Doncaster Rovers

Darren Moore expects familiarity will be a factor when Doncaster Rovers renew acquaintances with AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.
AFC Wimbledon boss Glyn HodgesAFC Wimbledon boss Glyn Hodges
AFC Wimbledon boss Glyn Hodges

The two sides battled out a 1-1 draw at Kingsmeadow on Saturday in the FA Cup, setting up the replay at the Keepmoat next week.

Moore is expecting a similar sort of approach from the Dons but says they will be well-versed in how Rovers set up themselves.

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"I think they've had a good look at us and we've had a good look at them," Moore said. "Both teams know what each other are about.

"I'm expecting another hard workmanlike performance from them - a difficult opposition making it very difficult for us.

"It's two contrasting styles and we've got to deal with the threat they possess. And we've got to try to implement our own game on them.

"It bodes well for a great cup tie. It's still very much in the balance.

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"A lot will look at think we have the home advantage and I can't stop that.

"But within the club we know it's going to be a tough, tough tie and we're going to have to be at our best if we're going to progress."

While he would have preferred to have won the tie at the initial stage, Moore admitted he was pleased with the result at Kingsmeadow after a difficult build-up to the game.

"I was pleased to go down there and not get beat when I look at some of the hurdles that were put in front of us in the build-up to the game," he said.

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"I look back at the Thursday and Friday when we couldn't really train properly at the training ground because of the horrendous weather conditions.

"We have to regroup and go up to the Keepmoat so it disrupted our preparations for the game.

"And then losing three players on Friday to injury and illness was another hurdle for us to overcome.

"Getting down to London to prepare for the game and then come into a difficult game in difficult conditions, having gone a goal down.

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"The fighting spirit and the endeavour of the group was excellent and we managed to get a goal back.

"Some might have argued we had the better chances of the game but we just didn't get that final touch on the ball. We didn't win the game but we didn't lose it.

"It keeps us in the melting pot in terms of the competition but we know we have a lot of work to do ahead of us in terms of the replay come Tuesday night."

Should Rovers advance next week, they will travel to either Sunderland or Gillingham, who also replay on Tuesday night.

Moore, however, is not concerned about what may follow.

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"I don't really want to talk too much about it because I don't want to disrespect the opponents," he said. "The tie is still very much open.

"Before I look any further we've got a difficult game to prepare for and we will do."

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