Doncaster Rovers 1 – 1 Bolton Wanderers: New Years Day face off sees Glenn Middleton score first Rovers Goal

Doncaster Rovers 1 – 1 Bolton Wanderers

Doncaster Broke their 5 game losing streak in front of packed 10,456 home attendance, including a sell out 3000 tickets for the Bolton Wanderers fans.

Glenn Middleton opened his account for Rovers in the second half before Super-sub Kyle Dempsey with ten minutes to go converted the visitor’s only shot on target to clinch a point on the road.

Before the kick-off, a minute of applause was held in the Eco-Power Stadium to honour the fans they had lost in 2025.

The game started with a strong possession battle between the two teams, with Rovers edging the contest early.

However, on the half-hour mark, George Broadbent was forced to retire from the match due to a knee injury – coming off for Harry Clifton.

Just before half  time, Rovers had an opportunity to score the first goal of the match via Luke Molyneux passing the ball across the front of the goal, however Clifton and Middleton were both unable to connect.

Rovers took the lead in the 54^th minute of play, a cross from Molyneux was controlled by Middleton whose shot from close found the back of the net.

With a newfound confidence, Rovers started to put more pressure onto Bolton, with Middleton having another attempt on goal, set up by Tom Nixon’s throw in – but he placed too much power behind the ball and sent it over the crossbar.

Boltons substitute Kyle Dempsey tied the score in the 78^th minute, though Ian Lawlor dived to the right side it was just out of his reach.

Both teams were determined to take the win however neither side had a clear shot and the game ended 1-1.

Middleton was appointed Doncaster Rovers man of the match for his first goal for Rovers and his persistence to score throughout the game, with 5 shots on goal.

Their next game is this Sunday when they face Luton Town at home who are currently 8^th in the standings

Rovers: Lawlor, Nixon, Pearson, McGrath, Senior, Bailey, Broadbent (Clifton 25’ due to knee injury), Molyneux, Gotts, Middleton (Gibson 84’), Hanland (Sharp 84’)

Wanderers: Miller, Osei-Tutu, Forino, Johnston, Conway, Erhahon  (Morley 77’), Simons (Sheehan 55’), Forss (Dempsey 65’), Gale (Cozier-Duberry 55’), Burstow (McAtee 55’), Dalby