Doncaster Rovers have confirmed they have been successful with their appeal against goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s red card, via their official website.
The goalkeeper, who is on loan from Championship side Hull City, has made 18 appearances since joining in January where he has claimed seven clean sheets along the way as Doncaster turned themselves from relegation candidates into a play-off side. He was signed following the retirement of Rovers number one Ian Lawlor, who was forced to leave the game.
Rovers finished the regular season in fifth and the signing of Lo-Tutala and Hakeeb Adelakun, who joined on loan from Lincoln City, have both been integral in changing the club’s fortunes alongside club top scorer Joe Ironside.
The keeper was sent off against Gillingham last Saturday after allegedly handling the ball outside his area, but a disciplinary committee has rescinded his sending off after reviewing footage from the match. Rovers drew the game 2-2 and thankfully had second-choice keeper Louis Jones on the bench. It would prove to be Stephen Clemence’s final match in charge of the Gills.
Grant McCann’s side had won their previous 10 in a row prior to the draw and will now be able to name their first-choice keeper in the play-off semi-final against Crewe Alexandra on Bank Holiday Monday. They then welcome the Cheshire side to the Eco-Power Stadium four days later in the second leg.
The winner will face either MK Dons who finished the season in fourth or Crawley Town who finished seventh, for the chance to play in League One next season.
Writer’s View
It was a huge surprise to see Doncaster struggle so much during the first half of the campign. What followed was arguably even more surprising. Even if the South Yorkshire club don’t go up this season, they will be well set for an assault on League Two again next season.
However, having the services of Lo-Tutala for their play-off campaign is a huge boost. They must be considered the favourites to progress to Wembley and a potential shot at League One. Achieving promotion would do their prospects of extending the loanee’s stay for another season.
