Miracle worker: One of Portsmouth's own's remarkable career comeback inspires unlikely resurgence of Football League bottom club
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Having not featured for four-and-a-half months through injury, Ben Close appeared off the bench for Doncaster at Forest Green a few weeks ago.
At the time, Grant McCann’s men were languishing at the foot of League Two with two points and five defeats from their opening seven league matches.
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Hide AdHowever, two games and two triumphs later, Rovers find themselves clear of the relegation zone – with Close having netted late winners in each of the successes.
In addition, sandwiched in between, there was also victory against Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, in which the midfielder also featured.
It totals three goals and three wins in three appearances since the 27-year-old’s first-team return this season.
Quite an impact from the former Priory School pupil whose last competitive outing was against Colchester in April, before making his long-awaited squad comeback in mid-September.
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Hide AdSince leaving Pompey for the Keepmoat Stadium on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, Close has endured frustrating times in terms of injury and Doncaster’s demise.


They were relegated to League One in his first campaign, finished a disappointing 18th last term, while have gone through five managers.
Close himself has made just 58 appearances in more than two years, scoring five times, after sidelined by a number of injury issues.
However, he’s now staged a triumphant comeback to lead McCann’s into 19th spot, presently two points above the relegation zone they once occupied.
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Hide AdIt was a trip to Forest Green which marked Close’s comeback, with the Pompey fan coming off the bench to claim a spectacular winner in the sixth minute of time added-on.


It marked Doncaster’s first league away win since February, when they claimed a 2-0 win at Swindon.
The following fixture was a 2-0 win over Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, with Close starting the match before withdrawn in the 71st minute.
He retained his place for last weekend’s home clash with high-flying Gillingham – and netted twice in a 2-1 triumph.
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Hide AdThe winner arrived in the 87th minute over a club where his former Pompey manager Kenny Jackett is based as director of football.
It’s the first time since February that Rovers have tasted victory in three successive games – and coincides with Close’s reappearance.
At Pompey, the midfielder made 190 appearances, scoring 18 times, after coming through the Fratton Park ranks.