Doncaster climbed off the foot of the Championship table thanks to a 1-0 victory over Plymouth.
Doncaster climb towards safety with 1-0 win
Doncaster climbed off the foot of the Championship table thanks to a 1-0 victory over Plymouth at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Captain Brian Stock netted the crucial goal after 37 minutes with a fantastic strike from 30 yards.
Doncaster had enough chances to win more convincingly but lacked a killer instinct, while Plymouth rarely threatened.
Rovers were showing the tentativeness of a side that had only scored three times at home this season and when they did eventually decide to shoot, with 23 minutes gone, Martin Woods' long-range strike flew harmlessly wide of the right-hand post.
One of the biggest cheers of the first half came on the half-hour mark when referee Richard Beeby limped off injured to be replaced by his assistant.
The break in play seemed to galvanise Rovers and they went ahead through Stock eight minutes before the break.
The midfielder picked up a loose ball 30 yards from goal before firing an unstoppable drive that left Romain Larrieu grasping at air before it went in off the crossbar.
Plymouth's poor half was epitomised by a wayward free-kick from Paul Gallagher.
Disinterest
Doncaster continued to show little confidence around the box after the break, but Plymouth's apparent disinterest for the contest meant they did not look like being punished for their profligacy.
Woods ballooned a cross well clear of anyone in the area while Gareth Taylor took too long on the ball and was dispossessed on the edge of the area.
Rovers' goalkeeper Neil Sullivan had been a spectator until the 61st minute when he produced a reflex save to deny Gallagher a glorious opportunity from just six yards.
Rovers continued to probe away without finding a killer second goal with Matt Mills heading a corner into the turf and over.
James Coppinger wasted another chance when through on goal as he took too long to pull the trigger, allowing Marcel Seip to make a relieving tackle.
Stock went off to standing applause three minutes from the end as the home fans showed their appreciation for the only moment of inspiration in the game.
