Fresh after scoring his first goal on loan at Doncaster Rovers last month, Newcastle youngster Rodrigo Vilca was instrumental in the League One side’s EFL Trophy win against Scunthorpe United last night.
The Peruvian talent opened the scoring at the Sands Venue Stadium in the fifth minute after his shot deflected past goalkeeper Rory Watson.
The 22-year-old then laid on two assists for Joe Dodoo to help Richie Wellens’ side into a three-goal lead.
Two late goals from the home side made it a nervy finish, but Doncaster held on to secure a 3-2 win and qualify for the EFL Trophy knockout stages.
It’s good to see the Toon youngster performing well out on loan. He also hit the woodwork and completed 22 of his 24 passes (92%), whilst getting 46 touches of the ball (SofaScore).
Happy to dig and do his defensive duties for the team, Vilca made three interceptions, two tackles and one clearance.
Doncaster Free Press gave Vilca a 7/10 for his performance against Scunthorpe, with the following summary: “Netted his second goal for Rovers after popping up in space on the edge of the box.
“And his tenacity brought about the second goal for the side, robbing the ball in midfield and timing his pass superbly.
“He relished the opportunity for space to carry the ball into. Faded a little as the game wore on.”
Doncaster’s 3-2 win at Scunthorpe was their second win against the same side in the space of just four days, after Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup first round win, which also came away from home. Vilca didn’t feature in the FA Cup clash.
Following his impressive performance against Scunthorpe, Vilca will be hoping he has done enough to earn a recall into Wellens’ starting line-up for the League One clash against Lincoln after the international break.
Vilca was an unused substitute in the last league outing against Crewe Alexandra.
With the attacker impressing during his loan spel, there is every chance that Doncaster could try and extend his loan until the end of the season.
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