Doncaster Rovers vs Portsmouth. Sky Bet League Two.
The Keepmoat StadiumAttendance5,568.
Thursday 5 January 2017 22:05, UK
John Marquis scored twice as Doncaster moved four points clear at the top of Sky Bet League Two with a 3-1 victory over Portsmouth on Thursday.
The hosts took the lead after five minutes at Keepmoat Stadium when Marquis headed home, but Portsmouth levelled late in the first half through Kal Naismith.
Tommy Rowe restored Doncaster's lead after a brilliant passing move in the 58th minute and Marquis made sure of the points when he volleyed in the third.
The win sees Doncaster extend their lead over second-placed Plymouth while Portsmouth remain fourth.
With both sides unchanged from their matches on Monday, it was Doncaster who made the perfect start on a chilly night in south Yorkshire.
James Coppinger's cross from the right was flicked on and Marquis was unmarked as he headed in from six yards out.
Portsmouth struggled to get a foothold in the early stages but were only denied an equaliser in the 15th minute by a superb save on the line from Marko Marosi, who reacted sharply to keep out Matt Clarke's header.
At the other end, Niall Mason dragged a shot wide before Marquis was again left free in the box and this time headed against the woodwork.
But Portsmouth improved as the half wore on and they levelled in the 41st minute when Jordan Houghton gave the ball away in midfield and Kyle Bennett slipped it through for Naismith to finish past Marosi.
The game continued to look in the balance early in the second half before Rowe restored Doncaster's lead just before the hour mark.
The hosts worked the ball forward with a slick passing move and Rowe fired home from just inside the box.
Doncaster extended their advantage in the 71st minute when a cross from the left was coolly volleyed in by Marquis.
Portsmouth continued to battle and substitute Milan Lalkovic headed at Marosi, who had to be stretchered off minutes later with injury.
But despite late pressure and seven minutes of injury time, the visitors could not find a way back into the match.
