Sean McDaid and Brian Stock helped Doncaster sink 10-man Swindon 2-0 at the Keepmoat Stadium to guarantee Rovers at least a play-off place.Sean O'Driscoll's side dominated proceedings to close the gap on second-placed Carlisle to three points ahead of the Cumbrians' lunchtime clash against Leeds at Elland Road.

The Rovers boss made five changes to the side held to a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield in their last match and was rewarded with a much-improved display.

Captain Stock hit the sidenetting with an early volley before Lewis Guy latched onto a long clearance and hit a powerful effort which forced goalkeeper Peter Brezovan into an impressive save.

But the home side made the breakthrough in the 39th minute when Gareth Taylor split the Swindon defence with an incisive throughball and McDaid burst through to finish confidently for his first goal in professional football.

The Robins improved slightly after the break, with the introduction of Billy Paynter up front causing problems, while Mike Timlin drifted a free-kick just wide.

But any hopes they had of getting back on level terms were ended when Hasney Aljofree was given his marching orders by referee Scott Mathieson in the 66th minute.

The Swindon defender brought down Mark McCammon in the box after he had been found by another great pass from Taylor.

Skipper Stock stepped up to send Brezovan the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick as he rolled the ball home from 12 yards.

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