Doncaster Rovers picked up a fourth pre-season win as goals from Cedric Evina and Harry Forrester secured a 2-0 win against Premier League visitors Sunderland at the Keepmoat Stadium this evening.
The Vikings were the dominant side throughout the first half, with Richie Wellens whipping in a number of dangerous crosses during the first 10 minutes.
Paul Dickov's side then took the lead after 15 minutes as Harry Forrester's cross was smashed beyond Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon by former Arsenal youngster Evina from 12 yards.
Penalty shouts from both teams were dismissed by the referee shortly afterwards as the game looked to become more open, though Doncaster continued to threaten through Wellens and James Coppinger.
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson tried his luck from 30 yards out, firing over the bar, while Rovers' defence was able to deal with the pace of debutant Jeremain Lens.
Dick Advocaat's men tested once again shortly before the break as a deflected Jermain Defoe shot caused problems for German keeper Thorsten Stuckmann.
Proving to be a thorn in the Black Cats' side, Wellens looked to score just seconds before the half-time whistle but pulled his shot wide from 10 yards out.
Sunderland made four changes at the start of the second half, with former Tottenham Hotspur captain Younes Kaboul making his debut.
Fellow substitute Danny Graham was handed a chance by Lens but could only see his shot saved by Stuckmann, while Sebastian Larsson's free-kick effort flew inches wide of the post shortly afterwards.
Doncaster doubled their lead just after the 60-minute mark as Forrester pounced on Jack Rodwell's attempt to clear the ball and was able to smash the ball into the net.
Continuing his energetic performance, Netherlands international Lens had a long-range effort tipped over the bar for Sunderland shortly after Adam Johnson also tested Vikings keeper Stuckmann.
Sunderland showcased one final effort before the final whistle as Will Buckley had a shot blocked on the edge of the box, but it was Doncaster who finished the game in control to continue their unbeaten pre-season form.
Miles Jolliffe
