Doncaster Rovers 2 West Bromwich Albion 3

Last updated : 11 April 2010 By Footymad Previewer

West Bromwich Albion clinched automatic promotion and an immediate return to the Premier League but were made to battle all the way before securing a 3-2 victory at Doncaster Rovers.

Rovers edged an entertaining game after gaining an early grip in midfield but struggled to round off their excellent approach play in front of goal.

Nothing could stop the Albion promotion bandwagon and they cashed in on their chances before holding on resolutely when Doncaster staged a grandstand finish.

John Oster was behind almost all Doncaster's attacking moves as the home side bossed the game in midfield from the start.

The former Everton midfield ace was just wide with a 25-yard effort in the fifth minute, before producing a superb through ball a minute later which led to James Hayter having a left-foot shot tipped over the bar.

It was an absorbing game between two slick passing sides, but Doncaster had a definite edge and another splendid ball from Oster led to a great chance for Jordon Mutch, but he had the ball snatched off his toes as he was about to shoot.

West Brom had not had a shot on target or forced a single corner when they snatched the lead against the run of play in the 30th minute.

Top scorer Graham Dorrans slammed home his 18th goal of the season with a terrific shot direct from a free-kick just outside the box.

Oster fired just over the bar before Shelton Martis missed a great chance to equalise with only the keeper to beat following a free-kick on the stoke of half-time.

Rovers were rocked again when Chris Brunt added a second in first-half stoppage time, easily beating home keeper Neil Sullivan after James Chambers had headed the ball to him.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas latched on to a pass from Oster to pull one back straight after the interval as Doncaster battled all the way.

But West Brom scored again in the 73rd minute when Roman Bednar blasted home at the far post following another mistake from Chambers.

The home side never gave up the fight and Hayter headed home in the 85th minute to set up a dramatic finish.

But the visitors held on under heavy pressure with the jubilant away fans charging on to the pitch to celebrate with the players at the final whistle.