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Club News

Stanley 1 Doncaster 0

2 October 2018

Club News

Stanley 1 Doncaster 0

2 October 2018

Offrande Zanzala's first goal of the season sealed a late win for Stanley against Doncaster Rovers to send the Reds up to fifth in League One.

Zanzala pounced on a Billy Kee pass three minutes from time and fired the ball low into the bottom corner of the net to see off high-flying Doncaster.

Stanley had also hit the post twice but also needed Connor Ripley to be in fine form to keep out Grant McCann's side.

It extended Stanley's unbeaten run to 10 league games – and was a welcome result at the opening of the new Eric Whalley stand.

It was Doncaster who started well and the first real chance came when League One's nine-goal top scorer John Marquis tried to pounce on a loose ball in the area but Connor Ripley managed to get there first.

It was end-to-end with a back heel from Michael Ihiekwe straight into Marko Marosi's arms while former Stanley loan striker Mallik Wilks was clean through on 21 minutes but Ripley was out quickly to deny him with his legs.

The Reds were passing the ball around well with Jordan Clark using his pace on the wing and a dangerous cross from Callum Johnson just evading Scott Brown.

Stanley came close with a header from Clark well held by Marosi while both Sam Finley and Kee had efforts but couldn't find the target.

On the stroke of half-time, Stanley won a free kick on the edge of the area and Sean McConville's 20-yard effort smacked against the post and the follow-up from the winger hit the crossbar.

Stanley started the second half strongly and Newcastle loan midfielder Dan Barlaser forced Marosi into a good save in the early stages.

Scott Brown wasn't far off with an 18-yard strike while McConville charged in on the left but his strike was blocked by the Doncaster defence.

Barlaser had another effort saved as Stanley piled on the pressure but Doncaster still threatened with Ripley diving low to keep out an Alfie May header.

Both sides were still searching for the breakthrough with Clark rifling a strike just wide before Zanzala left it late to clinch a valuable three points.


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