The good news is that our name will be in the FA Cup 5th Round draw tomorrow. The not so good news is that it will be followed by “or Doncaster Rovers”.

After a typical battling cup tie at Keepmoat today, both sides left the pitch as they entered; goalless. There were chances though and some heroics from Neil Sullivan in the Doncaster goal prevented the scoreline finishing how the form book would suggest. The woodwork also played it’s part. At both ends it’s worth pointing out. Doncaster gave a very good account of themselves, but fortunately they were not good enough, or we were not poor enough, to repeat the 3-0 debacle from the League Cup fixture in November ’05.

Martin O’Neill continued to show respect and intent by fielding a strong team, possibly the best he had available… Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Sidwell, Barry, Reo-Coker, Agbonlahor. During the first half they played their usual patient style, no one seemed in a particular rush to put Doncaster under any real pressure. It’s becoming evident that that’s what the second half is for.

Shorey will perhaps regain a little confidence from his performance. Nothing outstanding, but nothing to scare anyone. Davies and Knight looked comfortable in the middle through most of the game. Cuellar again did OK at right back, one rather over zealous sliding tackle aside.

As has become the norm recently, MON strung 5 across the middle with Milner filling in for the suspended Ashley Young on the left and Reo-Coker playing on the right. Petrov and Barry did their usual jobs in the middle and unfortunately Sidwell did the same. Maybe it’s the formation, maybe he still needs to settle, or maybe he just isn’t very good, but Sidwell is a weak link in midfield for us right now in my opinion. I’m sure it will get fixed one way or another very soon though.

Gabby plowed the loan role up front and despite showing a little frustration at the quality of service, or lack thereof, at times he did take his chances reasonably well when they finally came. Neil Sullivan did an admirable job of stopping them, credit where it’s due.

I’ve said before that I’ve never been the biggest fan of most recent signing, but in all honesty I think that if Heskey could have played we may well have seen a different result. This was the perfect game for a big, awkward forward to make a nuisance of himself and free up Gabby to do the real damage. Perhaps that’s what we will see in the replay at Villa Park on February 4th.

Other than that, there’s not a whole lot to say about the game. No one stands out for any special praise or criticism, it was a cup tie after all and it was just one of those uncomfortable games for Premiership side visiting lower league opposition. Naturally disappointing not to win it first time out, especially considering we put out a strong team and need to keep them fit for the all important league games.

On the other hand, we live to fight another day and it wouldn’t be misplaced confidence if you’re expecting a more dominant performance at Villa Park. I am.