Manager Grant McCann described Doncaster’s 2-0 League Two victory at 10-man Cheltenham as a “big win” as they kept their title hopes alive with two late goals.
Jamie Sterry smashed home Rovers’ opener and his first of the season in the 89th minute before a second – deep into second-half stoppage-time – from former Robins striker Rob Street sealed maximum points.
Meanwhile, mid-table Cheltenham had Tim Dieng sent off, 11 minutes into the second half for a second yellow card.
“It’s a big win given the context of the week,” McCann said.
“It’s been really tough given we played Carlisle (3-0 win) who are fighting to stay in the league and then Walsall (2-2 draw) who are fighting to win the league.
“And I’m not being disrespectful to Cheltenham, but they could play with freedom because they’re not going up or down, so I was a bit worried about this game and we had to be strong today.
“First half we were sloppy, but we were better second half. I felt we were stronger before the sending off but then when it happened, it was difficult against 10 men.
“We made an adjustment going to a back three and fortunately we got the job done.
“I’m pleased Jamie is off the mark and then for the second, (assistant boss) Cliffy (Byrne) was shouting ‘get it in the corner’ but we had an overload and then it was a good finish from Rob.”
The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Dieng saw red in the 56th minute after a foul on Jack Senior.
Right-back Sterry applied the perfect touch and strike past Joe Day in the 89th minute after good work from Luke Molyneux on the left.
And substitute Street finished neatly in the fifth minute of time added on after a parry from Day, sealing the points and sending the 683 travelling fans home happy.
Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn felt the game hinged on Dieng’s dismissal.
“The first yellow card is very, very stupid from us and Tim has apologised in the dressing room afterwards,” Flynn said.
“But the referee seemed to wave away the second and I don’t think it was a yellow, it was an honest challenge from both players, but we have given him an opportunity to give it.
“Tommy Backwell got booked as well, which was never a booking so I am a little bit disappointed with that.
“But I am a little bit more pleased with the competitiveness the players showed today because they dug in right to the end, against a really good team, who have gone third.”
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