York City 1, Doncaster Rovers 2

SIR Alex Ferguson looked on from the York City directors' box just three days after watching his horse Nautical Haven win at York races.

Ferguson was in attendance to support his son Darren – the manager of Doncaster Rovers who tonight inflicted another pre-season defeat on the Minstermen.

Ironically, he nearly saw 'Rooney' breaking the deadlock too, but York defender Shaun Rooney NOT the 'Rooney' he knows and loves from Manchester United!

The Minstermen fell behind on 21 minutes when John Marquis delivered a low ball across the area and Tommy Rowe was allowed space to shoot past Scott Flinders.

However, Jackie McNamara's side soon got back on level terms thanks to a clanger from Doncaster goalkeeper Ross Etheridge who dropped a lofted ball in a crowded area allowing striker Scott Fenwick to poke home.

McNamara had made three changes to the side that started Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Bolton Wanderers.

Goalkeeper Luke Simpson and winger Danny Nti dropped to the bench while defender Matt Fry was absent after suffering an ankle injury. The trio were replaced by Scott Flinders, Yan Klukowski, and Josh Robinson.

Again, York employed a 3-5-2 formation with Scottish winger Aidan Connolly showing moments of flair in the final third.

Encouragingly, there was no sign of any gulf in quality and York more than held their own in a first half of limited opportunities.

Alex Whittle, on the left side of the field, showed good solidity, where Rooney – on the opposite flank – looks the more attack minded wingback.

There was an early scare when defender Josh Robinson sank to the ground in agony following a challenge by Marquis. Fortunately for the Minstermen, the recent arrival from Irish club Crusaders was able to shrug off his knock.

With another friendly tomorrow night away at Harrogate Town, McNamara will be looking to shuffle his pack and give more game time to those who have been on the fringes in the last few games.

Striker Richard Brodie, for example, was a notable absentee tonight along with Lanre Oyebanjo who returned to the club from Crawley at the weekend.

Rovers started the second half the brighter of the two teams but found York well-organised at the back. Defending has certainly been a 'positive' in York's last three public friendlies but, going forward, there appears to be a need for more invention. Rovers goalkeeper Etheridge was rarely tested.

Andy Butler headed wide at a corner as York came under more pressure in the second half. Flinders produced a fine save near the end to deny Andy Williams.

Robinson and Marquis, having clashed at the start of the game, were involved in another spat. Marquis reacted angrily to a hefty challenge from Robinson who fell to the floor clutching his face. However, referee John Brookes issued only a yellow card to the Rovers striker.

Doncaster are currently preparing for life in League Two after being relegated last season. It is 12 years since the South Yorkshire club last played in the fourth tier of English football and veteran winger James Coppinger is the only survivor from the team that won promotion to the Championship in 2008.

Doncaster's line-up included Matty Blair, the former City winger who scored the goal that secured victory against Luton Town in the 2012 Conference promotion play-off final.

Typically, it was one time Bootham Crescent hero Blair who scored the winner with a thumping drive from the edge of the penalty box on 68 minutes.

Ferguson senior departed soon after the goal – with a friendly wave to the home supporters.

City: Flinders; Robinson, Higgins, Clappison (Nti 60), Rooney, Kamdjo, Heslop, Whittle; Klukowski; Connolly, Fenwick. Substitutes not used: Simpson, Clarke, Felix, Wardle, Thompson, Walton, Kennedy.

Doncaster: Etheridge; Blair, Lund, Butler (Fielding 64), Garratt; McCullough (Trialist 14); Coppinger, Rowe, Calder (Evina 74); Williams, Marquis (Mandeville 70). Substitutes not used: Marosi, Longbottom, Pugh.

Referee: J Brookes (Melton Mowbray)

Attendance: 834