Covid-hit Donny shock Blackburn

Blackburn Doncaster Richards 42 0 1

DONCASTER ROVER S responded brilliantly to the challenges posed by Covid-19 as they knocked Championship Blackburn out of the FA Cup.

The League One outfit had not played since December 22, with their last four games postponed because of a virus outbreak in the squad. They only returned to full training a few days before this tie.

Key players were still unavailable — they could not fill the substitutes bench and both regular full-backs were pushed into midfield as manager Darren Moore had to juggle his resources.

But a first-half goal from Brighton loanee Taylor Richards, 20, guaranteed their spot in their fourth round and a potential meeting with one of the Premier League big boys.

‘We went with what we had available and I was proud of how the players responded,’ said a jubilant Moore. ‘I was proud of the togetherness they showed to get stuck in.

‘We had to put in a performance like this against a team like Blackburn and we carried out the game-plan to perfection.’

Donny had the better early chances through Arsenal loanee Tyreece John-Jules and Richards, before the latter grabbed the only goal.

Tony Mowbray’s side, 17 places above their opponents on the league ladder, upped it after the break and Donny skipper Tom Anderson headed against his own crossbar.

Moore’s men also needed a wonderful double- save from debutant goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe. He denied Harvey Elliott and Bradley Dack to book his side’s place in the draw for the fourth — and fifth — rounds. ‘Well done to Doncaster, they made life difficult for us,’ said Mowbray.