[Archived] News Article -> 2013/14 Full-Time: Doncaster Rovers 2 Rovers 0

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Rovers' early season struggles have continued after they slumped to a disappointing defeat away to newly promoted Doncaster. It was Rovers' third defeat on the bounce and leaves them with only one point and one goal from their opening three league games. Their inability to keep clean sheets and the tendency to concede sloppy goals will be worrying and, whilst it is still very early in the season, Bowyer and his side will not want to find themselves condemned to another relegation fight.

The match got off to an even start and neither side looked particularly threatening going forward. Rovers looked most dangerous from set-pieces and spurned their best chance of the half when Hanley headed over from a corner midway through the first half. Rhodes then rounded the Doncaster keeper, but fired wide from a difficult angle and Rovers were punished for their inability to put the Championship newboys to the sword when the home side took the lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half. A quick free-kick caught Rovers out and the good delivery left Theo Robinson with the simple task of heading home from close range.

The lead may have slightly flattered the home side and Rovers responded well at the start of the second half and should have put themselves back on level terms, but Taylor failed to find the net when he looked certain to score. Rovers looked the more likely to grab the next goal, but Doncaster doubled their lead when James Husband's mishit cross caught Kean out in the Rovers goal. There may be some questions asked of the goalkeeper's reactions to the cross and it has certainly been a disappointing start to the season for Kean, who has now made costly errors in consecutive matches. Rovers never fully recovered from falling two behind and Doncaster nearly added to their lead as the match wore on, with the away side looking weary and out of ideas.

It marks a poor start to the season for Rovers and Bowyer will know that results will need to pick up soon. It is still very early on and there should be no need for knee-jerk reactions from the club's management or supporters, but points will be needed from the upcoming fixtures. Rovers were not helped by the fact that several of their players took part in midweek international fixtures, but a side containing a number of internationals and high earners should have performed better against a team that was only promoted from League One via the playoffs last season.

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