Billy Sharp

[Gibbo]

Billy Sharp opened the scoring for Doncaster on an emotional night at the Keepmoat Stadium, but Middlesbrough came from behind to claim victory with a clinical display.

Hours before kick-off Doncaster announced that captain Sharp's two-day-old son had died on Saturday, and it had been expected that the forward would be unable to play any part in the contest.

However, Rovers boss Dean Saunders sprang a surprise by including Sharp in his starting line-up alongside new signing El-Hadji Diouf.



Diouf embarked upon an early surging run at the Middlesbrough defence, but his cross was dealt with and the opening exchanges featured little goalmouth action.

The Keepmoat erupted with 14 minutes gone when Diouf flicked the ball towards the left-hand edge of the penalty area where Sharp swivelled and rifled an exquisite dipping volley over goalkeeper Jason Steele into the far corner.

Sharp revealed a message on a t-shirt underneath his Doncaster jersey as he ran towards the home fans in celebration and referee Darren Deadman did not issue a caution.

Such a horrible thing to happen to anyone, to lose a baby at such a young age is a disaster and I really do feel for Billy Sharp.

Fair play to the ref for not giving him a yellow card though, I hope he doesn't get the book thrown at him for doing so.

[Lee]

That's awfully tragic.

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

.

[Ben_Itez]

Absolutely tragic.

Brought a tear to my eye just looking at that photo.

[Roboklopp]

Didn't know that had happened to him. Horrible. Met his parents in law on holiday in Maldives earlier this year - the bloke & his mate had both played for the Blades too. I think Billy's honeymoon was the year before- also in the Maldives but on a top budget island.

[Exiled_red]

That's awful, thoughts with him and his family.

[RichC]

thats awful

how he managed to get on play last night I'll never know

[Gray]

Tragic story. was unaware til last night.

[Roboklopp]

thats awful

how he managed to get on play last night I'll never know

Aye, it's like Titi- would never be able to play under circumstances like that.

[Roboklopp]

Didnt realise it was so recently. I dont know how he had the strength.

[Maxiedge]

What a ****ing goal it was too

[Shaggy]

billysharp10 billy sharp
I am absolutely overwhelmed with the support from ppl allover the world has given to me tonite,I really can't thank u all enough.amazing

billysharp10 billy sharp
My goal tonight was the most important goal of my career dedicated to my brave boy luey jacob sharp I love u son sleep tight.thatsforyouson

billysharp10 billy sharp
To captain the side tonite was an honour and a pleasure,the minute applause I was crying meant so much to me thanks to both sets of fans

billysharp10 billy sharp
Seriously again its took me 2 hours to read all my tweets I'm in total shock for all ur support u have shown,love to you all.

[Lee]

Heartbreaking.

Especially that second tweet.

[lfcred]

What a great guy! so sad!