Soccer
Doncaster earn dogged victory over Port Vale
Elijah Campbell’s first-half own goal handed Doncaster a dogged 1-0 League One victory over FA Cup quarter-finalists Port Vale as they all but secured their survival.
The win moved the South Yorkshire side eight points clear of the relegation zone, but the Valiants remain rooted to the foot of the table, 11 points away from safety.
The recalled Hakeeb Adelakun flashed an early effort over the bar for the hosts, while at the other end, Rovers keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala had to be alert to tip a Jaheim Headley shot over the bar.
Rovers took the lead after 22 minutes when Jack Senior’s cross to the back post found Jamie Sterry, whose driven cross was sliced into his own net by Campbell.
Lo-Tutala then had to sprawl to his left to keep out Jordan Shipley’s effort as heavy rain swirled round the Eco-Power Stadium.
Elliot Lee almost doubled the lead just before the break, but visiting goalkeeper Joe Gauci got down well to push his fierce strike to safety, with Lee then drilling another shot inches wide.
Clear-cut chances were non-existent for half an hour after the break, with a mass scramble in the Vale box the only highlight, with the visitors somehow keeping the ball out.
Ben Garrity’s fierce effort after 76 minutes may have poleaxed defender Matty Pearson, but getting his face in the way helped preserve Rovers’ lead.
Adelakun produced a save from Gauci in a rare glimpse of goal for the home side, moments before Sterry fired just over.
