Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Rotherham United (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 1-2 Rotherham United (U18s)
FA Youth Cup Second Round
Tuesday 16th November 2021

A cruel, stomach-churning twist in the dying seconds of normal time helped Rotherham United progress in the FA Youth Cup at Doncaster Rovers' expense.

Rovers looked all set for a trip to West Bromwich Albion in Round Three having taken the lead through Owen Scattergood's strike in first half injury-time. They'd squandered the chance to double their advantage with top scorer Jack Goodman being denied from the penalty spot, and it proved costly as Curtis Durose slammed home a deflating and dramatic equaliser with just 32 seconds remaining to force extra-time.

Ciaran McGuckin then headed in from close-range during a breakaway attack early in extra-time to complete the turnaround and, despite Rovers' best efforts, they couldn't force penalties and were thus left to ponder what might have been.

Having won four of their five previous fixtures - including a dramatic 2-1 success at Basford United and 2-0 victory over Rotherham in the EFL Youth Alliance a month ago, Rovers went into this clash in a confident mood and determined to impress in the first youth team fixture played on the main Keepmoat Stadium pitch for more than three seasons.

They knew it wouldn't be easy though. Rotherham, whose style won't suit football purists, are always the same; big, strong, fit, efficient, but above everything, well-drilled and good at what they do. They certainly aren't easy to play against so a close game was therefore expected.

Gary McSheffrey made one change to the side which won in the First Round as Jak Whiting (a natural leader who can galvanise others) returned in defence at the expense of Michael Nesbitt who missed out on a place in the matchday squad altogether due to injury.

Attacking towards the North Stand in the first half, Doncaster began with purposeful intent and almost took the lead within two minutes as Goodman raced onto a through ball and rounded the Rotherham 'keeper, but forced out wide to a tight angle, his eventual effort hit the side-netting.

The Millers looked most threatening at set-plays and an early long-throw was headed on and gathered by Luke Chadwick, but it was Rovers who, unsurprisingly, looked tidier on the ball and they knocked it around quite well at times with Scattergood and Corie Cole posing a major threat. The duo soon combined for a gilt-edged chance where, remarkably, the ball somehow didn't go into the net. Scattergood was the instigator with some nifty footwork and play inside the box and he provided a pull-back for Cole whose low toe-poke effort hit the inside of the post, trickled across the goal-line and somehow went wide of the opposite post.

How it stayed out was a mystery (especially considering the penalty area was busy) but Rovers remained good value on the ball with Tavonga Kuleya being narrowly off-target with a further attempt before the first half midway point.

Slowly but surely, Rotherham began to impose their presence and own style a bit more and Billy Carroll headed wide from a set-play, before Dan Wilds was needed to produce a block from Ben Hatton's shot close to the half-hour mark.

The game had become a bit of a battle between two contrasting styles. Rotherham remained dangerous when delivering crosses from wide areas (along with dead ball scenarios) whilst Donny continued to try and work their way through their opponents with incisive passing and good build-up play.

Definitive clear-cut openings remained at a premium though and the run up to half-time was stop-start, partly down to Scattergood picking up a knock which required treatment and resulted in two minutes of first half injury-time.

And it was during those two minutes when the breakthrough moment came!

Whiting played a key role - showing persistence and presence-of-mind to get in a position to win the ball back high up the pitch and his threaded pass into Scattergood was perfect for the first-year forward who whacked the ball with aplomb past the Rotherham 'keeper before being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates who knew this was a brilliant time to break the deadlock.

With a lead to protect, Rovers knew they had a big 45 minutes ahead of them and the second half proved to be very much 'nip tuck' with little in the way of clear-cut goalmouth action.

Defenders from both teams made important interventions; Bobby Faulkner (who put in a very committed and hard-working display which will have impressed many amongst the big crowd) provided one during a breakaway attack whilst Sam Greenhouse did likewise for the visitors.

As the hour mark came and went, there was a sense that Rotherham - boasting a superior physical presence were starting to get on top and dictate things a bit which was therefore tipping momentum in their favour. Rovers responded to this by introducing defensive-midfielder Will Flint from the substitutes bench in place of Alex Fletcher. The Millers also made a change as Hamish Douglas was replaced by Zack Bond.

It was just after these changes that Rovers created their clearest opening since going ahead as Tavonga Kuleya was picked out by Goodman and, with a clear sight of goal, he was superbly thwarted by Rotherham 'keeper Alfie Burnett who read the danger and was quick off his line to make a crucial save.

Kuleya was soon replaced by towering defender Charlie Petch as Rovers sought to protect what they had with less than a quarter of the game remaining.

The visitors, wearing their grey away strip, were continuing to look a threat as the minutes ticked by and Mackenzie Warne (son of Rotherham boss Paul Warne who was watching on in the stands!) nearly found an equaliser with an effort he whistled narrowly wide from the edge of the box after Greenhouse's long-throw was only partially cleared away. The pressure continued and from a corner-kick only a few minutes later, Chadwick was required to pull off a save after a powerful header by Carroll.

It wasn't quite yet at the stage where the pressure was so intense Rovers needed respite but if they'd been able to get a second goal it would have paved the way for a much more comfortable finale and with eight minutes remaining, they were awarded with the perfect chance to do so when Goodman was judged to have been fouled in the box by the referee. It didn't look a penalty (if anything it seemed incredibly harsh) because Rotherham's defender certainly got a touch on the ball, but nor were there too many appeals against the decision by visiting players.

Goodman took responsibility with the spot-kick and despite hitting a low and hard effort to the 'keeper's right-hand side, Burnett guessed correctly and managed to palm the ball onto the post and away to safety - thus keeping his team in with a fighting chance as seven minutes of normal time remained.

When those minutes were up, a minimum of three more were awarded and with Rovers' players knowing they were right on the brink of a trip to West Bromwich Albion, the Hawthorns dream was snatched away as Rotherham dramatically got back on level terms.

The clock read precisely 92:28 (and I know because I had the stop-watch on!) when Durose's low drive crept past Chadwick and into the net; the Millers forward having been allowed by the Rovers defence to cut inside, stretch his legs and pull the trigger from the edge of the area to devastating effect.

It was a body-blow for Donny's tiring players who'd given so much effort but now needed to lift themselves both physically and mentally and win the game again.

Sadly, it proved to be too much because within five minutes of extra-time, Rotherham completed the turnaround altogether thanks to a fast-flowing breakaway where Rovers' loss of possession on the halfway line was their undoing.

Durose was instrumental in the goal as he broke away down the right flank amidst a frantic chase by Whiting who did well but couldn't stop an inevitable cross. Faulkner also 'bust a gut' to sprint back and take up a defensive position inside the area but Durose's delivery was perfect for McGuckin whose close-range header flew past Chadwick.

Rovers were now chasing a game where, football-wise, they'd been the better team.

They weren't quite done yet as a moment of huge pressure inside the visitors' penalty box saw the ball drop for Goodman who lost his footing at the crucial moment with the 'keeper grounded - otherwise it would have been a certain goal. He was still able to recycle it back to Cole whose wild effort flew over the upright much to Rotherham's relief!

Will Hollings then went close as Rovers finished the first period of extra-time very strongly but during the second 15 minutes, despite a few crosses which always carried a bit too much flight or were comfortable for Burnett, the hosts weren't able to muster up that gilt-edged, golden opportunity that teams crave in these scenarios.

Rotherham defended well to their immense credit - keeping their shape, being disciplined and running the clock down when it was needed, and ultimately they progressed to Round Three!

Ultimately, had Rovers been able to show some of those same 'game-management' characteristics in the closing stages of normal-time and been able to waste precious seconds at any opportunity, they'd probably be looking forward to a trip to the West Midlands now. Instead, players were sometimes a bit too eager to get play going again - certainly so after the penalty miss which was a galvanising moment for Rotherham. Taking a bit longer over throw-ins, or at set-plays, doing laces up, feigning injury and other subtle little things would easily have eaten into the 32 seconds that remained when the ball hit the net.

Plenty can be discussed about the specifics in exactly how the two goals were conceded and discussions can be had about how to deal with pressure-scenarios, but it was that tiny 'gamesmanship' which Rotherham did better that ultimately proved to be the difference.

Despite the result, however, the lads still deserve some credit.

It wasn't a vintage night or performance but amongst Rovers' players, Bobby Faulkner (my 'Man Of The Match' as I thought he put a really strong shift in), Corie Cole (who showed his technical quality), Jack Goodman (bar the penalty miss), Owen Scattergood (who was persistent and a nuisance yet again - just like 10 days ago, Jack Raper (who did well but tired towards the end) and Jak Whiting (who I'm enjoying watching more every week) will probably have all made favourable impressions amongst the healthy crowd that turned out to watch the game.

It was pleasing to see several players past and present in the stands including Branden Horton, Paul Green, Cameron John, Omar Bogle, John Buckley, Lirak Hasani, Liam Ravenhill and Ed Williams - and a good camaraderie amongst them all, plus also Ethan Bojang who was in Rovers' youth ranks last season prior to joining Peterborough United's U23s.

Manager Richie Wellens was nowhere to be seen, nor was Liam Hoden who as Editor of the Doncaster Free Press (and Doncaster Rovers reporter), you'd thought might have bothered to turn up, but at least he can get the information from this blog post if he needs to!

With a free weekend upcoming, the youth team's next outing is a visit to Grimsby Town in the EFL Youth Alliance on Saturday 27th November - a game which will be tough as the Mariners are top of the table, have some good players and are often good value to watch.

Good luck to Rotherham United in Round Three and here's hoping they enjoy the experience of performing at a big stadium where there will hopefully be another decent turn-out.

Team: Luke Chadwick, Alex Fletcher (Will Flint), Jak Whiting, Will Hollings, Bobby Faulkner, Dan Wilds (C), Owen Scattergood (Alex Wolny), Jack Raper (Tom Henson), Jack Goodman, Corie Cole, Tavonga Kuleya (Charlie Petch). Unused Subs: Jake Dram, Harry Wood, Tom Parkinson.

Leeds United (U23s) 2-1 Mansfield Town (U23s)

Leeds United (U23s) 2-1 Mansfield Town (U23s)
Premier League Cup
Monday 15th November 2021

This was a meaningful and worthwhile work-out for players from both teams as Leeds United very narrowly edged out Mansfield Town in this Premier League Cup tie at York City's new LNER Community Stadium.

It was a high energy, high-tempo encounter with loads of running involved and it had plenty of chances at both ends. The key difference was Leeds took the openings which came their way whereas Mansfield didn't; striking the woodwork on two occasions, missing a couple and being denied by the 'keeper numerous times before James Gale eventually put the ball in the net in the 88th minute.

There were some quality players on the pitch with United's Archie Gray standing out along with Max Dean showed clever glimpses of tidy technique and positional awareness in attack. James Debayo also performed strongly at the heart of the backline too - looking comfortable on the ball, carrying it out of defence, and being efficient when he needed to be.

Mansfield competed well against a quality team though and despite Tyrese Sinclair enduring one of those nights when the ball basically just wouldn't go in for him, he contributed a lot of positive energy - linking things up, running at players and posing a serious attacking threat. It was an alright showing (bar the finishing) but at least he's getting in decent shooting positions anyway. Likewise, Keaton Ward put in a proper shift and supplemented attacks well - more so as the game progressed, and Jason Law showed bits of quality on the ball at set-plays. Jaden Charles, bar that short attempted back-pass late on, made a couple of crucial interceptions under pressure at times - especially during an intense first 45 minutes.

Overall, it was a good and worthwhile shift for many players involved with loads of energy, drive and desire shown and certainly one of the better and more intense U23s games which I've witnessed this season.

It was evident from an early stage that Mansfield would need to be very alert and retaining their shape out-of-possession would be of fundamental importance as Leeds (who initially had more possession) moved the ball around quickly, aggressively, sharply and showed a real 'zip and zest' about their play.

A wet pitch only further aided their style and Gray was often at the heart of things in midfield.

The Stags, however, weren't just going to be dominated by United's younger yet very technical counterparts and couldn't be faulted for their effort levels. In one instance, Sinclair tracked back deep into his own half and subsequently switched a good pass out wide to a team-mate during strong pressure (a very good contribution as sometimes 'flair' players don't like tracking back and getting their hands dirty with defensive work), whilst Charles was also required to make a couple of important interceptions in order to keep the hosts at arms length.

On the quarter-hour mark, Mansfield mustered up the very first of what proved to be a string of good opportunities as an attempt by Gale was blocked by Whites 'keeper Harry Christy who re-adjusted himself quickly and did enough to thwart Nathan Caine on the follow-up.

The Stags went close again just a moment or so later when Sinclair's whipped in free-kick from out wide caught a glancing touch from George Cooper which carried the ball goalwards where it clipped the upright as it went over. Unlucky!

George Shelvey then held a speculative low drive from the edge of the area as Leeds responded with a decent opening of their own, but it was still Mansfield who were shading things in the chances stakes as the midway point of the first half came to pass.

Sinclair's pace, directness and athleticism caused the Whites defence problems on a few occasions though it was from a speculative and surprising long-range free-kick that he nearly found the target on the half-hour mark; Christy producing a good diving save to tip the effort wide of his left-hand post.

From Law's subsequent back-post corner, Will Forrester rose highest and connected with a firm downward header yet somehow the ball was knocked away from the goal-line when it seemed as if the net was about to bulge. Play was quickly recycled, via a deflected cross, where the Leeds 'keeper eventually managed to get both gloves on the ball and end the danger.

It could be argued the Stags looked most threatening at set-plays and one five minutes before the interval resulted in Gale squandering the clearest yet and most gilt-edged of chances.

Sinclair's initial free-kick was a disappointing one by his standards as it lacked the venom or accuracy to be dangerous and it just hit the last defender on the wall. Nevertheless, it dropped kindly for his bulky team-mate with a decent physical presence who snatched at his shot - blazing the ball high over the upright when as a bare minimum he ought to have tested the 'keeper.

That miss was the biggest of the lot because Leeds were still playing a lot of neat, fluid and good football between the lines - and in-between these chances. Plus, bagging an opener just before half-time is never a bad time to make a breakthrough!

Ir proved doubly costly because within a few minutes of the re-start, it was Leeds who got the all-important first goal courtesy of Sean McGurk who stabbed a toe-end towards Dean's initial low effort to send the ball trickling past a rooted-to-the-spot Shelvey from only a matter of yards out.

The opener almost caused the floodgates to open because Dean caught the upright two minutes later with a shot on the back of a jinking run as Mansfield, having done well to retain their shape and thwart their hosts up until now, were starting to show signs that they could be about to fall apart.

United were enjoying plenty of success playing out from the back and then working the ball through the middle but this didn't stop chances going the Stags' way at the other end.

Twice within only four minutes past the hour mark should Mansfield have been back on level terms; Sinclair flashing a powerful drive across goal and agonisingly wide of Christy's left-hand post after Gale had mugged a Leeds defender on the edge of his own box, before the playmaker skimmed the ball wide of the other post following an inviting lay-off by Law.

Gale also went close as he demonstrated good hold-up play, partly down to his physical presence, prior to unleashing a cleanly-struck snap-shot from 20 yards that went wide. Ward then also got in on the act - going on a run but seeing his effort equalled by a good solid save from Christy who just moments earlier had been booked for time-wasting.

Having somehow not managed to put the ball in the back of the net, it was sods law that the Stags would pay for their profligacy and so it proved on 72 minutes as McGurk and Dean combined once more to make it 2-0 - the former connecting with a deep cross on the byline and hooking it back towards the edge of the six-yard box where Dean was arriving to smash it first time past Shelvey.

Mansfield didn't give up though and to their credit, they dominated things during the final quarter-of-an-hour where they created a flurry of further opportunities.

Law saw an attempt blocked by Debayo before Ryan Burke whistled a 20-yard drive narrowly over the upright in one attack and, within 60 seconds of that chance, Law himself had clipped the upright with a deflected attempt on the back of some good individual play.

Ward's subsequent corner from that chance nearly dropped kindly inside the Leeds area though, instead, the ball was hooked away and almost ended with the Whites bagging a third goal as Charles' intended back-pass for Shelvey was much too short and put Gray clean through - only for the Stags' 'keeper to pull off a good, meaningful save.

Charles responded by stinging the Leeds 'keeper's gloves with a venomous near-post drive at the other end, having been put through by Sinclair, but just as Christy might have been thinking about a hard-earned clean-sheet that was undone as Gale found the bottom corner with a low edge-of-the-box shot to make it 2-1 with around two minutes remaining.

Leeds' performance and movement of the ball was really good at times but on the balance of chances it was Mansfield who deserved something to show for their efforts and during five minutes of injury-time they were thwarted yet again by the impressive Whites custodian.

It was arguably the Stags' two best performers on the night who combined for this final chance as Sinclair drifted out to the right-hand side and hooked a fabulous ball towards the edge of the six-yard box and straight onto the head of Ward whose firm and planted header was saved by Christy who scooped the ball into his grasp at the second attempt.

Another 'close shave' but it was just one of those nights!

The final whistle after five minutes of injury-time brought the curtain down on an absorbing, intense and high-energy game of football where a lot of running and effort was put in by both sets of players. Sometimes you need to be in a stadium to appreciate the feel of a game and this was one of those occasions and it was backed by a small yet lively crowd who played their part as well.

Along with earlier observations, on a personal level it was brilliant to see Keaton Ward out there on a football pitch enjoying himself and, importantly, contributing a great deal to the overall team performance. It contrasts a hell of a lot compared to this time exactly a year ago and if you stop for a moment, take stock and look at the differences between then and now, it's been a hell of a journey. Well done mate - you've come through a tough patch, learned loads and made a lot of people proud!

There were other good performances too as I've pointed out - and again I'll highlight Tyrese Sinclair's contribution and work where he tracked and found a team-mate with a pass under a hell of a lot of pressure. That doesn't get missed by these eyes; just keep your head up with regards to the missed chances and concentrate on the next one which comes along!

The only thing I'm left to wonder about this game is what sort of impact Ethan Hill (who, incidentally, happens to the best 'footballer' I've seen in Mansfield's U18s over the past season or so) would’ve made in this game? Could he have handled the pace/intensity or would it have been too much? He's good in possession, technical and a player I'd love to see more from, and it's a fleeting thought I've had a couple of times whilst writing this article/report for the last hour-and-a-half.

Next Game: Doncaster Rovers (U18s) vs Rotherham United (U18s) in the FA Youth Cup Second Round.

 

Athersley Recreation 0-4 Staveley Miners Welfare

Athersley Recreation 0-4 Staveley Miners Welfare

NCEL (Premier Division)

Saturday 13th November 2021

Having not been to Barnsley for what feels like an eternity, this was my second visit here in the space of only a few days.

Following on from a trip to Oakwell to watch the Reds' U23s earlier in the week, this time the purpose of the trip was to head up to Sheerien Park and watch Athersley Recreation take on Staveley Miners Welfare in the Northern Counties East League (Premier Division).

Athersley currently find themselves rock bottom and are very much in danger of relegation back to 'Step 6' for the first time in nine years whereas Staveley are comfortable in mid-table, and despite a rally (of sorts) by the home team after half-time in this game, they were on the back foot for lengthy spells and ultimately well-beaten by the more talented team.

On a difficult pitch which looked as if it would suit studs rather than moulds, Staveley, wearing all yellow, were initially perhaps guilty of 'over-playing' and taking one too many touches at times in the midfield area as Athersley doggedly kept them at bay for the opening half-hour.

However, the hosts eventually got undone at a set-piece on 35 minutes as shambolic marking allowed Rob Worrall's far-post free-kick to be met by the head of Sam Kaye who guided the ball home from close-range. It was a simple routine, a simple finish, but such a disappointing and avoidable goal to concede due to the lackadaisical defending.

It could have got worse for Athersley just a few moments later and their blushes were spared thanks to a linesman's flag after Tomas Poole was judged to have strayed into an offside position when he put Charlie Bell's cross into the net amidst another spell of forced pressure.

Staveley 'keeper Luke Chadwick (on loan at Inkersall Road from Doncaster Rovers) was a virtual spectator for much of the first period. Barring a low shot from the edge of the area which was straight at him (and comfortably saved) and a few long goal-kicks clearances, the youngest player on the pitch hadn't had much to do up to this point. 

Nevertheless, he played his part in the Trojans making it 2-0 just before half-time.

A strange combination of sunlight suddenly creeping out of nowhere and shining directly into his goalmouth (and with the floodlights already on because it was rather dark) meant the baseball cap was required and having just put it on, he launched a long free-kick downfield and straight towards the edge of Athersley's penalty area. The danger wasn't cleared at all convincingly and the ball bobbled around momentarily before Declan Howe smashed it past the 'keeper to add a degree of comfort to the scoreline.

That goal meant Howe - otherwise known as 'the big fat f**ker' (as one Athersley fan described him after what can best described as a 'forward's tackle' earlier in the half), was up to a dozen goals for the campaign and he nearly added another strike right on the half-time whistle with a rasping strike from distance which just went over the upright.

Despite being mid-table, Staveley have had a few capitulations recently - the biggest of which is also their most recent as they led 3-0 but lost 4-3 to Eccleshill United only last weekend.

In the early stages of the second half in this game, there were fleeting fears that another might be on the cards because (as a team) they switched off, allowed Athersley to get on top and start dictating play and struggled to repeat the way in which they did things well during the first 45 minutes.

Had Athersley scored at any point up to around the hour mark then it would probably have resulted in a very different type of contest with plenty of 'Gung Ho' pressure in the latter stages.

The hosts certainly had their chances too - rattling the woodwork from a narrow angle within five minutes of the re-start before Chadwick got down low to tip a shot wide at the expense of a corner. Staveley were also saved by the offside flag in another instance, Chadwick made a couple more good saves and useful catches from balls into the box, and quite a few harsh words were exchanged in order to give those wearing yellow the proverbial 'boot up the backside' they needed.

After this shaky period of sloppiness, Staveley eventually got their act together again and any fears of another capitulation were extinguished altogether when Poole showed nifty footwork and movement inside the area - turning well and then firing home to make it 3-0 on 66 minutes. Goodnight Athersley!

The last 20 minutes saw plenty of play in and around the midfield area but the visitors looked much more assured, confident and in command again by this point. The scoring was completed when Howe burst into the box and finished with aplomb on the brink of injury-time - thus grabbing his 13th goal this season which means he's very much still amongst the handful of prolific and regular goalscorers in the NCEL (Premier Division). Not at all bad for a 'big fat f**ker'!

The result also meant Luke Chadwick kept another clean-sheet and, despite being far busier after half-time than before it, he looked confident and composed in what he was required to do. His distribution was good, he kept a few shots out, claimed the ball well and also wasn't afraid to communicate with his backline and dish out instructions when it was necessary. It was good to hear so many people talking positively about the impact he's made and how he's both performed and settled in during his loan spell to date and long may it continue because he's doing people proud.

Next: Doncaster Rovers (U18s) vs Rotherham United (U18s) in the FA Youth Cup Second Round.

Scunthorpe United 2-3 Doncaster Rovers

Scunthorpe United 2-3 Doncaster Rovers
EFL Trophy
Tuesday 9th November 2021

There are few better feelings in football than when players you've watched progress and develop from a young age make their professional debuts and that's precisely what happened here as Tavonga Kuleya, Will Hollings and Jack Goodman made their first ever appearances for Doncaster Rovers.

The trio were amongst seven current youth teamers included in the matchday squad which, in addition to five other academy graduates, meant a total of 12 current of former youth team players were involved - the largest quantity for any first team game since the Rovers Academy relaunched in 2004 (and, having checked with Club Historian John Coyle, quite possibly ever).

Needless to say, therefore, this was a big night for everyone at DRFC.

The game wasn't just simply a dead rubber either because both teams knew they had a chance of progressing to the knockout stages along with runaway Group E winners Rotherham United.

For Rovers, the task was straightforward; avoid defeat and a place in the Last 32 was confirmed. For Scunthorpe, they needed to win by at least a four-goal margin to complete one of the unlikeliest group stage comebacks in the history of the competition and progress. A Scunny win but by a three-goal margin or less, meanwhile, would put Manchester City's plucky U23s team into the knockout stages.

With so many injuries and absentees for a variety of different reasons, Richie Wellens, having stated it was '15' in total, also opted once again to leave out senior duo Ed Williams and Omar Bogle - this despite the fact they're fit and available for selection. You've got to wonder the true merits of keeping two players in enforced-isolation when numbers are so low and results have been utterly atrocious this season and whether it'd be more beneficial to just swallow his pride and re-integrate them in the group. Nevertheless, their absences did at least pave the way for a couple more youngsters to get their first ever taste of a first team matchday.

Scunthorpe also made six changes to their starting xi from the team that was beaten by quite a different-looking Rovers in the FA Cup First Round on Saturday, with some of their own academy graduates amongst the substitutes such as Cameron Wilson who put in a great performance (which possibly went a long way to him earning his first-year pro) when Iron's U18s won 4-2 at Donny back at the start of this year.

Rovers began the game aggressively and positively and reaped the rewards of their energetic start, albeit in somewhat fortuitous fashion as good initial work by Tommy Rowe, then also by Kuleya inside the box, found Rodrigo Vilca's whose deflected attempt crept past wrong-footed Iron 'keeper Rory Watson and into the net.

Tom Pugh (the younger brother of one-time DRFC youngster Joe Pugh) flashed a shot wide at the other end as Scunthorpe threatened a response five minutes later, but it was 2-0 on the quarter-hour mark when Vilca burst away on a counter-attack and threaded a ball through to Joe Dodoo who retained his composure to finish.

At this point, Donny were playing some neat and attractive football - many would say arguably their best at any point this season given that quite a few performances have been horrific, and Scunthorpe's chances of progression (considering they now needed to score six goals) was slim to none.

The Iron weren't going to meekly surrender under the watchful eyes of their new manager Keith Hill, and they spurned a big chance to get back in the game just past the half-hour mark. Aaron Jarvis got in-behind the Rovers' defensive line and was always the favourite to latch onto a floated through ball ahead of Rovers 'keeper Louis Jones who did the right thing in coming off his line and outside his area to narrow the angle. Jarvis' first touch forced him wide when, in hindsight, he might have been better poking it goalwards and as the Donny defence managed to scamper back into position, the chance petered out - had it resulted in a goal it may well have changed the course of the game.

Scunny applied more pressure in search of a route back into things. Pugh slid an inviting ball across the goalmouth which nobody could connect with in one move; Myles Hippolyte was narrowly off-target with a low drive from distance in another, and there was also a concerning moment when Devarn Green slipped and landed awkwardly on his arm/wrist when closing down Ben Blythe out wide - thus resulting in his early withdrawal from the game through injury.

The Iron had looked better in the run-up to half-time and seemed dangerous at set-pieces (of which they had a few) though Rovers began the second half by getting back on the front-foot and driving forward in search of a third goal. It almost unfolded when the excellent Lirak Hasani (who'll come out of this game with plenty of credit owing to a good performance) found Tommy Rowe whose subsequent low drive was spilled by Watson and recycled back to Vilca who clipped the crossbar.

A third then came shortly before the half-hour mark which all but put the game to bed as Dodoo received possession on the edge of the box, looked up and unleashed a thunderous drive into the bottom corner; 3-0 - and it was 'Goodnight Scunthorpe'.

Or at least it should have been...

Trailing by such a deficit, the Iron got in the ascendency but only after Branden Horton and Dodoo went close to adding to Rovers' lead with efforts a few minutes apart.

The game seemed flat; the result beyond any reasonable doubt and, at times, Scunthorpe had no other choice but to pass backwards as Rovers' shape remained good leading into the final quarter-of-an-hour when Hollings replaced Kuleya for his professional debut which was closely followed by Goodman coming on for Dodoo (and thus becoming the seventh youngest player EVER to feature for Doncaster Rovers at 16 years and 233 days).

Alex Wolny also 'got the nod' and was in the process of getting unchanged when things began to unravel in spectacular fashion. Jones had already done well to spring off his line and close down a clean-through Hippolyte in order to protect a clean-sheet which he deserved before Scunthope finally grabbed something to show for their efforts when Ryan Loft's dink found the net on 88 minutes.

Wolny was in his full kit and still waiting to come on when, incredibly, Jake Scrimshaw turned goalscorer to make it 3-2 - heading home from a corner to set-up three anxious minutes of injury-time. And for poor old Wolny, it meant his professional debut would have to wait until another time.

The drama wasn't yet completed though. Rovers' naivety in the final few minutes was evident and it wasn't helped by conceding two silly free-kicks inside their own half which allowed Scunthorpe, sensing blood at this point to force penalties, to put balls into the box.

In one instance when they did so, the ball ended up in the back of the net - but a re-take was ordered which spared Rovers' blushes (and even still, it wouldn't have counted anyway as the linesman's flag was up). The second attempt was claimed by Jones before another, from a similar position around a minute later, was partially-cleared away and met with the full-time whistle.

Overall, it was a convincing win for Rovers - one which should have been a lot more straight-forward than what ultimately proved to be, but they're still in the hat for the Round Two draw which takes place this weekend.

There were some good positives put in by individuals who've come through the academy as Ben Blythe looked every bit like a mature left-footed centre-back which I know he can be and performed well - carrying out his duties in a composed fashion; Lirak Hasani was industrious and hard-working and should come out of this game with a large amount of credit, and Branden Horton showed plenty of energy, desire and drive and on another occasion might have even bagged his first professional goal.

Added to the qualities showed by Tommy Rowe, Matt Smith, Rodrigo Vilca and Joe Dodoo, amongst others, who complimented the youngsters well, it meant it was actually enjoyable to watch at times.

As a competition, the EFL Trophy isn't without its critics (especially amongst lower league fans) and there are plenty of naysayers about who are quick to ridicule or dismiss the competition - often just because it nowadays includes U23s teams from Premier League clubs.

Regardless though of whether it's Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham or these lads, every player in the world who has ever played professional football will be immediately able to recall their first senior appearance and the thoughts/feelings that went with it - and I've got no doubts whatsoever that the memories of this game will be cherished and last for a lifetime for the young lads who were involved.

So this competition has value to them, along with loads of other lads throughout the country, and the naysayers ought to remember that when they next call the competition 'pointless' or 'meaningless' and throw a wobbly or threaten to boycott it - especially if they're a DRFC fan wishing to see young players emerge, progress and become part of the first team.

It was also brilliant to catch up with Harry Jessop and Fin Shrimpton beforehand - two players at Scunthorpe who although they weren't playing, still had to report for duty. Both are top lads with top class attitudes; absolute diamonds in terms of what a manager would want personality-wise, and they've got to where they are right now by sheer hard graft and absolute determination.

I'd be just as happy to see both of them get that lucky break (which every player needs at some stage) and then go on to forge sustained and enjoyable careers for themselves and I wish them luck with everything.

As always, I'll always be checking every week to see how they get on - good luck lads!

Team: Louis Jones, Kyle Knoyle, Tom Anderson, Ben Blythe, Branden Horton, Lirak Hasani, Matt Smith, Tommy Rowe, Rodrigo Vilca, Joe Dodoo (Jack Goodman), Tavonga Kuleya (Will Hollings). Unused Subs: Alex Wolny, Jack Raper, Alex Fletcher, Ben Bottomley, Corie Cole.