Away Days; Doncaster Rovers

The prospect of a trip to Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium doesn't excite anyone. Not even the most loyal of Rovers fans. Its one of those modern, soulless pits that looks like something you'd eat your Weetabix in. The club that play there are equally as dull; a small fan-base turn out every other week to watch a team who'd be more than happy to survive relegation on goal difference this season. However, today marked the first day of my Christmas break from university and offered the opportunity to watch the Whites on the road for the first time since a dire 2-0 defeat to Millwall in September. I couldn't wait, but I did expect a tough game. I thought we were due a defeat or at least a frustrating day. I'm fairly pessimistic but I couldn't have been more wrong about today.

Like a tit, I agreed to work on Friday night which pushed back my return home by a day meaning the A1 had to be negotiated on Saturday morning before I could even think about South Yorkshire. Aided by a McDonalds breakfast en route, I arrived home to complete two important tasks. Dropping my over-flowing washing bag for my doting mother was the first, picking up my football tickets was the second. I met Kez at Elland Road at 12pm where we had lunch - another McDonalds. There isn't a McDonalds in Durham, I thought it best that I make up for lost time.

Despite the Keepmoat being equivalent to a graveyard in atmosphere, its modern nature ensures it offers a pleasant welcoming to visiting fans. The view from the vast majority of away seating offers a clear and uninterrupted view of the game and the facilities in the concourse are good. I paid £2.90 for a pint of Becks, a fairly cheap price I thought for a pint of lager that was actually what it said it was - far too many grounds these days serve piss under the name of Budweiser and Carlsberg.

Brian McDermott made just one change to the side involved in last weekend's enthralling 3-3 draw with Watford. Tom Lees returned in place of Sam Byram, meaning Lee Peltier continued at right back alongside a central half trio of Zaliukas, Pearce and Lees himself. Doncaster's last league game resulted in a 3-0 defeat against an ever-improving Bolton Wanderers side and boss Paul Dickov made two changes to his side, with Brown and Woods returning in place of David Cotterill and Mark Duffy.

The most famous Matt Smith in the world.

The Keepmoat was cold, very cold and the strong wind wasn't doing anything to aid the err, passing football that both teams like to play. Both struggled to hold onto possession during the opening exchanges, with neither side asserting themselves with any vigour. Matt Smith's nod down led to the first real chance of the game which was put over the bar by McCormack before the giant striker fashioned a header at goal himself. He however made no mistake, meeting Alex Mowatt's fantastic delivery from a free kick mid-way inside the half. Failing to pick up the visitors' man mountain was a key indicator of the home side's defensive frailty, a weakness that was continuously exposed as they battled into the wind with as much confidence as a Sunday League side. The whole back four looked shaky, particularly the full backs and Ross McCormack was unlucky not to double Leeds' lead as he fired inches over from outside the area. To Doncaster's credit, they survived the rest of the opening period without looking particularly threatened as Leeds' final ball was poor on more than one occasion. The home side did end the half well, winning a succession of quick corners that were dealt with well by the outstanding Leeds back three, before Theo Robinson fired a half volley into the stand after bringing the ball down well. Leeds nearly made the loanee pay and probably should have as Matt Smith headed over an exceptional McCormack cross when hitting the target should have been the minimum requirement.

The wind was always going to make things tough for the visitors in the second half and it did as Richie Wellens' early curled effort set the benchmark for a torrid period for Leeds. Doncaster established total control without ever really penetrating, as Zaliukas, Lees and Pearce continued to impress. Kenny was finally tested ten minutes into the second period and got down well to deny Wellens before a huge slice of luck went Leeds' way in a moment of real controversy. After being played through, Theo Robinson was given enough time to count to ten and score by both a stranded Leeds defence and a seemingly distracted linesman. Score he did, celebrate the home faithful did and cover our eyes we did, until the linesman's flag eventually went up. Robinson did look offside, but the flag was incredibly late. "Sit down, shut up" was the cry from a very relieved away end towards the agitated Rovers supporters.

Leeds continued to look under threat and the home side looked to be the only side capable of scoring. But, after dealing with a thirty minute long bombardment, the visitors stole a second and decisive goal. It was the in-form but quiet McCormack that scored it, ghosting past two Rovers defenders before calmly slotting under the body of Turnbull. Scenes in the away end; limbs and bodies flew everywhere. 

The second goal killed the contest and it got even worse for Doncaster with two minutes to go. McCormack, buoyed by his goal, found space down the right wing and his deep cross was met first time by a thumping Rudy Austin half volley which left Turnbull stranded. Less scenes in the away end, more bemusement. An incredibly "un-Leeds like" end to an "un-Leeds like" performance that secured another three valuable points. We now sit sixth, nine points behind table toppers QPR. Nine points is quite a lot, but we have Mariusz Zaliukas and they don't. 

The only thing better than winning away is winning away at Christmas. Doncaster fans genuinely should have gone Christmas shopping and apparently it is pretty fun to see United win away.