Exeter City fall to a 3-1 defeat at home

Reuben Reid had put the Grecians in front from the penalty spot early in the second half, but a double from John Marquis and a header from Liam Mandeville saw Darren Ferguson’s side return to Yorkshire with all three points.

City boss Paul Tisdale made three changes to the side that drew with Swindon Town in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night. In came Lee Holmes, Jake Taylor and Jack Stacey out went Robbie Simpson, Liam McAlinden and Joel Grant.

The game promised goals with the Grecians lining-up in an attacking 3-2-4-1 formation against a Rovers side who came into the match as the division’s top scorers.

However, the chances were few and far between for both sides in the first half and most of the visitors’ efforts at goal came from sloppy play by City at the back.

Matthew Blair arguably had Doncaster’s best effort to break the deadlock when he sliced a shot wide after James Hamon played a clearance straight into the path of James Coppinger.

Matt Oakley also had to be alert to head off the goal line in the 39th minute after Marquis’ shot had threatened to loop into the net.

At the other end City had an early free-kick from Lee Holmes that warmed the gloves of Marko Marosi and plenty of corners. However, the home side’s best chance to take the lead came when David Wheeler burst into the box and was brought down by Andrew Butler. However, referee Charles Breakspear turned down the appeals.

Moments later Jack Stacey, playing in a more advanced role, got in down the right-hand side of the area and delivered a wonderful low cross but his ball went right across the face of goal with nobody there to fire in.

Read more at http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx#9RRzgwpYyoi4pK8h.99