Doncaster 0 Stevenage 0

Last updated : 08 October 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Doncaster failed to find the net at Belle Vue for the third game in the row as Stevenage produced an impressive display to earn a point.

It was no more than the visitors deserved for a spirited performance with both sides rarely going close to breaking the deadlock in a match where defences remained on top.

Stevenage forced the pace at the start and it needed a fine save from Andy Warrington to prevent Martin Williams from scoring with a powerful header in the third minute.

The first half was played at a blistering pace with neither team having time to settle on the ball.

Justin Jackson had a shot parried following a mistake by Jason Goodliffe but the visitors gave as good as they got with Jamie Campbell going close with a low 20-yarder in the 31st minute.

It needed a brilliant challenge from Simon Marples to keep out Charlie MacDonald in the 39th minute when the former Charlton striker broke clean through.

But home skipper Paul Barnes missed a chance to give Doncaster the lead on the stroke of half time when he struck his shot too close to the keeper following a superb move.

Campbell hit a low 20-yard shot early in the second half before Rovers' dangerous winger Andy Watson had a shot saved by keeper Mark Westhead in the 47th minute.

Watson had a cracking left-foot volley deflected soon after before MacDonald just failed to connect with a close-range header on the hour.

MacDonald was only inches over the top with a spectacular overhead kick in the 77th minute before Barnes had a shot on the turn on the other end.

Westhead pulled off a magnificent save to ensure his side's point three minutes from time when Mark Albrighton looked certain to score with a powerful downward header