FA CUP Doncaster Rovers 0 - 2 Notts County

Jeff Hughes grabbed a goal in each half as Notts County upset Doncaster to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Dean Saunders' Championship strugglers came into the game on the back of three consecutive home victories, but were more than matched in all departments by Martin Allen's League One outfit.

Hughes was gifted the opening goal when Rovers failed to deal with Alan Sheehan's 37th-minute free-kick and the midfielder settled County nerves from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to play after Sheehan was fouled by Kyle Bennett.

Giles Barnes passed up Doncaster's clearest opportunity when he shot over from close range moments before Hughes' second, while James Hayter toiled without reward in attack as El-Hadji Diouf watched 80 minutes from the substitutes' bench.

Saunders was far from happy with his team's showing. He said: "We were a yard short all over the pitch and I was surprised how poorly we played, although in a way I shouldn't be.

"We've been playing well – especially at home – and we set the bar last week when we worked our socks off to beat Barnsley. But we've taken a step backwards now and I'm really annoyed about that."

Saunders' frustration was compounded by the fact that he looks set to lose top scorer Billy Sharp who was left out of the side with a £3million move to Leicester pending.

He said: "We've agreed a fee and now it's up to Billy. It will be a blow if he goes but it's not completely decided. He may decide to stay or someone else may come in for him."

Jubilant County boss Allen said: "We had almost 3,000 fans at the game and it was a brilliant day for us and for them. The atmosphere was magic and that transferred itself to the players.

"We played some good football and were resolute when we had to be and we deserved to win. There's a real unity between the fans and the club and long may it continue. I thought all the lads were absolutely fantastic today."