Laws bemoans 'smash and grab'

Last updated : 23 January 2006 By Daniel Elwes
United conceded a last-minute goal to lose a point, despite looking on course for all three after taking the lead through Jim Goodwin.

But the visitors were gifted an equaliser and things got worse when striker Steve Torpey was red carded after stupidly getting involved in a mass brawl following James Coppinger's tackle on Ian Baraclough - which saw the Rovers man sent off.

Laws blasted: "I would describe that as smash and grab. We dominated the game from start to finish and they didn't have a real shot in the second half, the officials were absolute garbage.

"We were never in danger. They humped the ball up field - Michael McIndoe's strike was a nonsense goal and those responsible have been told so.

"We look comfortable and Doncaster would have gone had we got another goal, their equaliser turned the game.

"This was a high tempo game and I can't fault the players' efforts, but neither can I defend the irrational behaviour and Torpey will be fined."

Doncaster's Dave Penney said: "We are delighted with three points, I always thought we looked more likely to snatch the winner.

"We are on the right path and we now need to build up our momentum which had slipped after the Arsenal game.

"To come here and get a result like this is great, the late flare up is what you can expect in a local derby."