​SUBSTITUTE Jay McEveley struck a superb late winner against Doncaster Rovers this afternoon to put Derby County into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

McEveley, on for the injured Dean Moxey, drove home a stunning shot after 88 minutes to give the Rams a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Pride Park Stadium.

Much of the fourth round tie was a dour tussle of few chances, but the late goal was worth waiting for and was McEveley's second goal of the season.

Derby had lost their previous three meetings with Doncaster including a 2-0 defeat at Pride Park last month.

With on-loan striker DJ Campbell unavailable, Chris Porter came in to partner Steve Davies up front.

That was the only change to the team which won at Peterborough a week ago.

But the side showed six changes to the one that was beaten by Doncaster just before Christmas.

Derby won a couple of corners early on and from the second, Shaun Barker and Jason Shackell needed treatment after a clash of heads.

Both were able to continue, Barker with a Terry Butcher-style strapping around his head.

Doncaster, with six wins in their last seven matches, looked confident on the ball and when they counter-attacked. This tested Derby but Jake Buxton and Barker defended strongly in the opening 15 minutes.

John Oster showed an immaculate first touch before he weaved his way in the area and fortunately for Derby he ignored the chance to shoot and tried to find James Coppinger but the pass was slightly over-hit.

Doncaster forced the first save of note after 28 minutes when Billy Sharp cut inside and Stephen Bywater easily gathered the low shot.

Derby's play was disjointed. They struggled to string passes together and when they did, their passing lacked sharpness and purpose. This made it difficult for them to create chances.

They hoisted the ball to Porter and Davies without much reward, and a shortage of genuine width and pace was clear to see.

The more controlled football came from the visitors though both keepers had precious little to do.

Neil Sullivan's first save of a poor half came a minute just before the break.

Davies dropped off his marker, received the ball and rolled in Stephen Pearson but the Doncaster keeper was out quickly and bravely to collect at the feet of the midfielder.

Nicky Hunt headed a cross from Sharp over his own bar as Doncaster started the second half on the front foot and Savage did well to block a volley by Brian Stock.

Savage's misplaced header set Doncaster on another attack and Mark Wilson tested Bywater from distance.

Derby responded and Hunt whipped in an excellent centre for Davies who headed over, but Doncaster moved forward again. Sharp's shot on the turn was straight at Bywater and a centre from Gareth Roberts flashed across the face of goal.

There was a better tempo second half - there had to be after the first - and Davies drove a shot wide when he should have done better. At the other end, Bxton produced a fine challenge to deny Dean Sheils who was in on goal.

Kris Commons replaced Davies and played just off Porter as Derby looked to vary their attack, and Barker headed high and wide from a Lee Johnson corner.

Commons had a sight of goal when Pearson drove into the area  and centred. Commons tried to make space for himself but his effort was blocked by substitute Sam Hird and Sullivan pushed away the follow up from Pearson.

Derby's winner came two minutes from time.

Savage's determination saw him win the ball in midfield and he found Pearson on the left. The Scot's cross was charged down and Commons was crowded out but the ball broke for McEveley who rifled a shot high past Sullivan from 25 yards.

DERBY COUNTY: Bywater; Hunt, Barker, Buxton, Moxey (McEveley, 75); Green, Savage, Johnson, Pearson; Davies (Commons, 65), Porter (Hulse, 78).

Other subs: Deeney (gk) Teale, Pringle, Anderson.

DONCASTER ROVERS: Sullivan; Chambers, O'Connor, Shackell (Hird, 55), Roberts; Oster, Stock, Wilson (Heffernan, 90), Sheils (Guy, 78); Coppinger, Sharp.

Other subs: Smith (gk), Spicer, Hayter, Webster.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne & Wear)

Attendance: 11,316 (away fans 1,453)