Dawson lauds 'magnificent' Checkatrade display

Tom Allan, Callum Roberts and Elias Sørensen were on the scoresheet as the Magpies got off to a winning start in the northern section’s Group G, just their second ever victory in the competition.

Though John Marquis’ mis-hit cross – which caught out goalkeeper Nathan Harker on the stroke of half time – threatened to prove the catalyst for a comeback victory for the home side, United looked solid for the most part. And, when their chances came at the other end of the pitch, they were clinical in front of goal.

It was no surprise, then, that Dawson was elated with his side’s showing in every aspect of the game at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“I thought they were absolutely magnificent,” he told nufc.co.uk. “I don’t know whether Doncaster did underestimate our group – whether they’ve looked at our recent results, or maybe at how young we were. But we spoke to the players about making a good start, being on the front foot, being really compact and making it tough and frustrating, which sometimes you have to do away from home. And especially against a really experienced side, who are in the top half of League One, I thought they were magnificent.

“In previous games, we’ve had chances. We started well against Wolves and had chances, but we didn’t take them and we paid for it. Against Reading (on Saturday), we took the two early chances and then we took our foot off the gas. But I think tonight was probably as complete a performance as you’ll get.”

Frontman Sørensen – who struck a brace against Reading four days ago – took his tally for the season to four by scoring the last of United’s goals on the night, a prodded finish beyond goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

With Luke Charman having linked up with another League One side, Accrington Stanley, on loan, the door has opened for the Dane to establish himself as the second string’s first-choice striker, and Dawson acknowledged that he did his cause the power of good with an impressive all-round display at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“He’s got some big boots to fill. Tonight, he had to do more of the unsung work that Luke normally does as part of the team – running, chasing, making play predictable,” the Magpies’ coach said. “Elias had to do a lot of that tonight, but I’m really pleased that when he got his chance, he took it really well.”