The hosts finished the campaign in sixth position with 71 points to their name, while Doncaster finished in fifth position due to their slender goal difference advantage.

Match preview

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann before the match on August 30, 2023 © Reuters

Crewe finished the season in sixth spot after Elliott Nevitt scored a 92nd-minute equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw in their away clash with Colchester United.

Having sealed their place in the top seven, Crewe are now dreaming of returning to League One for the first time since being relegated in 2021-22.

While they will be pleased to be in the playoffs, the Railwaymen will head into the semi-final off the back of an underwhelming run of form which has seen them win just one of their last nine matches.

Lee Bell's side have struggled in recent outings at the Mornflake Stadium, losing 3-0 in each of their last three home matches against Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Wrexham.

However, the hosts can take confidence from the fact that they have won five of their previous eight home games against Doncaster (D3), including a 3-2 win in November's home fixture.

After drawing 1-1 with Bradford City on March 5, Doncaster were languishing in 20th place and 14 points adrift of the top seven with 10 matches left to play.

Instead of letting the season peter out, Grant McCann's side put together a remarkable 10-game winning run to climb up the table and move into fifth position before their final-day clash with Gillingham.

Despite giving up a two-goal lead to draw with the Gills, Doncaster still managed to hold onto fifth position, ensuring that they will have home advantage for Friday's return leg.

First, Rovers will be fully focused on Monday's away fixture, where they will be looking to continue their impressive goalscoring form after netting at least two times in each of their previous six matches.

Although a draw could represent a positive result, Doncaster will have aspirations of clinching their first away win over Crewe since winning 2-1 in April 2013.

Crewe Alexandra League Two form:

Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

Team News

Doncaster Rovers' Joe Ironside scores their first goal on August 30, 2023 © Reuters

Crewe are still unable to call upon the services of Tom Booth, Harvey Davies, Jack Powell, Luke Offord and Owen Lunt.

Bell has revealed that a late decision will be made on the availability of Lewis Billington, Matus Holicek, Ed Turns, Chris Long and Conor Thomas.

Nevitt will provide one of Crewe's main attacking threats after scoring 16 goals in 43 league appearances this season.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without Ben Close, Liam Ravenhill, Caolan Lavery and Bobby Faulkner.

Jon Taylor and George Miller are making progress in their injury recovery, but it remains to be seen whether they will be passed fit for Monday's fixture.

Despite being sent off against Gillingham, Thimothee Lo-Tutala will be available to feature after Doncaster won an appeal to overturn the goalkeeper's red card.

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Cooney, Demetriou, Williams, Adebisi; Billington, Austerfield; Tracey, Tabiner, Rowe; Nevitt

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:
Lo-Tutala; Sterry, Anderson, Wood, Maxwell; Bailey, Craig; Molyneux, Biggins, Adelakun; Ironside

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We say: Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Doncaster Rovers

Although both teams finished level on points, Doncaster will have momentum on their side after winning 10 of their previous 11 matches, and we think that they will claim another victory when they face a Crewe side that has lost each of their last three home matches.

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