Doncaster 1 Morecambe 1

Last updated : 21 April 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Honours remained even in a meaningless match between Nationwide Conference promotion rivals which provided few pointers to their chances in the play-off matches.

Doncaster made eight changes to the team that won at Stevenage on Saturday as manager Dave Penney rested several key players and Morecambe seemed to play within themselves.

Penney handed first-team debuts to three players with young striker Steve Burton marking his first appearance with a well-taken goal.

Tyrone Thompson, on loan from Sheffield United, had a solid game in midfield with Keith Foy showing some neat touches at left-back.

But it was Morecambe who looked more dangerous at the start with the lively Garry Thompson hitting the crossbar with a tremendous 30-yard free-kick in the fourth minute.

Lee Elam also had a shot saved before the visitors went ahead in the 27th minute.

Michael Stringfellow set up the chance for Wayne Curtis who volleyed home in fine style from just inside the box to notch his 17th goal of the season.

Jamie Paterson missed a great chance for Doncaster before Burton equalised in the 31st minute, heading home a perfectly placed cross from Andy Watson.

Morecambe twice went close to restoring their lead in quick succession with Stuart Nelson doing well to foil Elam when he dribbled through in the 33rd minute.

Moments later Curtis latched on to another splendid cross from Thompson and looked certain to score, but his header came off the foot of the post and bounced to safety.

The second half was more subdued as both sides seemed to settle for a point.

Stewart Drummond had a 20-yard snapshot saved at full stretch by Nelson in the 53rd minute, before Curtis headed just wide a couple of minutes later.

Drummond went close again in the 78th minute after being set up by substitute Robbie Talbot.

But the match petered out in the closing stages with the only effort of note coming from Paul Green whose fierce shot was well saved by Craig Mawson.