Papa John's Trophy
Tuesday 21st September 2021
An entertaining, and at times end-to-end game, finished in a victory for Doncaster Rovers over a decent young Manchester City team at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Sixteen years to the night of that epic Carling Cup tie between the same two clubs at Belle Vue which saw DRFC topple Stuart Pearce's mega-rich Premier League superstars infront of the Sky Sports cameras, this game didn't quite provoke the same excitement or nerve-jangling emotions though there was some attractive football played in periods.
Joe Dodoo's two goals, one either side of half-time, earned him the sponsors' 'Man Of The Match' award though Richie Wellens' men missed a flurry of good chances (especially in the first half) which ought to have made for a more comfortable win. If they hadn't been victorious then they'd have only really had themselves to blame!
Blessed with quality all over the pitch, City's general play, fluidity and style was evident on multiple occasions and a joy to watch at times and there is little doubt that many of those who featured for them will go on to enjoy decent careers at a good level.
Having gone 1-0 up from a well-orchastrated move which culminated with Sam Edozie slotting low past Louis Jones, the visiting youngsters' lead was short-lived as Dodoo quickly got Rovers back on level terms with a finish from just inside the box.
A lengthy period of pressure followed between the equaliser and the half-time whistle as Rovers' superior experience was apparent but despite creating numerous openings, a combination of inaccurate shooting and some good goalkeeping by Cieran Slicker ensured things remained all square at the break.
The second half was more balanced and the three points could easily have gone either way.
Rovers initially remained the more threatening going forward and eventually went 2-1 up just before the hour mark when Dodoo converted following a corner but thereafter it was end-to-end with not much between the teams. The woodwork twice spared Rovers from being pegged back as the upright was rattled before Taione Sodje clipped the post, whilst only a superb low and instinctive save from Slicker denied substitute Rodrigo Vilca from adding a third goal at the other end.
Such was the impression that a few of City's youngsters made, Rovers could do far worse than trying to seek out the possibility of loan moves at some point in the future. Whether or not City's hierarchy would be willing to leave their outstanding young talent in Richie Wellens' hands, given that his man-management skills have been called into question multiple times already, is another matter. Nevertheless, the best way for young players to develop will always be by gaining as much first team experience as possible - something which they're unlikely to get with any frequency at the Etihad Stadium!
Despite being tonked 6-0 by Rotherham United in the opening group game, this win has very much re-ignited Rovers' hopes of making it out of their group. A win at Scunthorpe United in the final group game in November will most likely seal a place in the knockout stages though ultimately it's not going to be results in this competition which determine whether or not it's a successful season at DRFC.
The win will increase confidence amongst the playing squad ahead of two upcoming away games at Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town and, considering Rovers are still bottom of the Sky Bet League One table, points from league games are what's needed now.
Next Up: Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates
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