Doncaster players turn groundsmen to clear waterlogged pitch

Doncaster Rovers players were so desperate to leave Charlton Athletic with a win that they took to the pitch at half-time to clear water off the pitch.


Doncaster players is seen trying to clear water off the pitch Photo: @FayeCarruthers

With a torrential downpour before Saturday's kick-off rendering the pitch at the Valley seemingly unplayable, the two sides nonetheless kicked off their fixture at 3 p.m. sharp as planned.

Heavy rain made conditions difficult from kick-off and referee Lee Collins initially suspended play after 26 minutes with the visitors leading 3-0.

But while the Charlton team trudged back to the changing rooms, the visiting players - no doubt wanting to preserve their sizeable lead, no matter what the circumstances - acted as additional groundsmen.

Paul Dickov's men grabbed pitch forks and giant brooms before making their way back out to sweep, fork, and stamp their way to make the waterlogged pitch playable.

And their efforts were rewarded as Collins got the match underway again, despite little improvement in the conditions.

When play was resumed, the Addicks pulled one back and Doncaster's Paul Keegan was sent off before the game was finally abandoned shortly into the second half.

"I'm disappointed obviously. We were playing some really good stuff, so the referee to suspend play was disappointed," said Dickov after the game.