Doncaster Rovers eventually made the most of their man advantage to dramatically beat local rivals Chesterfield in round two of the FA Cup.
With the sides producing 13 goals in their two meetings in 2025, goalmouth action was to be expected. Just 27 miles and 15 places in the football pyramid separated these EFL outfits, with Doncaster putting five past Chesterfield in the Vertu Trophy Round of 32 on Tuesday evening. Grant McCann reverted to his last league eleven, selecting the same XI that won for the first time in 11 league games at Peterborough United last weekend. Likewise, Paul Cook put out a stronger side than the one that lost at Eco-Power Stadium in midweek, making a singular change from their loss against Swindon Town seven days ago. John Fleck was the man to make way for Ryan Stirk in the middle of the park.
The first sign of any needle between these cross-country rivals came when Harry Clifton picked up a sixth-minute caution for a strong challenge on Tom Naylor. Donny were back in Spireites territory two minutes later, when Luke Molyneux picked Jordan Gibson out with a diagonal switch. But the home goalkeeper, Zach Hemming, was quick out to thwart his effort after being played through on goal. Chesterfield’s first meaningful sight of goal came from a left-sided set-piece, with which Dylan Duffy caught the Rovers backline by surprise. Kyle McFadzean, one of several in blue and white to race forward, latched onto the low cross, but skied his effort.
This cup tie suddenly burst into life after the half-hour mark, as successive Spireites corners gave the hosts the lead. Lee Bonis’ curling effort deflected behind, and while the resulting corner didn’t beat Gibson at the near post, he skewed his clearance to give the Derbyshire side another bite at the cherry. This time, they made it count. Jay McGrath could only head as far as Liam Mandeville, and Thimothee Lo-Tutala could only parry his fierce volley into the path of Bonis, on hand to find the target.
But that advantage lasted minutes, as Rovers quickly hit back. Owen Bailey was indebted to Molyneux for his perseverance down the right-hand flank, getting past Lewis Gordon to deliver a wicked ball for Bailey to power home. Both teams traded decent opportunities before the break, as Stirk sent a rasping effort over the bar. Two minutes into first half stoppage time, Molyneux again provided a cross for Brandon Hanlan, whose blushes were spared by the offside flag that had long been up.
Doncaster’s Second Half Pressure Pays Off
Chesterfield began the second 45 minutes on the front foot when Mandeville saw his effort drift wide of the goal, following Dilan Markanday’s pull-back. Set-pieces once again caused the South Yorkshire side issues, as a scramble ensued in the penalty area from Lo-Tutala’s parry. McFadzean eventually lofted an effort into the stands. No sooner was Fleck on before he was off again, as the ex-Blade received his marching orders on the hour mark. He went in high on Bailey in the middle of the park and was shown a red card by referee Neil Hair.
Nevertheless, Chesterfield did well to contain their League One visitors, limiting any meaningful goalmouth action. The impressive Molyneux fired an effort down the throat of Hemming, while Jamie Sterry twice had a sight of goal in as many minutes. After stinging the palms of the Spireites goalkeeper with a 30-yard drive, he dragged an effort wide of the upright. Donny began to up the ante with a man advantage, before it was then the turn of substitute Jack Senior to spearhead the Rovers’ attacks.
His cross-shot was turned home by Billy Sharp, who had been heckled by the home supporters while warming up, but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position. Another swift break by the away side eventually saw the ball fall to Senior on the left side of the penalty area, but he couldn’t keep his effort down. But, it was third time lucky for Rovers’ 23. In the final minute of normal time, he broke down the left flank and sent a low effort, too powerful for Hemming to keep out at his near post.
That forced the 10 men of Chesterfield into a response, as they tried to force the game into extra time. But, for every delivery into the penalty area in the eight minutes of added time, a red and white shirt did just enough to clear their lines. And for the second time in a week, Rovers knock the Spireites out of a cup competition. More midweek action swiftly follows as the sides return to league action. Doncaster will eagerly await the FA Cup 3rd round draw tomorrow evening before hosting Stockport County the following night. Chesterfield simultaneously play at Cambridge United, looking to kick-start their promotion charge.
Leave a Reply