A thrilling game at the Keepmoat Stadium ended in a draw as both sides went all out for the win.

The hosts took the lead through former Preston North End man Brian Stock on 77 minutes but just three minutes later substitute Paul Hayes equalised for PNE.

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Both sides had plenty of chances to score but let themselves down in the final third with both goalkeepers in fine form.

Chris Brown returned for North End and he replaced Adam Barton as PNE switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

Coming into the game both sides were in the bottom five and knew that a win would boost their survival hopes.

The game started off at a frantic tempo with both sides desperate for the opening goal, but thanks to some solid defending and poor finishing the score stayed 0-0.

Chris Brown, Iain Hume, Keith Treacy and just about every other PNE outfield player tested the Doncaster goal while James Hayter and John Oster both went close for Rovers.

It seemed certain that the first goal would arrive before half time but both sides were left frustrated as the half ended goalless.

The second half started off the same as the first with both sides throwing players forward but for 30 minutes both sides failed to break through.

Doncaster came closest to scoring when James Coppinger’s long-range shot was brilliantly saved by Iain Turner.

Eventually the first goal came with just 13 minutes left on the clock. Stock found himself free in the area and he finished calmly after a good cross.

Phil Brown responded by bringing Hayes on for Eddie Johnson and the substitute made an instant impact.

PNE won a corner and after a frantic scramble the ball hit the crossbar and Hayes was on hand to head the ball home and equalise for North End.

For the last 10 minutes both sides pressed for the winner but they had to settle for the draw.

Scunthorpe and Sheffield United both lost but Crystal Palace picked up a point away at Leicester meaning that PNE are still seven points short of safety.

Time is now running out for the Lilywhites and they know that if they are to have any hope of pulling off the Great Escape they will need to beat Sheffield United on Saturday when they return to Deepdale after three straight away games.

PNE: Turner 8, Nicholson 7, Morgan 7, Khumalo 7, Jones 6, Johnson 5 (Hayes 7), Ashbee 6, Carter 6, Treacy 7 (Ellington n/a), Hume 7 (Proctor n/a), Brown 7. Unused subs: Lonergan, Wright, Coutts, Barton.

Doncaster: Woods 7, O’Connor 7, Martis 6, Kilgallon 7, Friend 6, Oster 6 (Thomas 6), Stock 8, Coppinger 7 (Shiels n/a), Gillett 6, Moussa 7, Hayter 6 (Euell n/a). Unused subs: Sullivan, Hird, Wilson, Mason.