Goals from Cam Bragg, Cam Archer and Kuryu Matsuki had Tonda Eckert’s charges three goals to the goal heading into the break before a near collapse after the restart.
Matthew Pearson pulled one back three minutes after the restart before Jordan Gibson added another while Saints failed to react.
Thankfully, those goals were enough to see Saints over the line, as was a double save from debutant Daniel Peretz. Here’s how we rated every performance.
Tonda Eckert during the FA Cup match between Doncaster Rovers and Saints (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
READ: Eckert insists Doncaster half-time team talk was on starting second period strongly
Daniel Peretz – 5.
Produced an epic double save to deny Doncaster at the death, but did not cover himself in glory for the two goals conceded. Got nowhere near a corner and was beaten at his near post.
Elias Jelert – 4.
Lost his man for Doncaster’s first goal, scored from a header, and failed to stop the scorer of the second as he slotted in at the near post. Replaced when Eckert reverted to a back five.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – 4.
Did plenty of shouting at his teammates during a terrible second half for Southampton defensively. Was spared when Francis Okoronkwo missed from close range.
Joshua Quarshie – 5.
Nearly got an assist when Archer saw an effort saved from a tight angle. Wanted to see more from him against League One opposition.
Welington – 5.
Poked a cross behind when Doncaster made a rare threatening attack in the first half and knocked a decent ball in for Matsuki. Struggling to recall anything beyond those moments.
Cam Bragg – 7.
Took his goal really well to give Saints the lead and recovered the ball more times (nine) than any Saints player. He is becoming a strong contender to be the first pick in midfield.
Cam Bragg scored his first Southampton goal at Doncaster Rovers. (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)
Flynn Downes – 5.
Another player we wanted to see more from against this level of opposition. Credited with an assist for Archer’s goal, even though the forward won it back after falling.
Tom Fellows – 5.
Impactful in the first half but faded out of the game after he was pulled back into wingback. Lifted a lovely cross for Matsuki to score his first FA Cup goal. Survived an injury scare.
Kuryu Matsuki – 6.
Should have scored the chance, which was parried back out to Bragg, but did end up getting his goal, climbing high to win a header. Made the most passes into the final third (10).
Jay Robinson – 5.
Looked good in moments when running at the defender, but hardly factored into a game that he could have dominated. One of the first players subbed.
Cam Archer – 5.
Showed brilliant footwork to get up and nutmeg a defender before firing past the GK – although his effort was deflected. Should have scored a second. Subbed after a quiet second half.
Cam Archer and Kuryu Matsuki scored against Doncaster Rovers. (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
Substitutes
Leo Scienza – 6.
Subbed on after Saints started to fall apart and did his part in helping them recover. Saw a decent free-kick tipped past the post, and his run to set up Armstrong was wasted.
Nathan Wood – 6.
Brought on to tighten up the team at the back in a back-five and did that job. Made two clearances and won all of his duels.
Ross Stewart – 6.
Pressed really well after coming on and nearly forced a fourth goal when he blocked the goalkeeper’s attempt to clear up field.
Caspar Jander – 6.
Hardly put a foot wrong when he replaced an injured Bragg. Won all of his duels, made two tackles, two clearances, and won a free-kick. A helpful cameo.
Adam Armstrong – N/A.
No rating here as he did not play for long enough. Should have done better with a late chance to kill the game off – he held onto the ball for too long before seeing his effort blocked.