Jason McAteer in his first game in charge of the club as Caretaker Manager, made one change to the side that won 2-1 at MK Dons last weekend, replacing himself with 18-year old Mike Jones who was to make a terrific debut. Carl Tremarco was pushed back to left-back as Gareth Roberts moved forward into left-midfield, playing his final game for the club.
This game also marked the return to Prenton Park of liar and traitor Sean Thornton - he got exactly the reception he deserved off the fans, a boo everytime he touched the ball.
Alarm bells were ringing for Rovers after just the fourth minute as Doncaster Number 9 Neil Roberts shot wide of Steve Wilson's goal at the Kop End.
Minutes later Delroy Facey had a chance to open the scoring for Rovers after a good run and flowing move from Macca's Men, but last week's hero could only shoot wide with his left footed attempt.
On 13-minutes Number 7 Lewis Guy opened the scoring for Doncaster. The winger darted past a lame and cowardly challange by captain Mike Jackson before shooting high past Steve Wilson into the top corner from what appeared to be an impossible angle.
Three minutes later Tranmere had the ball in the back of the net. Gareth Roberts swung in a wicked delivery and Mike Jackson netted but the goal was quite rightly chalked off for a push on the Doncaster 'keeper Alan Blayney who enjoyed some good banter with the Rovers fans behind the goal at the Kop end in the second half.
It was Doncaster's turn to have a goal ruled out in the 36th minute, this time for offside. Lewis Guy thought he had got his second of the game after a neat finish but the linesman had quite rightly raised his flag.
However, only seven minutes later Doncaster did net their second, this time after a clanger from Steve Wilson. Mike Jackson failed to pick up his man Neil Roberts, who shot from 30-yards only to see Wilson make a stunning one handed save. Wilson retrieved the ball and attemped a pass to Roberts but to see the ball go straight to Lewis Guy who crossed to Roberts who netted with his head into the empty net. As simple as you like.
Rovers had one more chance before the half time whistle was blown as Mike Jones saw a 25 yard shot go just over the crossbar.
At half time, Jason McAteer brought himself on as a player for the first time, replacing the ineffective Young Player of the Season, Carl Tremarco as Rovers swithced to a 5-3-2 formation, pushing Linwood and Roberts into wing-back role's.
McAteer had a good effect on the game as he made some good passes and interceptions but there was little to shout about in the second half as niether team proved to be a real threat on goal.
Guy should have had his second goal of the game but shot wide from 12-yards after a mistake by Linwood whilst S**n Th***ton saw his cross headed over by Craig Nelthorpe.
Substitute Steve Davies, on for Delroy Facey, hit a tame shot straight at Blayney whilst a fantastic cross from Gareth Roberts was headed wide by Player of the Season, Chris Greenacre.
McAteer handed a debut to one more youngster in the game, Olly James. The right-wing back replaced Paul Linwood for the final ten minutes, playing his first competative game for Rovers after travelling with the squad over the past month or so.
The referee's whistle at full time brought the curtain down on a dismal season or Rovers, one which has been filled with negatives and too few positives.
In the summer there are a lot of contracts to be offered and a lot of players to be brought in whilst their is the crucial decision of appointing a new manager. Lets hope Lorraine Rogers and the board of Directors make the correct choice.
The victory for Donny was in the end not enough, as Swansea won 4-0 at Salter Gate against Chesterfield so 1800 travelling fans left Prenton Park filled with both happyness and dissapointment.
Jones' Man Of The Match: Three players in contention for the final award of the season in my eyes. Danny Harrison comes third after a fine performance in the centre of the park which included some final tackling. Michael Jones, who many of you will think worthy of winning the award on his debut also put in a fine performance, displaying some good skill and vision on debut, hopefully a player we will see more of come next season.
However, a certain Gareth Roberts wins the award of Man Of The Match in his final game for the club. The left-sided Welsh international put in some brilliant crosses, made some fantastic tackles and worked hard all day. It is a sad day that he leaves us and we wish him well for the rest of his career. A special article thanking Gareth will be published shortly.