Doncaster Rovers defence of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy continued in style Tuesday evening, as Sean O'Driscoll's side put on a terrific second half performance against fellow League One side Oldham Athletic. A game for Richie Wellens to relish - named Rovers captain for the clash against his former side and a 3-0 victory that he can enjoy. Goals coming from Jason Price, Paul Green and substitute Martin Woods gave the Rovers the win, as the Keepmoat side progress to the area quarter-finals of the competition. Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll believes that the game truly was one of two halves.

"I thought that at times, it was a bit scruffy," said O'Driscoll.

"Sometimes, these early rounds in the competition fail to get the imagination going. We changed things a little bit in the second half and I think that we dominated from then on. I'm glad to see Jason get a goal - probably his best touch of the game ending up in the back of the net."

The visitors put out a strong starting eleven, with top-scorer Craig Davies partnering former England international Michael Ricketts in the attack. The midfield was also strong, with Neil Kilkenny and Jean-Paul Kalala making things difficult.

"Oldham came with a diamond in midfield, which caused us problems," commented the Rovers manager.

"Once any passes went astray, we were able to get counter-attacked. That's why we altered that in the second half and matched them up. There is no point in saying that we were evenly matched unless we show that - and we did in the second half. We maybe could have scored a couple more as well."

So what was the difference between Sean O'Driscoll's tactics in the first half - where Rovers struggled at times - and the second - where Rovers dominated proceedings.

"We just matched them up. That was pretty much the half-time team-talk, in some sense. We have been in half times before, where they have hindered us. Coming in at half time after dominating the game has been a problem. We went into the break and had the chance to explain a few things and - credit to the players - they went out there and played very well."

The game saw the manager use all three of his substitutes, with the first surprising many supporters. Gareth Roberts was the first to withdraw - after putting on a solid performance and setting up Jason Price for the game's opening goal.

"Unfortunately, Gareth Roberts came off with a little bit of double vision," explains O'Driscoll.

"Gareth was playing very well before he got injured, so to get him back is important. He came on against Nottingham Forest and played well then and he's played very well against Oldham."

One player to make an impact was the Man of the Match Paul Green. The long-serving midfielder played with incredible passion and enthusiasm; capping an inspirational performance with a well-taken shot into the lower reaches of Marlon Beresford's goal.

"I think that Paul (Green) is itching to get back into the team. Perhaps in the first half, enthusiasm got the better of him. He was making runs that perhaps he didn't have to make and getting into positions that, maybe, didn't benefit the team. In the second half, though, I thought that Paul was excellent. He's got goals in him and it was a nice left-foot strike and good to see the midfield score goals."

Martin Woods returned to the side as a second-half substitute - coming on for Gareth Roberts. The Scottish midfielder marked his return from injury with a goal; however the Rovers manager reveals that Woods didn't get on the pitch as early as the management team would have wished for.

"We wanted to get Martin Woods and Stephen Roberts on a little quicker than we did. Martin has kept himself fit and been bright in training, and those two players were probably the ones that we wanted to get on more than anybody. Jason Price wasn't going to last the full game and James Hayter replaced him - so, all-in-all we got the win and achieved a couple more objectives as well."

In a change to formation, with Rovers playing a more basic system, Sean McDaid played alongside fellow left-back Gareth Roberts in a more advanced role.

"Sean McDaid has been playing left-back a lot and we wanted to give him more of a free role against Oldham. He played more of an advance role in the first half and a midfield role in the second. When he has a job to do I think that he plays very well and when he's playing a little bit looser and in an advance role I think that he - doesn't so much struggle - but he enjoys going up against somebody and matching their energy. I don't think that there are many players who can beat him and I think that - as with all the team - as the game went on, we settled down and played a lot better. We were worthy winners in the end."

With the 3-0 win in the bag, the Rovers can now look forward to an away trip to Blundell Park to take on struggling League Two side Grimsby Town on 13th November.

"I think that when you are looking at a League One side going to a League Two side - even though it is away from home - it's winnable. We are on a good run in the competition and we wanted to keep the run going. We have a very important game against Orient on Sunday and I think that the focus will be on that rather than anything else."