Fulham 2-1 Doncaster Rovers

Kit Symons’ chances of landing the Fulham job on a full-time basis were boosted after a hard-fought victory over Doncaster.

First-half goals from Bryan Ruiz and stand-in skipper Dan Burn earned the Cottagers a healthy lead at the break.

But a stunning goal from James Coppinger gave Rovers hope before sub Theo Robinson saw a late penalty saved by Marcus Bettinelli as the hosts held on to book their place in round four.

Opener: Ruiz set Fulham on their way

Ross McCormack almost gave Fulham the lead inside 29 seconds when he capitalised on Liam Wakefield’s slip, but Jed Steer stuck out a leg to save his effort.

The home side had a let off at the other end as keeper Bettinelli handled outside the area, only to escape with a yellow card.

Fulham broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Fernando Amorebieta’s long knock forward was nodded down by Rodallega, and Ruiz slotted the loose ball into the top corner.

Leading by example: Dan Burn climbs highest to score the second

Kostas Stafylidis almost added a second when he stung the hands of Steer with a fizzing long-range effort.

But the Cottagers doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Burn headed in McCormack’s cross.

Doncaster captain Coppinger gave the visitors hope after the break with an angled drive into the top corner.

And Robinson fluffed the chance to force the added 30 when Bettinelli saved his spot-kick after Tim Hoogland had handled in the area.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Amorebieta (Kavanagh 70), Ruiz (Williams 81), Hyndman, Christensen, Stafylidis (Parker 72), McCormack, Rodallega.

Subs (not used): Kiraly, Roberts, Woodrow, David.