Rovers were eliminated from the 2011–12 FA Cup at the third round stage, when they suffered a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Despite playing well at times, The Pirates were outclassed by their Premier League opposition in a game screened live on ESPN. This was the first game since Paul Buckle was relieved of his managerial duties, and was caretaker-boss Shaun North's first game as manager of a senior team.