Peter Crouch considering Stoke future after lack of first-team football

They were both kept under the cosh as Doncaster made a mockery of the 45 places separating the teams at kick-off.

And Darren Ferguson saw his Doncaster side go agonisingly close to levelling again late on through Andy Butler and Tyson again.

Crouch’s 15th-minute opener had been cancelled out ten minutes later by Nathan Tyson.

Doncaster Rovers will be looking to take their recent league form into their FA Cup third round tie against Stoke City on Saturday.

On the team news front, Stoke manager Mark Hughes is expected to ring the changes after naming a virtually unchanged squad for their last four fixtures.

In contrast to Hughes’ sweeping changes, the single adjustment Ferguson made was enforced after their captain, James Coppinger, turned his ankle in training.

“I’m just concentrating on doing my best for Doncaster and playing as much as possible, then hopefully the Northern Ireland situation will take care of itself for France and the European Championships”. Luke McCullough was the instigator, driving forward and supplying Nathan Tyson who had his first attempt saved but then pounced on the rebound to score.

At that point, it appeared to be turning into an uncomfortable afternoon for Hughes, who scored in the 1990 Cup final to provide Ferguson’s famous father with his first English trophy.

Conor Grant went close to giving Rovers the lead in the 50th minute when he fired inches wide from a Cedric Evina cross and referee Kevin Stroud shrugged off a penalty shout from Doncaster defender Craig Alcock before the Premier League outfit took control.

Doncaster sensed blood, only to be bloodied by Stoke’s spectacular counter-punch.

Thorsten Stuckmann had to get down to keep out a shot on the turn from Mame Diouf but 1-1 was a fair scoreline at the break. “I thought Doncaster played well and caused us problems. It’s taken two good quality goals to take the tie away from them”, said Hughes.