PAUL Smyth scored his first goal since his return on loan to Accrington Stanley from QPR in January as the Reds returned to winning ways against promotion-rivals Doncaster.

The Keepmoat has been a fortress for Rovers this season – they have the second best record at home in the league, with seven wins in their last nine home games prior to tonight.

However Smyth’s goal on 42 minutes was enough to settle the encounter and give the Reds a welcome three points – and they moved into the play-off places - after three games without a win.

Doncaster started well; Brad Halliday had an early chance, Omar Bogle forced a save out of Nathan Baxter and Taylor Richards tried his luck from distance a couple of times.

Stanley worked their way in to the game and went ahead just before the break when Matt Butcher fed Smyth whose shot deflected in-off Wright.

The Reds started the second half well with Ben Barclay almost getting a touch at the far post for a certain goal.

At the other end, Baxter was out quickly to deny Bogle from close range while Ellery Balcombe did superbly well to keep out a Seamus Conneely strike.

Reece James was kept out by a combination of Baxter and the woodwork as Doncaster began to press, forcing a couple of corners and Cameron Burgess did superbly to almost head the ball off the goalline.

Balcombe produced a superb double save to deny Dion Charles and then Smyth.

Charles then had another go from distance which the Rovers keeper had to push out as both side’s enjoyed spells of pressure.

In the closing stages, the home side pushed on and Josh Sims headed off-target before Reece James shot over the crossbar.

And in the last minute, the Reds defence had to clear a ball off the line as the held on for a hard-fought win.