FA Cup review: John Carew scored on his first start for three months as Aston Villa reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for only the second time in nine years.
The Norway international struck for the eighth time this season, proving his fitness after a lengthy lay-off with a back problem.
Steve Sidwell and Nathan Delfouneso were also on the mark for Martin O’Neill’s drastically changed team, with Jason Price netting a consolation effort for visitors Doncaster.
But the Coca-Cola Championship side could be proud of their efforts and attempted to play constructive football from the first to the final whistle.
Villa will just be happy to be through to the next round after resting star names like Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry, James Milner and Brad Friedel ahead of the weekend Barclays Premier League clash at Blackburn.
Benni McCarthy stepped off the bench to steer Blackburn into the fifth round and set up a home tie with Coventry.
The South African striker got the vital goal with three minutes of extra-time remaining when he headed home a free-kick from Carlos Villanueva.
Northern Ireland's David Healy had given Sunderland a perfect start by opening the scoring in the seventh minute, only for Aaron Mokoena to equalise 30 minutes later.
Kris Commons’ goal settled an enthralling FA Cup fourth-round replay between east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby to ensure a winning return to the City Ground for Nigel Clough.
Former Forest winger Commons sent the Rams through to a last-16 tie at home to Manchester United later this month with a deflected second-half effort.
Derby had seemed down and out when they quickly fell two goals behind.
Chris Cohen gave the Reds a dream start with a goal after only 60 seconds before Nathan Tyson doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute.
Rob Hulse halved Derby’s deficit with a well-placed header as the half-hour mark approached and another header from Paul Green restored parity before Commons struck in the 74th minute.
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