Roy Hodgson is pleased that Crystal Palace's preparation for their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Doncaster paid off as the Premier League side booked a place in the quarter-finals.
The Eagles successfully avoided an upset at the Keepmoat Stadium and became the fifth top-flight team to reach the last eight thanks to first-half goals from Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer.
However, Palace certainly did not have everything their own way in South Yorkshire and were subject to a stern test as Herbie Kane, James Coppinger and Alfie May all had chances for the hosts.
In the end, Hodgson, who is now the oldest manager in Premier League history, expressed delight that his team did not take for granted in-form third-tier opposition who have their eyes fixed on a possible return to the Championship via the play-offs this season.
"It was a very tough game," he said.
"We had prepared for a tough game. We knew Doncaster Rovers were a good football team and we had seen enough from our research to know that.
"Luckily I was able to really imprint that in the minds of our players and there was never going to be any complacency on our part.
"In fact, Doncaster were every bit as good as I thought they might be, perhaps even slightly better.
"The pitch was a bit of a factor which evened things out and Doncaster probably dealt with how firm and bumpy it was better than we did.
"I thought both teams tried to play good football.
"In the end we are delighted to come through on the right side and go into the quarter-finals."
