Another Copps milestone, leaders, versatility and more talking points from Doncaster Rovers' defeat to Wolves U21s

Here we take a look at some of the main talking points from the game.

STORY OF THE GAME

The majority of the contest was an entertaining affair between two sides with plenty of energy who wanted to move the ball quickly.

When those energy levels dipped, so did the quality of the spectacle. And ultimately Rovers’ packed fixture schedule told on their own efforts.

Prior to that they had maintained superb control of the ball. The movement off it was excellent to find space in a very congested Wolves half and enable them to keep possession for long periods.

The flashes of top level quality in the Wolves side would ultimately tell, as they took the lead against the run of play and ultimately won a game that seemed to be meandering towards a draw.

Theo Corbeanu drilled a ball from the byline which Louis Jones looked set to claim, only for Cameron John to stick out a leg to block and send it back towards Wolves’ record signing, Fabio Silva, who smashed home with power and accuracy on the angle.

Rovers deservedly equalised after James Coppinger was cynically bundled away from the ball he was looking to meet by Ki-Jana Hoever, allowing Fejiri Okenabirhie to smash home from the spot.

Rovers looked the more likely to find a winner, but had real problems breaking down the organised opposition and increasingly lacked inspiration to do so.

And it led to Silva pouncing again, after John failed to deal with a long clearance which allowed the Portuguese in to race clear, finish with confidence and book Wolves’ passage into the next round.

COMPLETED IT MATE

Another day, another remarkable achievement for Coppinger - this time, playing alongside the son of a former Rovers team mate.

In lining up alongside Liam Ravenhill, he became the first player in the club’s history to have played with both a father and a son in senior competition - 5,321 days after he last featured alongside the youngster’s father Ricky for Rovers.

And it was a decent outing for Coppinger.

His ability to receive the ball in a tight situation and surge away from his marker remains undiminished and there was plenty of satisfaction in watching a man approaching his 40th birthday repeatedly leave the highly promising young opposition wondering where he had disappeared to.

Ravenhill himself, on his full debut, was a lively presence, though faded as the game went on, which was understandable given his lack of game time.

Combative and energetic, he took up positions high up the pitch as Rovers tried to unlock the Wolves defence. He did not look out of place.

A TEAM OF LEADERS

One of the most interesting aspects of the lack of crowds in stadiums has been the ability to hear with greater clarity what is said between players on the pitch.

On this occasion, with multiple senior players on the bench spread up into the stands, there was the chance to listen to the contributions from the sidelines.

With stand-in gaffer Andy Butler on the pitch, his Belles assistant and Rovers academy coach Nick Buxton took charge from the sidelines.

But Buxton had assistance from the substitutes, mainly Ben Whiteman who was passing his thoughts down to the front bench and had words with a few players as they came off the pitch at half time.

Much has been said about Whiteman’s leadership qualities and they were highlighted on Tuesday night. They can only be valuable to the club.

VITAL VERSATILITY

Darren Moore has spoken a lot about bringing in players capable of filling in across several positions. And he is being backed up by the players themselves.

Reece James’ move into midfield raised a few eyebrows but he has delivered consistently when operating higher up the pitch.

On this occasion, he turned in arguably his best performance in a Rovers shirt in any position as he operated in the pivot position in midfield.

The manner in which he looked after the ball, dropped deep to take possession from the back and moved into spaces to receive was outstanding.

In the absence of Whiteman for the majority of the game, he mirrored so much of the captain’s game and was vital in ensuring Rovers had control of the play almost throughout.

With a plethora of options for left back within the squad, James’ future may well lie away from what would have been termed his natural position.

He looked a natural enough in the middle of the park.

And then there was Joe Wright, coming off the bench at half time to play right back and showing similar adeptness.

Wright carried the ball superbly, linked up with Jason Lokilo well and more than took care of his defensive responsibility.

During an incredibly busy season, this versatility is a welcome string to Rovers’ bow.

AN EVOLVING COMPETITION

The presence of U21 sides in the EFL Trophy proved controversial from the start but it certainly looks as though they are here to stay.

Thankfully, they increasingly justify their presence in competition terms after, in the first couple of seasons, simply making up the numbers.

It helps when Wolves are able to name a forward that cost them £35million, without even using up one of their over-age quota. Or a right wing back that they snapped up for £13.5million.

But focusing on the big money players in their group would be a disservice to the youngsters that have progressed through their system who also made life difficult for Rovers on Tuesday night.

These clashes with U21 sides have quickly transformed from tests of stamina the senior sides were expected to win into arguably the toughest examinations of the whole group.

Whether that is a good thing or not, will no doubt be up for fierce debate.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.