Rovers reached the last 16 of the FA Cup for the first time in 63 years with a hard fought victory over a determined Latics side in a pulsating tie at Donny’s Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon.

FIRST HALF

Rovers began the match in determined fashion as they attacked the goal behind which the 3800 visiting supporters from Lancashire were housed. Rovers had the first effort of any note but midfielder Alfie May dragged a presentable chance well wide when a loose ball fell to him just inside the box.

Donny top scorer Marquis had a shot blocked in the next Rovers foray but in truth the Latics back four were dealing comfortably with Rovers rather hurried attacks but on 25 minutes keeper Iverson produced an instinctive block from a goalbound effort from Rovers veteran midfielder James Coppinger. Oldham hadn’t just come to defend however & following a mazy run by Latics Missilou veteran striker Chris O’Grady should have done better than shoot straight at Donny keeper Marko Marosi.

Fast forward to 38 minutes & the home side really should have taken the lead, Marquis was clean through on goal, expertly rounded Latics keeper Daniel Iverson & tapped the ball goalwards but unfortunately for him Latics ‘captain fantastic’ Peter Clarke had got back to miraculously hack the ball off the line to safety. Latics Branger-Engone fired a tame effort well over the bar as a competitive 45 minutes came to an end.

HALF TIME

DONNY 0 LATICS 0

SECOND HALF

The early stages of the second period were cagey but the large crowd were back on their feet on 52 minutes when a lovely curling effort from Rovers Kieran Sadlier looked goalbound before Iverson produced wonderful diving save, his second goal-saving effort of the afternoon.

It was Athletic who were next to threaten when after being set up by O’Grady, Jose Baxter should have done better than put his header from 10 yards out into the side netting. Marosi then had to be alert to keep out a Branger-Engone effort but out of nothing & completely against the run of play Rovers were in front on 68 minutes when a speculative Ben Whiteman effort took a wicked deflection off the unlucky Clarke which wrongfooted Iverson & flew into the net.

Undeterred Oldham continued to threaten & should have equalised in their next attack when Callum Lang could only hit the side netting when it looked easier to score from the rebound after a stinging Chris Missilou effort came back off the post. The equalising goal Oldham deserved finally arrived on 84 minutes. A Callum Lang run was illegally halted on the edge of the area. Nepomuceno’s free-kick spun off the wall landing perfectly for skipper Clarke to tap in.

Donny rallied in the final stages & got their reward through a controversial penalty on 90 minutes. A dangerous spot of head tennis in the Latics area ended with May  hitting the bar & in the scramble that followed Clarke was eventually penalised for handball to give Rovers the spot kick that Whiteman confidently despatched.

Referee Peter Bankes initially didn’t give the penalty but after consultation with his linesman & I’ve been reliably informed the fourth official the spot-kick was given. Clarke who had been magnificent throughout was given a second yellow card & his marching orders in the 6th of 8 added minutes for an apparent elbow on Marosi as the unlucky Latics frantically tried to save the game.

RESULT DONNY 2 LATICS 1

Games like this is what the English FA Cup is all about, two teams going hell for leather at each other creating an open enthralling game that I enjoyed immensely. I must credit the Latics 3800 fans who helped create a great atmosphere, they never stopped singing even when their team had lost. I do feel for Oldham who certainly deserved at least a replay out of the game but as we all know you don’t always get what you deserve in football.

words Ian Bradley, D3D4 roving reporter