Doncaster Rovers' bid for automatic promotion from Coca-Cola League One faltered again at the Keepmoat Stadium, as Jason Jarrett's second-half equaliser denied Sean O'Driscoll's side the victory they so badly needed against Oldham Athletic.

Successive defeats on their travels against Brighton & Hove Albion and Yeovil Town raised doubts over Doncaster's chances of claiming the second spot behind Swansea City, the title favourites. Such question marks appear justified on this evidence.

Paul Heffernan put them ahead in the 37th minute, but the home side were far from convincing and their hopes of reaching the Championship may be decided in the play-offs.

Having missed large chunks of the season because of injury, Heffernan returned in January and has scored five goals in his past six games. His powerful drive past Richard O'Donnell was his ninth of the season.

Doncaster were denied all three points when Jarrett equalised within seven minutes of replacing Matt Wolfenden, beating Neil Sullivan with an angled shot after the defence failed to clear a free kick. The home side still created chances to win, with Steve Roberts having a header blocked on the line and James Hayter heading against a post with seven minutes left.

“We created enough chances to win, but just couldn't take them,” O'Driscoll, the manager, said. “There are still plenty of points to play for and we just have to keep plugging away.”

Doncaster Rovers (4-4-2): N Sullivan — M Mills, S Roberts, A Lockwood, G Roberts — R Wellens, B Stock, J Coppinger (sub: G Taylor, 86min), P Green — M McCammon (sub: J Price, 59), P Heffernan (sub: J Hayter, 78). Substitutes not used: S McDaid, L Guy. Booked: Mills.

Oldham Athletic (4-5-1): R O’Donnell — N Eardley, R Hazell, S Stam, K Lomax — D Smalley, M Allott, D Livermore, C Taylor, M Wolfenden (sub: J Jarrett, 46) — L Constantine. Substitutes not used: J Ollerenshaw, P Black, A Kelly. Booked: Jarrett.

Referee: D Deadman.