Fulham 2-1 Doncaster Rovers

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Bryan RuizImage source, Empics
Image caption,

Bryan Ruiz had a good World Cup with Costa Rica - but was left in the cold by Felix Magath

Fulham managed only their second win in 10 attempts this season as they beat League One side Doncaster to reach the Capital One Cup fourth round.

It was also Kit Symons's first win as caretaker boss following the dismissal of Felix Magath last week.

Bryan Ruiz scored the first with a 15-yard drive before defender Dan Burn nodded in Ross McCormack's cross.

Fulham survived a scare when James Coppinger scored before Theo Robinson's penalty was saved by Marcus Bettinelli.

German Magath had completely frozen Ruiz out of the first-team picture, but the Costa Rican was brought back for the weekend game against Blackburn and proved his worth on Tuesday with the opener.

Match stat

Fulham's only wins this season have come in the League Cup

Rovers keeper Jed Steer had already been forced into action inside the first minute when he saved McCormack's shot with his legs, but had little chance with the goal - a shot rammed in by Ruiz.

Doncaster had their chances in the first half, with Cedric Evina curling a free-kick narrowly wide and Dean Furman seeing his shot deflected over.

However, it was Fulham who found the net again when centre-half Burn, standing in as captain for the rested Scott Parker, headed in at the far post.

The visitors deservedly pulled one back on the hour when skipper Coppinger jinked his way into the box and fired in an angled drive.

Rovers should have equalised 12 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty after Tim Hoogland had handled Robinson's header in the area.

Robinson took the kick himself, but Bettinelli guessed correctly by diving to his left to keep out the low shot.

Fulham caretaker manager Kit Symons: "There will be a thorough search for the right manager and my challenge is to make sure that right person is me.

"Results are vital for my chances of getting the job. We have to build confidence - this is stepping stone and a good starting point."

Doncaster manager Paul Dickov on Robinson's penalty miss: "Theo's taken penalties for us before and I'll never have a go at anyone who stands up there as I've done it myself.

"He put it on target but the keeper made a good save. The only disappointment is if it had gone in I think we would have gone on to win the game."

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