Professionalism, unstoppable skipper, rising stars and welcome returns: Talking points from Doncaster Rovers' win at Carlisle United in the FA Cup

Doncaster Rovers’ FA Cup revenue so far reflects just that.

In the midst of the financial devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic, Rovers beat Carlisle United in front of a single BBC camera to take their earnings in the competition close to £100,000.

The right sort of outcome from Monday evening’s draw could further bolster the coffers at a time when they have not been as empty for many, many years.

Victory at Brunton Park for Rovers was more essential than normal, and they approached it with nothing but professionalism.

They took control of a frenetic first half with a brace of goals from skipper Ben Whiteman before standing up to the inevitable second half barrage from a Carlisle side going well in League Two this season.

While not vintage, they got to the job done to keep their cup hopes alive, and maintain a very important revenue stream.

THE KEY MOMENTS

Carlisle really should have broken the deadlock during a wide open start to the game. Several Rovers players misjudged a long throw into the box with the ball dropping to Jon Mellish, who blasted over from close range.

Rovers began to enjoy the better of play afterwards and looked much the more threatening, with quick movement of the ball to take them forward, along with powerful and pacy running from the flanks.

And just after the half hour mark they took the lead.

Matt Smith won the ball back in his own half and sent Josh Sims charging down the wing. The ball moved through several players before Smith got the final touch to flick the ball into space for the on-rushing Whiteman to curl first time into the bottom corner.

Five minutes from the break, the lead was doubled. Brad Halliday slid a ball through the middle which Whiteman collected, shifted into space and curled for the same corner, with Carlisle keeper Paul Farman unable to keep it out.

The hosts responded well in the second half, upping their tempo and pushing hard for a way back into the game - ensuring keeper Joe Lumley enjoyed a busier time than the entirety of his previous two appearances for the club.

He batted away shots from Omari Patrick and Gime Toure before finally being beaten on 78 minutes. Lumley parried a header from a corner only for Mellish to react quickest and fire home.

Carlisle pushed for the equaliser but met a resolute Rovers defence who rebuffed their advances.

AS MUCH AS THEY MIGHT TRY…

More and more teams are cottoning onto the idea that if you can stop Whiteman from getting into his groove, you can severely hinder Rovers.

But actually managing to shut him out of the game is a different matter entirely.

On this occasion Carlisle put an intense spotlight on the Rovers skipper and did a pretty decent job in denying him space or opportunities to get on the ball.

But they seemed to forget that the 24-year-old is not just effective in the middle of the park.

When Rovers advanced with the ball, the attention of the hosts switched to stopping their more attacking players.

And this left Whiteman with plenty of space to move into - as he did for both his goals, giving him the time he needed to pick his spot and curl home.

If you are going to do a job on Ben Whiteman, it needs to be a complete one.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

If teams are succeeding in stopping Whiteman from playing, it is up to others in the Rovers midfield to take advantage of the space which may be left.

That has proven a slow process so far this season, which has led to some rather disappointing overall performances at times from the side.

But signs of the improvement in the team which boss Darren Moore demands were evident in this contest as other players came to the fore.

The dynamism of both Matt Smith and Taylor Richards within the fluid midfield could be key to preventing Rovers from shutting down if their skipper is shut out.

Both loanees showed excellent footwork and close control under pressure, produced surging runs, found space and brought others into play while Whiteman was battling for room to breathe.

Whiteman is all about facilitating others and allowing them to be big threats. And they can do that by using their own ingenuity.

TIMELY RETURNS

The sight of the names of Madger Gomes and Tyreece John-Jules among the substitutes was a major positive as Rovers head into another busy period.

Even more of a positive was the fact both made it onto the pitch for lengthy spells as they continue their comebacks from injury.

Both add much needed depth to the Rovers ranks but John-Jules’ return in particularly is very much welcomed.

A lot of responsibility has fallen on Fejiri Okenabirhie’s shoulders to lead the line in the Arsenal striker’s absence.

Okenabirhie has started 12 consecutive matches for Rovers. His game so often is about battling with numerous opposition defenders, holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

In recent matches he has looked less effective at those tasks, as well as feeding off scraps in front of goal.

It is likely that it will be a week or so yet before John-Jules is ready to start a game but when that time comes it could heavily benefit Okenabirhie to drop out and recharge his severely drained batteries.

Jon Taylor is still to return, and his importance to the side has been highlighted during his absence.

Rovers are getting there in terms of returning to full strength. And that can only be a good thing.

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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.