Doncaster vs Southampton: Saints Survive Five-Goal FA Cup Thriller to End Winless Run

11 January 2026 Football

Southampton Edge Past Doncaster in Dramatic FA Cup Encounter

Southampton survived a scare on their way to snapping a six-game winless run with a hard-fought 3-2 victory at equally out-of-form Doncaster in the FA Cup third round. The match, played on 10 January 2026, provided both teams with an opportunity to overcome their recent struggles, with Doncaster coming into the match on a six-game winless streak.

Dominant First Half Performance

Southampton seemed set to cruise through after Cameron Bragg, Cameron Archer and Kuryu Matsuki scored first-half goals against the side 23rd in League One. The Saints looked comfortable after leading 3-0 at the break before two second-half goals from the hosts set up a nervy finale. The Championship side’s superiority in the opening 45 minutes suggested a comfortable progression to the fourth round.

Doncaster’s Spirited Fightback

The second half told a different story as the League One hosts mounted an impressive comeback. Grant McCann’s men pulled back two goals through Matty Pearson and Jordan Gibson as visitors wobbled early in the second half. The dramatic turnaround exposed familiar defensive frailties in Southampton’s game, creating genuine concern that an upset might be on the cards.

Late Drama Secures Southampton Victory

Debutant Daniel Peretz’s double save in stoppage time helped Southampton avoid embarrassment in their commemorative yellow and blue kits marking 50 years since the club’s sole FA Cup win. After a dramatic finish in which Doncaster Rovers tried to force extra time, the match comes to an end with Southampton advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 2–3 victory.

Significance and Looking Ahead

This victory holds particular importance for Southampton, who had been enduring a difficult spell in the Championship. The win not only secures their place in the FA Cup fourth round but also provides a much-needed confidence boost for manager Tonda Eckert’s squad. For Doncaster, despite the defeat, their second-half performance demonstrated the fighting spirit that could prove valuable in their League One survival battle. The match served as a reminder of the FA Cup’s unpredictable nature and the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the full 90 minutes.