Doncaster Rovers skipper has his sights on boyhood club in FA Cup draw

Ben Whiteman is hoping Doncaster Rovers are handed a trip to his boyhood club in tonight’s third round draw for the FA Cup.
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Rovers booked their place in the third round with a 2-1 win over Carlisle United, in which Whiteman grabbed both goals.

And he has his fingers crossed for a trip to Manchester United next month - the club with which he started his career and remained until he was 16.

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“100 per cent I’ll be watching the draw,” he told the free Press. “Hopefully we get United away.

Ben Whiteman celebrates opening the scoring for Rovers against Carlisle. Picture: Steve Flynn/AHPIXBen Whiteman celebrates opening the scoring for Rovers against Carlisle. Picture: Steve Flynn/AHPIX
Ben Whiteman celebrates opening the scoring for Rovers against Carlisle. Picture: Steve Flynn/AHPIX

“That’s what I want.”

The Rovers skipper made it three goals in two matches with his brace and took his tally to seven for the season, ensuring he has already matched his best return for a campaign while at the club.

While delighted to have hit the scoring trail, Whiteman insists he has not been overly concerned with adding goals to his game.

He said: “It’s always nice to score goals but I wouldn’t say it’s the be all, end all of my game.

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“It’s about dictating the tempo of the game, getting on the ball and making things happen.

“If I can score a goal, it’s the best feeling in the world but it’s probably a bonus for me in the position that I play in.”

And he was certainly pleased with his two goals in Sunday’s game.

Whiteman said: “The first one came to me. I thought Jamo [Reece James] could have passed it a bit earlier but it’s broke to me and I’ve struck it with my instep.

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“The second one, I thought the referee was going to blow up for a foul on Taylor [Richards] but I’ve seen Brad on the ball and moved into a pocket of space and then found the bottom corner.

“I’m pleased with both. I’m always buzzing to score goals. I’m pleased with that first one because I struck it clean and as soon as I hit it I thought it had a chance of going in.”

Rovers are ball number 61 in the third round draw, which will take place at 7.10pm on Monday evening.

All clubs from the Premier League and Championship enter the competition, alongside the 20 remaining clubs from the earlier rounds.

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