Harrison Biggins celebrates scoring Doncaster's second goal at CrewePA Media

Harrison Biggins celebrates scoring Doncaster's second goal at Crewe to put his side in control of their League Two play-off semi-final

Ged Scott
BBC Sport England at the Mornflake Stadium

Doncaster Rovers put themselves in pole position to reach Wembley in the League Two play-off final after sauntering to a two-goal semi-final first-leg win at Crewe.

Luke Molyneux’s superb 34th-minute left-foot strike put Rovers ahead before Harrison Biggins scored a killer second goal three minutes into the second half.

But, in reality, it was a result that went with the form book as fifth-placed Doncaster, who ended the regular campaign with a 12-game unbeaten run including 10 successive wins, proved way too good for a confidence-sapped Crewe side who won only two of their last 12 matches.

And Rovers now look big favourites to meet the winners of the weather-hit other semi-final between MK Dons and Crawley on Sunday, 19 May.

Rovers take control either side of break

Crewe made a lively start on an unusually pleasant May bank holiday evening in south Cheshire - and the visitors had to withstand an early bombardment.

But a flying dive to his left from Rovers keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala to keep out Rio Adebisi’s header was as close as the hosts came.

And, as so often happens, goals change games.

Matt Craig got into space on the left side of the Crewe box in a beautifully worked move, cut the ball back and Molyneux’s first-time left-foot finish into the roof of the net was a stunner.

Matus Holocek did whistle a 25-yarder just over before the break as Crewe sought an equaliser.

But four minutes into the second half the Rovers lead was doubled.

Crewe made a mess of defending Rovers centre-half Richard Wood's header on the halfway line, that set Joe Ironside clear down the right and he squared for Biggins to drill home a low right-foot finish.

Whether it was the 50-yard dash to get on the end of it, or the dash to the touchline that followed to celebrate with the away fans, it proved the last of Biggins’ activity for the night, as he as was forced off, needing what looked like ice treatment on his hamstring.

There were a couple of big late scare for Rovers.

Adebisi’s long punt forward reared up off the playing surface but keeper Lo-Tutala was alert enough to palm the ball over on his goal line.

Then, from Ryan Cooney’s header, Alex substitute Chris Long nodded over from close range.

But, once they had gone ahead, it was pretty comfortable for the visitors - and, from what seemed an almost impossible situation for Doncaster two months ago when they sat 20th in the table following a home defeat by Walsall, Grant McCann’s men will look to complete the job at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday.

Post-match reaction

Crewe manager Lee Bell told BBC Radio Stoke:

"It’s only 2-0. I have told the players ‘don’t make the mistake of thinking this tie is done'. It’s not over yet.

"We made a couple of mistakes which has put them in the driving seat. But in a game of few chances, we could have been ahead.

"The crowd got here early and made a great noise, which gave us a real buzz.

"But we’ve still got another 90 minutes ahead of us and we won’t be afraid of going there and having a real go."

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"People talk about form, but it means nothing in the play-offs.

"Crewe started strongly and caused us problems and it was a cagey game until we scored. We didn’t get going up to then.

"But we scored a really good goal with a little bit of quality and in the second half we were in control. But this is only half-time.

"It’s impossible for me to influence 13,000 fans, I can only manage the team. But they are a good group and they will stay focused on the job in hand."