Doncaster 0 Leeds United 0

 Much-changed Leeds regained their pride and defensive stability at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium after their 5-2 thrashing by Barnsley three days earlier.

A bonus was the return after injury of Robert Snodgrass, who left the bench 23 minutes from the end of a match containing ample endeavour but lacking goals.

The first meeting of the sides since Doncaster’s promotion play-off final victory at Wembley in 2008 saw Leeds manager Simon Grayson make five changes from Tuesday’s team.

In came Andrew Hughes, Alex Bruce, Aidan White, Davide Somma and Ross McCormack in place of Paul Connolly, Richard Naylor, Federico Bessone, Luciano Becchio and Lloyd Sam.

After successfully defending three early corners, Leeds almost took a 23rd-minute lead, the impressive Somma beating two men before rattling the bar and shooting just over in the follow-up.

Four minutes later it was Doncaster’s Shiels who struck the bar with a curling shot but Somma, making his first Championship start, looked particularly sharp in the Leeds attack.

When Johannesburg-born Somma was next put through by Bradley Johnson, former Elland Road keeper Neil Sullivan was quick to leave his line and make a good save.

Doncaster, with ex-Whites trainee Martin Woods pulling the strings, showed good passing skills but Leeds defended much better than they had done against Barnsley, with Bruce adding reassuring solidity alongside Neill Collins.

They started the second half strongly, with Sullivan having to make saves from Max Gradel and McCormack and the travelling fans gave Snodgrass a warm reception when he replaced the injured McCormack.

It was the Scottish winger’s first appearance for the first team since he damaged a knee during a pre-season friendly in Norway.

Somma had a 76th-minute goal disallowed for offside after Sullivan spilled Johnson’s shot.

It was the first time Leeds had failed to score this season but Somma was deservedly named man of the match.