Crewe finished the season in sixth spot after Elliott Nevitt scored a 92nd-minute equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw in their away clash with Colchester United.
Having sealed their place in the top seven, Crewe are now dreaming of returning to League One for the first time since being relegated in 2021-22.
While they will be pleased to be in the playoffs, the Railwaymen will head into the semi-final off the back of an underwhelming run of form which has seen them win just one of their last nine matches.
Lee Bell’s side have struggled in recent outings at the Mornflake Stadium, losing 3-0 in each of their last three home matches against Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Wrexham.
However, the hosts can take confidence from the fact that they have won five of their previous eight home games against Doncaster (D3), including a 3-2 win in November’s home fixture.
After drawing 1-1 with Bradford City on March 5, Doncaster were languishing in 20th place and 14 points adrift of the top seven with 10 matches left to play.
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Instead of letting the season peter out, Grant McCann’s side put together a remarkable 10-game winning run to climb up the table and move into fifth position before their final-day clash with Gillingham.
Despite giving up a two-goal lead to draw with the Gills, Doncaster still managed to hold onto fifth position, ensuring that they will have home advantage for Friday’s return leg.
First, Rovers will be fully focused on Monday’s away fixture, where they will be looking to continue their impressive goalscoring form after netting at least two times in each of their previous six matches.
Although a draw could represent a positive result, Doncaster will have aspirations of clinching their first away win over Crewe since winning 2-1 in April 2013
