Tommi O’Reilly scored his first goal for Doncaster Rovers to secure a 1-0 win over Liverpool Under-21s in the EFL Trophy. The victory at the Club Doncaster Sports Village on Tuesday night keeps Rovers’ qualification hopes alive and extends their winning run to two matches.
O’Reilly’s decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time. The Aston Villa loanee converted from close range after a positive opening period where Doncaster created several chances. Will Wright had earlier struck the crossbar with a long-range effort, while Brandon Hanlan and Josh Sonni-Lambie also went close.
Manager Grant McCann was pleased with the performance, which came after a 17-day gap since their last League One win at Peterborough. "Listen I think it was good to get the rustiness out of our legs," McCann said. He highlighted the value of the exercise for his squad, particularly the younger players, against a technical Liverpool academy side.
The result leaves Doncaster second in their EFL Trophy group, setting up a key final match away to Rochdale in November. In League One, Rovers sit 21st with six points from seven games. Their immediate focus shifts to a home league fixture against Burton Albion this Saturday.
McCann also expressed his satisfaction for the match-winner. "So, pleased for Tommy, first goal for the club," he added. The team will now prepare for the visit of eighth-placed Burton, a side they beat 2-1 in their last meeting in February.
The original report is at Doncaster Free Press
