Nathan Tyson scored a hat-trick as Doncaster Rovers nearly snuck into the top half of League One by thrashing Scunthorpe United 5-2 in this afternoon's season finale.

The hosts were three up at the break at the Keepmoat Stadium and Tyson added two more in the second half to secure a victory which lifted Donny one place to 13th.

Scunny defender Niall Canavan got the final touch to a Kyle Bennett free kick to gift the hosts the lead on 11 minutes.

The visitors somehow failed to level when Neal Bishop hit the crossbar after Kevin van Veen had gone down in the box appealing for a penalty under Marko Marosi's challenge.

Harry Forrester twice went close for Donny with long-range efforts, and the lively midfielder did play a role in his side's second as he released Bennett to cross for Tyson to convert his 12th of the season.

Paul Dickov's side extend their lead further before the interval as Rob Jones headed home from a corner two minutes into added time.

Van Veen nearly pulled one back for United early in the second period when he nodded just over the crossbar, and their deficit was reduced moments later when Andy Butler bundled into his own net following a scramble.

Paddy Madden had an effort cleared off the line as Scunthorpe briefly threatened a comeback which was snuffed out when Tyson got his second from the penalty spot after Forrester had been felled in the box.

The striker was presented with a golden opportunity to complete his treble when Reece Wabara's shot was blocked by a Scunthorpe hand, and Tyson smashed down the middle to finish his and Donny's season in style.

Hakeeb Adelakun grabbed a 92nd-minute consolation for Scunthorpe, who finish the season 16th in the league.