has certainly changed in importance over the past year. Both sides are now fighting at the bottom end of League One after finishing first and second, respectively, last season.
The victory gets Rovers to the magical 50 point mark in their newly-promoted campaign, leaving them eight points clear of the dreaded drop zone with only seven to play.
Doncaster Rovers vs Port Vale: Rovers took the lead in the 22nd minute from a move initially co-ordinated down the left flank through Jack Senior, his out-swinging ball towards the back post looked to be too long for talisman Owen Bailey to reach but a determined bit of play by the midfielder resulted in the ball falling to Jamie Sterry who’s first time volley across goal was deflected in by Vale’s Elijah Campbell at the near post. Luck certainly not on the side of the league’s bottom placed side.
Doncaster had more time on the ball, and looked the superior side on the eye in terms of quality, especially in midfield. However, Vale had the more clear-cut chances on goal and on another day if Rovers allow similar to a side with more conviction they could face deeper punishment.
Vale made a quadruple substitution early on in the second-half, with manager Jon Brady potentially sensing an opportunity to go and attack the game more.
There was a clear shift in tactics from the visitors as their play certainly improved and was more ground-focused in contrast to their initial longer approach mostly into Everton loanee Martin Sherif.
The fixture was a rescheduled one, moved due to Vale’s magical run in the FA Cup which continues with their quarter-final clash a week on Saturday at Stamford Bridge against Premier League titans Chelsea.
A bit of a welcome back down to earth for the visitors after their shock win at home to playoff contenders Bolton last time out.
Fears of relegation back down to League Two will linger in the minds of supporters, staff and players travelling back down to Stoke-On-Trent this evening as 11 points from 9 games does seem like a tall order to catch up with, especially with the relegation battle in League One being as competitive as it is this season.
On the other hand, the run of form that Rovers have recently embarked on could be the reason for their survival in the third tier come May, picking up 13 points out of a possible 15 in their last five has catapulted them up the table and is potentially going to earn them another season in League One.
