Derby County got themselves a hard-earned three points at the Keepmoat Stadium, beating Doncaster Rovers 2-1.
On eight minutes, it was Derby who had the first effort on goal after a powerful run and shot by Callum Ball, which is gathered well by Carl Ikeme.
Derby made their early pressure count on 13 minutes, as Jake Buxton's long ball forward found Theo Robinson, clear on goal, and the striker tucked it away for his tenth of the season.
Robinson had another chance 20 minutes in, hitting a shot on the turn and forcing another save from Ikeme.
A minute later, the home side had their first chance, but El-Hadji Diouf headed over from Giles Barnes's cross.
On 31 minutes, Doncaster had another chance to equalise. Frederic Piquionne's header looked destined for the net from Diouf's cross, but Frankie Fielding saved well.
Derby went in at half time 1-0 up, and deservedly so.
After the restart, the Rams soon made it 2-0. After some patient team play, the away side worked an opening and Gareth Roberts drove a low shot straight into the net.
Doncaster pulled a goal back in 66 minutes when Diouf turned neatly in the box and fired past Fielding to put the home side back in it.
Derby managed to see out the rest of the game, as the final whistle blew with the score at 2-1.
Sam Hughes
