Rovers bow out of cup

Doncaster Rovers went out of the Carling Cup to Leeds United after letting an early lead slip.

Rovers boss Sean O`Driscoll was boosted by the return of James Hayter to the starting line up.

The forward has been missing since the opening day of the season through injury.

Also returning on the bench for Rovers were Brian Stock, Shelton Martis and James O`Conner who have all been out with long-term injuries.

James Hayter made a dream return for Rovers when he got onto the end of a ball from Giles Barnes to score.

Kyle Bennett then had a chance for Rovers but his shot drifted wide of the post.

The goal certainly gave Rovers confidence and Richard Naylor saw his header deflect for a corner.

Barnes then had another effort deflected wide as Rovers pressurised the Leeds defence.

Leeds Aidan White was cautioned inside ten minutes when he brought down Mustapha Dumbuya after a quick clearance from Gary Woods.

It was all Rovers and Bennett and Simon Gillett both forced Leeds keeper Paul Rachubka into saves.

Bennett missed a fantastic chance to double the lead when he hit the post after being put through on goal with only Rachubka to beat.

Rovers were dealt a cruel blow when after dominating the opening period Leeds equalised when Nunez scored from outside the area.

Sam Hird had Rovers first effort in a while when he fired wide from long-range.

The half time whistle went and Rovers would have been extremely disappointed to go in at half time level.

Rovers had a good chance at the start of the second half when Rachubka denied Bennett with a good save.

They then had strong claims for a penalty turned down when the ball struck the arm of Howson in the Leeds penalty area.

Bennett again went close for Rovers after a great run, his shot just clearing the bar.

Leeds came back into the game and Keogh and McCormack both had efforts off target.

James O`Connor replaced Richard Naylor with twenty-five minutes remaining for Rovers to great delight from the Rovers fans that have been without the key defender so far this season.

Mark Wilson then replaced Giles Barnes soon afterwards, also for his first appearance of the season.

Gradel had a good chance for Leeds when he got in behind the Rovers defence but his shot cleared the bar.

Wilson was given time and space to shoot and his shot could only be parried by Rachubka.

Rovers missed chances cost them dearly when Leeds took the lead in the 82nd minute when Nunez fired home his second of the evening.

On a frustrating night for Rovers they did have more good news to cheer when Brian Stock returned from a long-term injury with five minutes remaining.

George Friend missed a good chance to get Rovers level but he failed to connect properly from close range.

Bennett summed up Rovers luck when he hit the outside of the post in the closing minutes.

Woods kept Rovers in the game in injury time when he twice denied Gradel.

Rovers will be disappointed to go out but the return of James Hayter, Brian Stock, James O`Connor and Shelton Martis gives the fans something as they now get ready for a home championship game with Bristol City on Saturday.

Teams
Doncaster Rovers
Woods, Dumbuya, Friend, Naylor (O`Connor 65), Hird, Spurr, Gillett (Stock 85), Oster, Barnes (Wilson 69), Bennett, Hayter,

Subs not used
Sullivan, Martis, Radford, Baxendale

Leeds United
Rachubka, Connolly, O` Brien, O`Dea, White (Taylor 60), Howson, Thompson, Sam, Nunez, McCormack (Gradel 64), Keogh

Subs not used
Lonergan, Kisnorbo, Clayton, Snodgrass

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