Saturday Night Takeaway: Little fanfare but a pleasing outing as Doncaster Rovers advance in FA Cup under Butler's watchful eye

One of the most unheralded tasks in English football is successfully navigating through a FA Cup first round tie against non-league opposition.
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So how much credit do Doncaster Rovers deserve for strolling past seventh tier FC United of Manchester and into the second round?

A decent amount actually.

Rovers delivered a performance of true professionalism, plenty of energy and good quality to never lose their grip on a contest they were expected to dominate.

Fejiri Okenabirhie fires a shot on goal against FC United of Manchester. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPIXFejiri Okenabirhie fires a shot on goal against FC United of Manchester. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPIX
Fejiri Okenabirhie fires a shot on goal against FC United of Manchester. Picture: Greg Dunbavand/AHPIX
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The hosts made life difficult with a strong pressing game, and took their own opportunities to impress in front of the camera with some eye-catching attacking play.

But Rovers absorbed whatever came back at them and pushed on. They moved the ball smartly and accurately to probe away at the opposition from start to finish.

All this as well against the backdrop of the unexpected absence of the manager and the elevation of Andy Butler into the gaffer’s chair.

Darren Moore had no doubt set a lot of plans in motion and had picked the team but Butler was given the opportunity to deliver things in his own voice. And once the first whistle blew, there was only one man in charge.

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It was a big opportunity for a respected figure, but one that could so easily have gone wrong.

However it never seemed as though it would.

An early goal -smartly finished by Fejiri Okenabirhie after good work from Brad Halliday onto a sublime through ball from Matt Smith - certainly helped the cause.

Rovers rarely looked back, doubling the advantage when Ben Whiteman spotted the opportunity to gallop onto a loose ball behind FC United’s high line and finish confidently.

Even after Regan Linney reduced the deficit when he broke clear from half way, Rovers were never fazed.

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Josh Sims danced across the box and finished via a deflection before James Coppinger ended the contest even before the break, with another deflection sending his volley past the sprawling keeper.

The second half was a quieter affair though Rovers remained on the front foot and extended their advantage when Sims saw another deflected effort find the target.

Rovers got a little sloppy late on but could be forgiven, such was their cushion.

And so they move on with little fuss or fanfare.

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