In a thrilling encounter during the Emirates FA Cup third round, League Two side Doncaster Rovers achieved a stunning upset by knocking out Championship team Hull City in a gripping match that culminated in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory at the MKM Stadium. This dramatic win not only delighted the Rovers’ faithful, but it also marked a significant achievement for the team, showcasing the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.
The match unfolded in an intense atmosphere, with Doncaster taking an early lead through the efforts of forward Luke Molyneux. His goal came after just seven minutes into the second half, a well-timed strike that flew into the bottom corner after he connected with a pass from Joe Sbarra. This pivotal moment set the tone for the game, despite Hull City’s dominant performance in the first half. The hosts were relentless, with several attempts to break through Doncaster’s defense, commanded by the impressive Chelsea loanee, Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
Hull, managed by Ruben Selles, seemed destined to find the net as they produced continuous pressure on the visitors’ goal. Notable attempts came from players like Ryan Giles and Joao Pedro, who both came close to equalizing. Despite their offensive efforts, Hull struggled to bypass a resolute Doncaster backline. The frustration of the Tigers reached a peak when Alfie Jones found himself having a diving header saved by Sharman-Lowe.
As the clock wound down, it appeared that Hull might claim a late victory, especially after Lewis Coyle missed the target entirely with a clear chance in stoppage time. However, in the 80th minute, Hull finally broke the deadlock courtesy of Gustavo Puerta, who netted his first goal for the club. He reacted instinctively to a rebound after Xavier Simons’ initial strike struck the post, sending the match into a tense extra time.
During extra time, Hull showcased their attacking prowess, repeatedly bombarding the Doncaster defense with well-placed crosses. Nevertheless, in a twist of fate, it was Doncaster who almost snatched a dramatic late winner when debut goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, let a cross slip through his hands. Luckily for Rushworth, his defenders were alert, preventing a catastrophic misstep that might have sealed the game for Hull.
As the match moved into penalties, the tension was palpable. Doncaster’s Harry Clifton converted a penalty kick with poise, while the momentum appeared to shift when Joe Ironside saw his attempt saved by Sharman-Lowe. Despite this early setback, the penalty shootout remained tightly contested with both sides exchanging successes and failures. A critical miss came from Mason Burstow when he blasted his attempt over the bar, which gave Doncaster an opening to capitalize on Hull’s misfortune.
At the climax of the shootout, Sharman-Lowe emerged as the hero for Doncaster, saving another attempt from Alfie Jones just as it seemed Hull might snatch victory. This opened the door for Clifton to step up once more, and with a cool demeanor, he placed his penalty into the net. Thus, Rovers secured a sensational victory, much to the dismay of the Hull faithful and the delight of the passionate away supporters.
This match not only marked a vital progression for Doncaster Rovers into the fourth round, but it also added another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two clubs, especially with former Hull manager Grant McCann steering his side to glory against his old team. The stunning upset serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that cup football can bring, encapsulating why millions tune in to watch such enthralling contests.
