Saturday, April 26, 2003

PROMOTION-chasing Doncaster Rovers scored three late goals to pave the way for a history-making appearance from their 52-year-old owner John Ryan at Edgar Street on Saturday.

The businessman has ploughed £4milllion into Doncaster and the result was beyond doubt when he was introduced in the first minute of stoppage time.

Replacing the Nationwide Conference's leading-scorer Paul Barnes, the life-long Rovers' fan took the captain's armband.

And, although failing to touch the ball, Ryan became the oldest footballer to play for a senior professional club in England.

For long periods, it looked like Ryan may not be given a chance to step into the limelight.

Indeed, when Albano Correia put sixth-placed Hereford 2-1 ahead with just 13 minutes remaining, it appeared that Ryan's much-publicised appearance might not take place.

Perhaps United should have then battened down the hatches to seal victory in their final match of the season - but they suddenly lost concentration.

And some woeful defending saw United concede three soft goals in a disastrous nine-minute spell.

United's disappointed coach Richard O'Kelly said afterwards: "We did not defend very well in a match that we should have won."

Hereford took the lead in spectacular fashion seven minutes before the interval when Danny Williams struck with a superb 25-yard curling free-kick.

But United made a slow start to the second half and, although Doncaster's 63rd-minute equaliser was no real surprise, the way it arrived will haunt Hereford goalkeeper Matt Baker.

Baker made an excellent save in the first half from Barnes but he flapped at a routine left-wing cross from Chris Beech, presenting Andy Watson with a simple headed goal at the back post.

Correia restored Hereford's advantage in the 77th minute, tucking in Williams' cross to score his third goal for the club.

However, Hereford's joy was short-lived because Rovers equalised within two minutes when Barnes' cross was finished off at the back post by the unmarked Tristram Whitman.

Barnes put Doncaster ahead for the first time in the 85th minute with a cool finish and Gregg Blundell sealed victory, rifling in the fourth.