Doncaster Rovers 1 - 0 Rochdale

Rochdale were cruelly knocked out of the Capital One Cup at the first round by an 89th minute goal from Championship side Doncaster Rovers. David Cotterill’s deep free-kick was met by Bongani Khumalo who headed his first goal for Rovers since joining on loan from Tottenham.

Earlier Dale forced fine saves from Ross Turnbull and had a chance cleared off the line by Dean Furman.

Keith Hill made four changes to the side that beat Hartlepool at the weekend. Blackburn’s on loan defender Jack O’Connell, Andrew Tutte, Matty Done and Bastien Hery were all given starts ahead of Michael Rose, Peter Cavanagh, George Donnelly and Ian Henderson.

Dale started the game brightly and had the first chance inside two minutes when Hogan intercepted a poor throw out by home keeper Turnbull, but Lund tried to chip the stopper when power may have been a better option.

Summer signing from Sheffield Wednesday Bastien Hery forced a wonderful save from Turnbull with a powerful drive and from the corner. Lund saw his effort cleared off the line by Furman.

The closest Doncaster came to scoring was via the head of Chris Brown, but the striker saw his header come back off the crossbar.

Hogan showed skill to turn and shoot but a deflection took the sting out of his effort and Turnbull gathered.

Doncaster came out of the traps at the start of the second half looking like they meant business and laid siege to the Dale goal.

Coppinger’s drive from eight yards was well tipped over by Lillis whilst minutes afterwards.

Lillis again denied the home side with his foot with the goal gaping.

Coppinger was again frustrated by Lillis when the Dale stopper pulled off a wonderful save, pushing his goal bound effort over the bar.

As the second half went on, Dale got more and more into the game.

Henderson’s first time shot from a Done corner landed on the roof of the net whilst Rafferty sliced his shot just over the bar.

Doncaster substitute Syers almost diverted a Lund shot past his own keeper as the League 2 side looked to claim the scalp of a team two divisions higher but that dream was to be cruelly denied.

With extra time looming, Doncaster were awarded a free-kick. Cotterill lofted the ball into the area where Khumalo headed beyond Lillis to seal the win.

With three minutes of added time shown by the fourth official, Dale pushed for the leveller. Lillis’ deep free-kick was headed at goal by Vincenti but Turnbull tipped over.

Another free-kick was punched away by Turnbull only for Rafferty to return the ball with interest which the keeper had to punch away again.

The final whistle went ending Dale’s interest in the League Cup for another season.

Attendance: 4368 (438 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire (c), Eastham, O’Connell, Tutte, Done, Hery (Henderson 46), Lund, Vincenti, Hogan (Donnelly 63),
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Rose, Logan, Allen, Bunney

Doncaster: Turnbull, Wabara (Quinn 71), Husband, Furman, Jones (c), Duffy (Syers 62), Brown (Paynter 86), Cotterill, Khumalo, Wellens, Coppinger
Subs: (Not used) Maxted, McCullough, Keegan, Bennett

Referee: Mr G Sutton
Ass Referees: Mr D Plowright & Mr J Whiteley
Fourth Official: Mr S Meredith