Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Charlton Athletic: Lyle Taylor helps Addicks to first leg win

Charlton Athletic hold the advantage in their League One play-off semi-final against Doncaster Rovers after a narrow first-leg win at Keepmoat Stadium.

Following an even first half an hour, Lyle Taylor's stooping header from close range put the Addicks in front.

Taylor turned provider two minutes later, playing Joe Aribo in for a cool finish past goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

But Matty Blair's scrambled goal late on keeps the tie alive ahead of Friday's second leg at The Valley.

The winner will go on to face Portsmouth or Sunderland at Wembley on 26 May, with the Black Cats having won the first leg of their semi-final on Saturday.

Charlton, who finished 15 points above Doncaster in the final League One standings, remain strong favourites to progress despite Blair's goal with three minutes remaining.

There will also be some concern over James Coppinger's fitness, after Doncaster's veteran playmaker and key man was withdrawn at the interval having impressed during the first half.

He was twice well denied by Dillon Phillips from long range, while Danny Andrew was also unlucky not to score with a superb 30-yard free-kick that struck the bar when the game was still goalless.

Taylor ultimately proved the difference between the sides, scrambling in his 25th goal of the season to break the deadlock and then teeing up Aribo to cap a lively all-round performance.

His strike partner Josh Parker also produced an industrious display, heading narrowly wide in the first half, while Albie Morgan's fizzing strike forced Marosi into an excellent fingertip save.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann:

"I thought in the second half we were outstanding. We camped in their half, we passed and probed. We maybe lacked a cutting edge at times but we played our game.

"We possibly could have had a couple more goals. We got into good areas without having a cutting edge. But we're right in the tie.

"They were two sloppy goals for us to concede and the boys were disappointed at half-time and we had to pick them up.

"The first half we lacked energy and spark. We lost the ball and we didn't react quick enough to win it back. The second half we were everywhere and we were much better."

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer:

"I'm disappointed to concede so late on. A bit of fortune went their way, it looped up and it was undefendable for Ben (Purrington) on the far post.

"But we've got a one-goal lead going back to The Valley. We haven't been beaten there since the turn of the year.

"It's going to be tough for Doncaster but we realise it's another 90 minutes and anything can happen.

"We've seen more than ever, this week that has just gone by, how crazy football can be and it's not over until it's over. Again, we'll respect them and try to win the game."