Player Ratings – Doncaster (A)

After a crucial victory against Doncaster, Vital Reading looks at the players’ individual performances from the 3-1 win over Donny at the Keepmoat Stadium.

After a crucial victory against Doncaster, Vital Reading looks at the players’ individual performances from the 3-1 win over Donny at the Keepmoat Stadium.

—————————————————————

Alex McCarthy – 6 – Quiet game for the keeper, who had nothing to do in the second half, while making one save and picking the ball out his net in the first. Macca couldn`t do anything about the goal. His kicking was improved compared to recent weeks, but still far from perfect.

Chris Gunter – 6 – Did not look confident in the first half, like many of the players, but improved considerably after the break. The only disappointment from his game in the second half was that he didn`t really get forward and overlap McCleary as much, not that he needed to though!

Alex Pearce – 7 – Defensively he was solid throughout and in the second half, looked much more composed when distributing from the back. Dealt well with the physical presence of Brown too. Best of all though, that run and stepover for the third and final goal – what a moment!

Sean Morrison – 6 – A poor first half from Morro, who did not look comfortable or composed at any point. Second half was slightly improved from a defensive point of view, but still a few too many nervy passes going astray. Hasn`t been the same player since he has come back from injury.

Jordan Obita – 7 – One of the only good performers in the first half, who continues to prove his worth for making that left-back spot his own. His attacking intent is always prominent, while defensively he is solid. Only minor disappointment was his set pieces, which were poor in this game.

Garath McCleary – 8 – Along with Obita and Pog, one of the few good performers in the first half – any good play we had came from him. The same applied in the second, but was helped by his team mates stepping up a level. He is starting to fit some good form at the right time.

Hope Akpan – 6 – A good enough shift from Akpan, but the jury still appears to be out on him. He is better without the ball than he is with it – does well to harry players and win the ball back, but isn`t composed enough on the ball to pick out the right pass and play at a high enough tempo.

Mikele Leiertwood – 7 – Poor first half, superb second half. First half he looked like a player that hasn`t started in over a year, giving the ball away and coming out second best in his challenges. Second half he was running the show, winning challenges and keeping the ball moving with simple passes.

Jobi McAnuff – 7 – Very good game from the skipper, whose energy for the full ninety minutes was superb. Did his defensive duties throughout and going forward, he was very effective in the second. Had the beating of Tamas in the second half and possibly unlucky to not get a penalty.

Pavel Pogrebnyak – 8 – VR MotM – Great game from the big Russian, not just because of his two goals – held the ball up superbly and his work rate was first class. Took both goals very well and will be up there as a contender for player of the season after a great performance.

Adam le Fondre – 7 – Good game from Alfie, who proved he has more to his game than just goals. Isolated and unsupported in the first half, but second half he was linking up well, especially with Jobi. Played off the shoulder very well, which was rewarded with winning and scoring the penalty.

———————SUBSTITUTES———————

Jake Taylor – 7 – Brave decision from Adkins to bring him on, but it was certainly the right one. Great energy from midfield and his run and cross for Pog`s first goal was top class.

Kaspars Gorkss and Michael Hector – N/A