Match Ratings - Doncaster Rovers H

Last updated : 12 August 2009 By Jacob Daniel
Starting Line-Up

Russell Hoult - 7 - A far more commanding display than some of his pre-season ones, Hoult made a string of saves towards the end of the match to keep the score at 1-0. His only disappointment will be being beaten at the near post by James Coppinger's shot, although it was well struck.

Brendan Moloney - 7 - Another solid display from the Forest loanee, who is becoming a key part of Ian McParland's side. In the first half he and Matt Hamshaw had the freedom of Doncaster's left side and both helped create numerous chances for the forwards. Was caught out once or twice in defence against Championship opposition.

Mike Edwards - 7 - Having been left out of the team on Saturday, Edwards showed he still has plenty to offer with a solid and commanding display for the Magpies. He repelled countless balls into the box with his head and contrary to popular belief, his distribution was fine for much of the game. He did, however, slip on the wet turf to allow Coppinger to win the game for the visitors.

John Thompson - 8 - Excellent in defence for the Magpies, captain John Thompson won the ball from the Rovers attackers time and time again. The goal could be put in no way down to Thompson and the vast majority of his passing was accurate.

Stephen Hunt - 6 - The Magpies full back had a solid game without being particularly noticeable. He was often not given an option to pass down the line due to Jamie Clapham's tendency to drift inside and at times he was given trouble by Coppinger and John Oster.

Matt Hamshaw - 7 - On his return to the starting line-up, Matt Hamshaw was just as impressive as he was on the majority of occasions last season. In the first half he found space easily and made the most of it, skinning his left back on occasions and putting some dangerous balls into the box.

Neal Bishop - 7 - In the first half Bishop was excellent, picking up the ball and playing it across the midfield with confidence. He was also strong in the challenge and played some incisive balls through the defence for Karl Hawley and Luke Rodgers.

Ricky Ravenhill - 8 - Once again Ravenhill was excellent in the centre of the park for the Magpies, throwing himself into challenges and winning the ball from almost every single one. He was also confident in possession most of the time, playing the ball out wide well.

Jamie Clapham - 7 - Clapham lost his personal duel with the woodwork, but had a fairly impressive match for the Magpies out of position on the left wing. He showed a real tendency to drift inside to find the ball and linked up play well, but at times this gave Doncaster's right winger too much space and meant that Notts seemed fairly narrow.

Luke Rodgers - 8 - Striker Rodgers has become absolutely vital to the way the Magpies play, as evidenced tonight. In the first half the Magpies' quick tempo and closing down was in no small part down to the diminutive forward, who chased down every ball over the top and put huge pressure on the Rovers defence. Was unlucky not to score when hitting the underside of the bar.

Karl Hawley - 7 - Despite clearly lacking match fitness, Karl Hawley seemed impressive in his first start for the club. Showed a superb first touch when the ball was played into his feet and good strength to hold off challenges. He also showed good vision to spread the play for the Magpies, although he will be frustrated to have missed a simple opportunity from Clapham's cross.

Substitutes

Lee Hughes - 6 - After his hat-trick at the weekend, Lee Hughes' performance was aways likely to seem like an anti-climax. Was well marshalled in his half hour cameo but did break free once, latching onto a Neal Bishop through ball but will be disappointed to have dragged his shot wide.

Craig Westcarr - 6 - Another who was extremely impressive on Saturday, Westcarr was brought on for Matt Hamshaw but struggled to make a real impression on the game. Put a couple of teasing balls into the box but didn't see of the ball to make a proper impact.