Match report

Doncaster Defeats Chesterfield 2-1 in FA Cup Thriller

Chesterfield
Chesterfield
1–2
FT
Doncaster
Doncaster
Dec 6, 2025

In a thrilling encounter at the Proact Stadium, Doncaster managed to overturn Chesterfield's initial advantage to secure a 2-1 win in their FA Cup match. Despite facing a red card setback midway through the game, Doncaster showed resilience and tactical acumen under pressure.

Key Facts

  • • Chesterfield led early with a goal from L. Bonis at 31 minutes.
  • • Owen Bailey equalized for Doncaster just three minutes later, assisted by L. Molyneux.
  • • J. Fleck was sent off for Chesterfield in the 60th minute for violent conduct.
  • • J. Senior secured victory for Doncaster with a late goal at 90 minutes.

Lineups

Chesterfield

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 Z. Hemming (G)
  • 30 D. Tanton (D)
  • 6 K. McFadzean (D)
  • 22 C. Dunkley (D)
  • 19 L. Gordon (D)
  • 4 T. Naylor (M)
  • 8 R. Stirk (M)
  • 24 D. Markanday (M)
  • 7 L. Mandeville (M)
  • 11 D. Duffy (M)
  • 10 L. Bonis (F)

Substitutes

  • 23 R. Boot
  • 3 A. Lewis
  • 5 J. Grimes
  • 9 W. Grigg
  • 13 J. Fleck
  • 20 V. Daley-Campbell
  • 25 W. Dickson
  • 27 R. Darcy
  • 28 J. Berry-McNally

Doncaster

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 29 T. Lo-Tutala (G)
  • 2 J. Sterry (D)
  • 12 C. O'Riordan (D)
  • 6 J. McGrath (D)
  • 3 J. Maxwell (D)
  • 8 G. Broadbent (M)
  • 7 L. Molyneux (M)
  • 4 O. Bailey (M)
  • 15 H. Clifton (M)
  • 11 J. Gibson (M)
  • 9 B. Hanlan (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 I. Lawlor
  • 14 B. Sharp
  • 17 G. Middleton
  • 18 C. Crew
  • 19 D. Ajayi
  • 22 R. Gotts
  • 23 J. Senior
  • 27 S. Grehan
  • 33 B. Close

Timeline

  1. Doncaster
    6' Doncaster Card · Yellow Card
    H. Clifton

    Foul

  2. Doncaster
    31' Doncaster Card · Yellow Card
    J. Maxwell

    Foul

  3. Chesterfield
    31' Chesterfield Goal · Normal Goal
    L. Bonis
  4. Doncaster
    34' Doncaster Goal · Normal Goal
    Owen Bailey · Assist: L. Molyneux
  5. Doncaster
    46' Doncaster subst · Substitution 1
    Off: H. Clifton · On: Charlie Crew
  6. Chesterfield
    55' Chesterfield subst · Substitution 1
    Off: R. Stirk · On: J. Fleck
  7. Chesterfield
    57' Chesterfield Card · Yellow Card
    L. Bonis

    Foul

  8. Chesterfield
    60' Chesterfield Card · Red Card
    J. Fleck

    Violent conduct

  9. Doncaster
    64' Doncaster subst · Substitution 2
    Off: B. Hanlan · On: B. Sharp
  10. Chesterfield
    67' Chesterfield subst · Substitution 2
    Off: D. Duffy · On: Adam Lewis
  11. Doncaster
    73' Doncaster subst · Substitution 3
    Off: George Broadbent · On: B. Close
  12. Chesterfield
    74' Chesterfield subst · Substitution 4
    Off: L. Bonis · On: W. Grigg
  13. Doncaster
    82' Doncaster subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Gibson · On: D. Ajayi
  14. Doncaster
    82' Doncaster subst · Substitution 5
    Off: J. Maxwell · On: J. Senior
  15. Doncaster
    90' Doncaster Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Senior · Assist: Jay McGrath

Match Stats

Stat Chesterfield Doncaster
Fouls 7 14
Pass Accuracy 70% 74%
Offsides 4 8
Red Cards 1 0
Total Shots 9 11
Corners 5 2
Total Passes 386 387
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 3 2
Shots on Target 3 6
xG — —
Shots off Target 3 3
Possession 50% 50%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 272 287
Shots Inside Box 6 7
Saves 4 2
Shots Outside Box 3 4

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ The dismissal of J. Fleck from Chesterfield marked a significant turning point, giving Doncaster numerical advantage and momentum.
  • ▸ Doncaster's quick response in equalizing just three minutes after falling behind kept the game open and energized their attack.