Sheff Utd 0-1 Doncaster

James O'Connor's first goal of the season secured the points and lifted Rovers out of the relegation zone.

Sheffield United dominated the first half with Danny Webber testing Neil Sullivan several times and Greg Halford wasting two good chances.

Doncaster went ahead five minutes after the restart, as John Spicer's cross was poked in at the far post by O'Connor.

United battled for a leveller, Darius Henderson and Jamie Ward going close, but stout defending kept them out.

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:

"To lose at home is always disappointing. We were not bright enough, we had plenty of the ball but we were too one dimensional.

"It was a sloppy goal to concede. We said at half time they were only going to score one way and they did with a breakaway goal.

"They blocked the middle of the pitch and we didn't get the ball wide enough and paid the price. The players have to accept responsibility."

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll:

"This was our first ever win at Bramall Lane and after a good result in the FA Cup at the weekend, it's the icing on the cake.

"Regardless of what people think about the FA Cup, we're trying to stay in the Championship. This was a great result for us and I am delighted with all the players.

"There is still a long way to go, but we ended 2008 well and have started 2000 excellently."

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Halford (Hendrie 84), Montgomery, Quinn (Howard 77), Webber, Henderson, Sharp (Ward 59). Subs Not Used: Jihai, Bromby.

Booked: Quinn, Henderson.

Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Van Nieuwstadt, Mills, Lockwood, Chambers, Spicer (Roberts 90), Wellens, Stock (Wilson 89), Woods, Price (Byfield 76). Subs Not Used: Taylor, Heffernan.

Booked: Woods.

Goals: O'Connor 50.

Att: 26,555

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).