Doncaster clinched promotion to League One after goals from Rob Street and Billy Sharp secured a 2-1 win over 10-man Yorkshire rivals Bradford.
In an incident-packed encounter in front of over 12,500 fans – the Eco-Power Stadium’s biggest crowd of the season – Doncaster hit the post through Jordan Gibson before on-loan Lincoln striker Street gave Rovers a 33rd-minute lead with his 10th goal of the season.
And Bradford’s task became even tougher following defender Aden Baldwin’s sending-off on the stroke of half-time.
Having being penalised for conceding a free-kick during the final action of the first period, Baldwin was cautioned for arguing with Ross Joyce after the referee had blown his half-time whistle and then shown a red card after continuing his protests as the pair headed for the tunnel.
Doncaster Rovers celebrate promotion to League One
But Doncaster could not put the game to bed after the break and were thankful for on-loan Chelsea keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe’s penalty save from Tyreik Wright in the 86th minute after George Lapslie had been hauled down by James Maxwell.
Veteran marksman Sharp then raced through the right channel onto Ethan Ennis’ headed flick-on in stoppage time before firing across goal into the bottom corner, meaning Romoney Crichlow’s late reply only proved a consolation for the visitors.
Victory meant Doncaster ended their three-season stint in the fourth tier but Bradford, who have won just two of their last 10 matches, saw their automatic promotion hopes suffer another hit.
McCann says he knew Billy Sharp would score in promotion-winning game
Doncaster boss Grant McCann:
“I knew Billy would score. I really did. He’s been champing at the bit and telling me that he was going to score and, with no disrespect to any of our other players, I don’t think there’s anybody else who would have stayed so calm in that situation and just put their shot into the side-netting like he did.
“Teddy has been exceptional for us in what has been his first EFL loan. He made two magnificent saves today and I fancied him with the penalty because of the energy that was around the stadium.
“When we brought Rob in in January, I also said I thought we’d got somebody who was too good for the division and I think our fans have seen that in terms of his contribution with 10 goals and his performances. We’ve been lucky to have him and, hopefully, he’s not in Lincoln’s plans again next season.
“It feels great and I feel a real sense of pride for the city, our fans, my staff, the players and everyone associated with this football club because we’ve all worked so hard for this.”
