On March 1, 2025, Doncaster Rovers showcased their promotion credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Newport County at the Eco-Power Stadium. The match was particularly significant as Doncaster aimed to maintain their strong position among the top teams, especially after rivals Walsall faced defeat earlier, opening the door for Rovers to climb the table.
Rob Street emerged as the star of the evening, scoring two goals, which were pivotal to Doncaster's success. His first came just after the 34-minute mark when he capitalized on Newport's inability to clear their lines following a corner. Despite appeals for a foul on County's Kyle Jameson, Street poked the ball home from close range, igniting the home crowd's celebrations.
Only seconds after the halftime break, Street struck again. Luke Molyneux hit the post with a powerful volley, and Street was quick to react, seeing his initial shot thwarted by Newport keeper Nick Townsend. Displaying quick thinking, Street ingeniously back-heeled the rebound past Townsend, making it 2-0. This quick succession of goals was indicative of Rovers' dominance and effectively put the game out of Newport's reach.
During the match, Doncaster controlled the pace and flow, often threatening Newport's defense with swift and precise attacks. Jordan Gibson was another key player, creating scoring opportunities, including one where he struck the woodwork midway through the second half. The performance of Molyneux, meanwhile, rounded off with his own scored goal at the 78th minute—an accurate low shot across the goal, sealing the comprehensive victory for his side.
The win solidifies Doncaster's bid for promotion, keeping them firmly within the automatic promotion places, three points clear of fourth-placed Notts County. Rovers are now joint second with their performance raising hopes among fans for a return to higher leagues.
Conversely, Newport County’s struggles continued, with this match marking their second consecutive 3-0 defeat. Following the loss, Newport slipped to 17th place in League Two and will be under immense pressure to react positively against Gillingham next week. Head coach Nelson Jardim, who has recently entered the role during tough times, faces the challenge of rejuvenizing confidence within his team, which has shown signs of being underfunded and outmatched against well-prepared opponents like Doncaster.
While the Exiles managed some early chances, including shots from Joe Thomas and David Ajiboye, they largely failed to capitalize, and the Rovers' defense held firm. The lack of cutting edge up front was evident, and as the match progressed, it became increasingly apparent which of the two teams was chasing promotion and which was battling to avoid the drop.
Post-match, thoughts turned to the next game with optimism for Doncaster and consternation for Newport. The Exiles are set to welcome back suspended striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, which may provide much-needed attacking options. But they also must address the evident gaps within their lineup and improve their defensive coordination if they are to navigate away from the looming relegation zone.
This match was not just about the scoreline; it highlighted the disparities between two teams with vastly different aspirations this season. Doncaster, with their capable squad and established management, clearly demonstrated their readiness for promotion, whereas Newport’s future hangs precariously as they search for solutions to lift them back to competitive form. Only time will tell if they can rally and confront the challenges of the upcoming fixtures.