Oxford United 1-1 Doncaster Rovers: Doncaster relegated despite Martin strike

Doncaster Rovers’ inevitable relegation from League One was confirmed despite Josh Martin’s powerful second-half strike earning his side a final-day point against eighth-placed Oxford United.

Billy Bodin’s close-range finish gave Oxford the lead in the 23rd minute, before Martin’s strike after 67 minutes drew his side level.

The game’s first chance fell to Oxford’s Cameron Brannagan in the 7th minute but the former Liverpool man, on his 150th start for the club, could only direct Bodin’s cross over the bar.

Bodin gave his side the lead midway through the first half after ex-Oxford goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell failed to clear his lines. Mitchell blocked Matty Taylor’s shot, but the rebound fell straight to Bodin, who couldn’t miss from close range.

Oxford youngster James Golding, making his full debut in one of four changes from the 2-1 defeat to Rotherham, almost gifted Doncaster an equaliser five minutes later as he tried to clear a cross, but goalkeeper Jack Stevens was alert to tip it over.

Golding himself had to be alert moments later as he cleared off the line. His clever pass then nearly provided an assist for Ryan Williams in the 33rd minute, only for Williams’s curling strike to rebound off the post.

Substitute Mipo Odubeko almost brought Doncaster level in the 65th minute with a powerful header, but Stevens tipped his effort wide of the post.

The Oxford goalkeeper was powerless shortly afterwards, however, as Martin equalised from outside the box.

Golding almost capped his first start with a late winner, but his volley was scrambled off the line, meaning his side finished seven points short of the play-offs.