Grant McCann claimed he was ‘proud’ of his Doncaster Rovers players as they exited the FA Cup last night.
Doncaster slipped out of the cup with a goal in either half ending their dreams, but McCann was still happy with his side’s endeavour.
Brave Doncaster Push Palace All the Way
With 58 places separating the two sides, Doncaster Rovers were always facing an uphill battle. However, they showed no fear in the early exchanges, frustrating their Premier League opponents with a resilient defensive display.
Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, resorted to long-throw tactics courtesy of Chris Richards in an effort to break down the League Two outfit. But the home side stood firm, with goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe dealing well with the aerial bombardment.
Doncaster carved out the first clear-cut opportunity of the game when veteran striker Billy Sharp teed up Manchester United loanee Ethan Ennis, but his tame effort was easily gathered by Matt Turner.
Palace’s Quality Shines Through
Despite Doncaster’s dogged resistance, the Eagles eventually broke through from a well-worked set-piece. Daichi Kamada played a clever low pass to Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose shot cannoned off the post. Sharp attempted to clear but inadvertently redirected the ball into the path of Munoz, who had the simple task of slotting home.
Moments after half-time, Justin Devenny was left red-faced when Mateta laid the ball on a plate for him six yards out. With the goal gaping, he somehow scuffed his shot so badly that it almost went out for a throw-in.
But the 21-year-old made amends in style, latching onto Will Hughes’ delightful lofted pass before lifting the ball over Sharman-Lowe to seal the victory.
Grant McCann Proud Despite Defeat
Doncaster boss Grant McCann hailed his players’ efforts despite the defeat, acknowledging the gulf in quality between the two sides.
“I’m really proud of the players and the performance. It was always going to be very tough against a top Premier League team with good players all the way through their team.
“We had some really good chances and moments. We thought Luke’s effort was in during the first half, but ultimately we conceded from a really clever free-kick.
“The second goal we concede – we don’t concede that in League Two. That’s just Premier League quality: the pass, the run, the finish.”
Writer’s View
Doncaster Rovers can hold their heads high after a spirited display against a Premier League side. McCann’s men stuck to their game plan, frustrating Palace for large periods, but ultimately the gap in quality told. For Palace, this was a professional job, and Glasner will be pleased with how his side navigated the potential banana skin. With Millwall awaiting in the next round, the Eagles have a golden opportunity to go deep in this year’s competition.
