Doncaster Rovers secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Newport County at the Eco-Power Stadium on March 1, 2025, making it three straight wins for the Rovers and solidifying their place near the top of the League Two table.
The match attracted an impressive attendance of 8,007, as Doncaster showcased their dominance throughout the game. Head Coach Grant McCann praised his team's performance, stating, "I thought it was a complete performance today from start to finish. We were deserved winners and it was three very good goals so I’m pleased." This sentiment echoed the expectations leading up to the match, magnified by comments from Newport's Head Coach Nelson Jardim, who acknowledged the challenges posed by the strong Doncaster side, noting, "They’re definitely one of the best teams in the division."
The game began with Rovers pressing forward as they created early chances. Jordan Gibson and Rob Street both had opportunities, reflecting the Rovers' aggressive tactics. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Street capitalized on a defensive error, poking the ball home following Jay McGrath's misplayed header from a corner.
Less than a minute after the second half commenced, Doncaster extended their lead. Luke Molyneux launched a volley from just outside the box, which struck the upright, but Street was quick to react, backheeling the rebound expertly past the keeper.
With Newport struggling to find their footing, the match momentum remained firmly with the Rovers. They cemented their dominance with another goal at the 78th minute. Molyneux took advantage of space afforded him and rocketed the ball from the edge of the box, ensuring Newport would leave without any points.
Street's excellent performance not only dazzled the crowd but also lifted his tally to six goals since joining on loan from Lincoln, showcasing his impact on the squad. McCann noted this after the match, emphasizing Street's all-around capabilities: "He can battle, he’s strong, can run in behind, can finish. I’m really, really pleased with how he’s performed since coming in. Six goals is just the start for him and us. We’ve got three very good, different centre-forwards with Joe (Ironside) and Billy (Sharp) alongside him."
Conversely, for Newport, this defeat marked their second consecutive 3-0 loss, raising questions about their response to adversity. Jardim mentioned how important it is for teams to bounce back after disappointing games, saying, "Everyone experiences ups and downs; it’s how you respond to adversity. We need to try and utilize our strengths and take every game as it is."
Despite the loss, Jardim appreciated the support from the Newport fans, stating, "We’re expecting good atmosphere even when we hit rough patches." The Amber Army, known for their passionate support, stood out even on the road and managed to boost the players' morale.
Looking forward, McCann recognized the importance of maintaining momentum. He said, “We must keep our foot on the pedal now. This was only three points, regardless of who it was against, and we look forward to our next game against Bromley.”
With this latest win, Doncaster finds itself firmly entrenched within the top promotion contenders, sitting third and three points clear of fourth-placed Notts County, positioning themselves well for the remaining fixtures.
Both teams will now assess their strategy going forward. Rovers will carry their confidence and form, bolstered by stars like Street and Molyneux, whereas Newport must adapt quickly to halt their slide and refocus as they prepare for future encounters.