A sublime hat-trick from Jamie Coppinger inspired Doncaster Rovers to a resounding 5-1 victory over Southend United in the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final at the Keepmoat Stadium.

A penalty from Brian Stock, an own goal from Adam Barrett and a fine solo effort from Coppinger gave the home side a three-goal cushion at the break after James Walker had given them a scare by rattling their woodwork on eight minutes.

Coppinger added another memorable goal in the early minutes of the second period and then capped his hat-trick with an unstoppable free-kick to set up a meeting with Leeds in the play-off final at Wembley a week on Sunday.

With the tie goalless after the first leg Doncaster looked to assert themselves quickly from the off, but after bossing the opening stages they almost went behind when Walker thumped a shot against the crossbar from inside six yards after a lightning break down the Southend right.

Having narrowly survived that scare, a mere two minutes later the home side went ahead when Peter Clarke was adjudged to have tripped Jason Price and Stock coolly passed the ball down the centre of the goal from 12 yards.

Price then drew a fine save from visiting goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan before playing a telling role in his side's second goal.

A deep cross from the right was headed back across goal by Paul Green and the presence of Price forced Southend captain Barrett to head the ball into his own net from close range.

Coppinger delivered the killer blow five minutes before the break, weaving infield from the right before sending a low shot across goal and into the bottom-left corner from just inside the penalty area.

If that goal was good, Coppiner's second - seven minutes into the second half - was superb.

Picking up the ball on the right touchline, he drifted inside and slipped past three challenges before firing a sweet left-footer into the bottom-left corner from 18 yards.

Sean O'Driscoll's men saw out time playing the slick passing football that has been their hallmark this season, and with 10 minutes to play Coppinger whipped a beautiful free-kick into the top-left to set the seal on a headline-grabbing individual performance.

Nicky Bailey grabbed a late consolation for the visitors to reward their dedicated travelling support, but it made little difference on a night that was all about the brilliance of Doncaster.

Tom Williams / Eurosport