James Harper's late strike arrested United's losing streak and enabled the Blades to put further pressure on the Championship's top six.

In a repeat of the score between the two teams at Bramall Lane in October, United's second half display was worthy of at least a point.

James Hayter gave Doncaster an early lead and the home side were arguably the better team in the first half but the Blades dominated after the break.

New Loanee Simonsen was named in goal and Harper recalled to a central midfield berth as Blackwell was forced into two changes with Bunn back at Blackburn and Henderson struggling with a hamstring complaint. The United boss again named just six substitutes, whilst Sharp was omitted from the Doncaster squad.

In similar fashion to the early goal against Blackpool in midweek, United won a corner in the opening minute but this time Quinn could not find the target with his shot. There was worse to follow for the visitors as Rovers opened the scoring with their first significant move.

Nosworthy conceded an unnecessary corner, from which United were caught napping and although Coppinger's shot was blocked, the ball dropped kindly for HAYTER to beat a stranded Simonsen, who was off his line soon after to punch away a Woods free-kick with the goalscorer again looking dangerous.

A marauding Montgomery run won a corner, from which Cresswell headed over a Yeates delivery and then Camara's cross just evaded both Quinn and Cresswell as the visitors showed signs of an immediate recovery.

However, the home side hit back with three opportunities in the space of five minutes, all of which were close to doubling the advantage. Another quick set-piece resulted in an Oster cross slightly too heavy for O'Connor and Emmanuel-Thomas and then Simonsen was called upon to make a sharp save at his near post from Hayter. On 21 minutes a cross from Chambers picked out Hayter at the back post and his header, with the goal at his mercy, was wide of the target.

The Blades survived the onslaught, and created a good chance when Connolly's tackle on Hayter set Camara free, but he was unable to find the target, whilst the goalmouth action - at both ends - unsurprisingly slowed as half-time approached. United were seeing a lot of the ball but the well-drilled defence and midfield of the home side held firm in keeping Sullivan protected.

Blackwell threw on Little for Yeates at the start of the second half and an increase in the tempo gave the Unitedites behind Sullivan's goal encouragement. The substitute's first contribution was getting the better of two Rovers defenders on the right flank but his cross was claimed by the home goalkeeper.

Oster's pass released Coppinger, who cut inside but saw his shot hit the back of Connolly but United, who also introduced Bartley, were asking more questions of the home resolve and forcing the play.

A good passing move saw Camara's cross headed over by Cresswell, and the Blades had strong claims a penalty with a push by Martis on Cresswell but the referee said no.
Camara was the first to be booked, for a foul on Woods, who recovered to fire in a shot which Simonsen pushed around the post, despite the ball bouncing just in front of the goalkeeper.

Soon after Camara limped off and with no other fit strikers, Blackwell was forced into a reshuffle. Taylor was introduced at left-back, Stewart moved forward and Quinn joined Cresswell in attack. Despite the upheaval, United were by far the better outfit in the second half and were dominating as the last 15 minutes approached. From a Little cross, Bartley headed over and Cresswell again looked to be impeded as he tried to get a touch on Quinn's cross.

Harper fired over after a Connolly throw was half-cleared and Blackwell instructed the powerful Bartley to finish the game as a makeshift striker, joining Cresswell and Quinn but leaving just three at the back.

The pressure finally paid off on 88 minutes. Taylor's deep free-kick beat Bartley and Cresswell was again pushed as he chested down, it looked like referee Moss was about to award a penalty when HARPER drilled home in front of the Blades fans. It was the least United deserved for the second half display.

Bartley returned to his central defensive position and Rovers introduced their last change, Mutch, who was immediately booked for a foul on Montgomery. Five additional minutes at the end of the 90 was music to the ears of the attacking Blades but a counter-attack almost won it for the home side when a neat Shiels flick put Hayter in the clear but he lacked poise in the box.

Rovers also won two late corners but United held on to secure a deserved points.

Rovers: Sullivan, O'Connor, Roberts, Chambers, Hayter, Wilson, Oster, Woods (Hird 85), Coppinger (Mutch 89), Martis, Emmanuel-Thomas (Shiels 78)
Unused: McDaid, Smith, Spicer, Lockwood.

Blades: Simonsen, Montgomery, Nosworthy, Yeates (Little 45), Harper, Cresswell, Stewart, Seip (Bartley 59), Quinn, Connolly, Camara (Taylor 72).
Unused: Bennett, Fortune, Lowton.