Owen Bailey’s stoppage-time winner sends Doncaster through to round two

Owen Bailey’s stoppage-time strike saw League One Doncaster snatch a 2-1 FA Cup victory at Crewe.

Alex skipper Mickey Demetriou gave the League Two side the lead just before the interval with a stunning strike. But Billy Sharp levelled soon after the interval before Bailey’s close-range finish booked Grant McCann’s side a place in the second- round draw.

Doncaster started well with former Crewe defender Connor O’Riordan diverting a shot over the home bar and Bailey curling an effort just wide.

Glenn Middleton should have done better for the visitors when he skewed a juicy chance past the far post.

Rovers’ keeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala repelled a fierce strike from Tommi O’Reilly. But he was beaten by Demetriou who made space to hammer a low drive from 25 yards into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.

Doncaster emerged strongly after the restart and Sam Waller acrobatically turned around a thumping drive from Harry Clifton, who then played his part in Rovers’ leveller, sliding a pass through to Sharp to tuck a finish beyond the keeper in the 54th minute.

Rovers piled on the pressure in the closing stages with Bailey going close twice, before the midfielder reacted the quickest to fire in after Luke Molyneux helped the ball on two minutes into stoppage time.