Doncaster Rovers 1 - 2 Port Vale: Ajay Leitch-Smith brace gives Port Vale victory at Doncaster

Posted Wednesday, January 27, 2016 by PA

Ajay Leitch-Smith's double moved Port Vale within striking distance of the Sky Bet League One play-offs as they won 2-1 at Doncaster.

Leitch-Smith scored in either half to take his tally for the season to double figures as Rob Page's side took advantage of a limp Rovers display and closed the gap on the top six.

It did not take Leitch-Smith long to get going as he coolly finished in just the sixth minute when he dinked home Matthew Kennedy's centre from eight yards.

Kennedy, making his debut following a loan move from Cardiff, could have made a fine early impression, but when in yards of space in the Rovers penalty box he put his shot straight at the legs of goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann.

Vale weathered an early second-half storm from Doncaster, but gave themselves breathing space in the 65th minute when Leitch-Smith scored his 10th goal in 14 matches.

JJ Hooper stole the ball down the left and squared to his team-mate, who eventually converted at the second attempt.

Cedric Evina gave Doncaster brief hope of a comeback in the 88th minute when his cross from the left went straight in but his side did not deserve anything out of the game.