A couple of defensive blunders by Doncaster were ruthlessly punished as Nottingham Forest made their extra quality count in a sparkling Carling Cup tie.
Rovers battled all the way and were just starting to make their presence felt when Forest grabbed their second goal to put the issue beyond doubt in the 63rd minute.
But it was no more than the visitors deserved for an excellent performance that combined classy football with sheer hard work.
Both sides set a tremendous pace with Eoin Jess striking the first shot just wide of the Rovers goal inside the first minute.
Doncaster played some neat one-touch football with John Doolan making an early impression in midfield and Jermaine McSporran causing problems with his pace on the right flank.
McSporran cut inside to have a swerving shot comfortably saved in the eighth minute and Paul Gerrard also stopped a 25-yarder from Michael McIndoe eight minutes later.
Forest began to take charge with Kris Commons in splendid form in midfield and Marlon King was unlucky to see a cracking effort deflected following a 28th minute corner.
The Championship side went ahead in the 33rd minute when Rovers were caught napping at the back, with David Johnson producing a curling cross from the left which was clinically converted by King at the far post.
Doncaster tried to hit back after the interval with Nick Fenton heading just over before Leo Fortune-West had a shot deflected by impressive defender Michael Dawson.
A rare mistake at the back led to a chance for an equaliser for Doncaster in the 62nd minute but Fortune-West's finishing was poor and his shot flew well wide.
Rovers were made to pay a minute later when James Perch volleyed home unmarked following a corner.
There was no way back for Doncaster after that and Forest went close to adding to their score with King having a fierce effort saved by Andy Warrington's legs before Alan Rogers fired inches wide.