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One foot in the championship for Rovers
JAMES Coppinger was Doncaster Rovers hat-trick hero as they routed Southend United 5-1 in last night's League One promotion play-off semi-final second leg at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Rovers will now play Leeds United in the final at Wembley tomorrow week.
"We beat them at Elland Road and were unlucky to lose against them here so it should be a good final at Wembley," said Coppinger.
"It was great to score my first ever hat-trick and hopefully I've got another goal left in the bag for Wembley."
Said Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll: "I was a bit surprised by how emphatic it was because it had been tight in the first leg at Roots Halls. But goals change games and some of our chances went in today."
Rovers' win was greeted by scenes of delight all over the ground but typically O'Driscoll kept his emotions in check.
"We have got through to a Yorkshire derby at Wembley but the job is only half done and we want to finish it off against a very good Leeds team," he said.
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"I watched both their games against Carlisle in the other semi-final play-off and they are a good side.
"They deserve credit for having come back to reach the play-offs having had 15 points deducted.
"Probably Leeds will be the favourites, but both sides are going to be prepared and we've both got one foot in the door to the Championship.
"One of us is going to get promoted and we'll be doing our best to make sure that is us.
"The occasion will make it for everyone, particularly the supporters, because five years ago the club was in the Conference.
"We want to reach the Championship; we don't want to play well and lose.
"We've got a job of work to do and we'll be back in on Monday to try and build on what we've done here tonight."
Reflecting on Coppinger's match-winning display, O'Driscoll said: "James has got sublime skills; he just needs to have more of an end product.
"It doesn't have to be a goal; there just needs to be an end product.
"We have worked hard on that all season. It has come good for him tonight so I am pleased for him.
"I don't think that you could pick anyone else out. If the team plays well then it is everybody and we are all focused."
Said chairman John Ryan, who dismissed speculation that he would step down having delivered on his pledge were Rovers to win through to the Championship,"As Barnsley fans would say, it was just like watching Brazil.
"It was absolutely fantastic. It was total football and we were well worth the 5-1 win.
"Southend are a good side and had only lost once in their last 16 games, but I thought it looked as though we were a cut above them tonight."
READ MORE
Match report and picture slideshow.
Fans salute Wembley wonders; Picture gallery.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
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