You are in > manchester.com  > News > Doncaster demolish Southend in semi

General Sport

Doncaster demolish Southend in semi

16/05/2008

Doncaster Rovers have reached the League One play-off final after a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Southend United.

Rovers' star of the show was James Coppinger, who netted a hat trick comprised of three quality goals including a free kick curled in past Shrimpers keeper Darryl Flahavan to make it 5-0 with ten minutes remaining.

Nick Bailey registered a consolation goal for the Southend at the death, but the visitors never looked like recovering from an Adam Barrett own goal which put Rovers two goals in front.

Brian Stock had broken the deadlock from the penalty spot after a goalless first leg, paving the way for the Yorkshire club to secure a local derby in the upcoming Wembley final against Leeds.

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll expressed his satisfaction at his team's display in front of the television cameras, telling Sky Sports: "The goals were the big difference. A lot of play-off teams struggle in the home legs we just felt we needed to match their determination."