After the upheaval Doncaster Rovers went through during the summer, it’s hardly surprising this performance was so incredibly disjointed. Only one player (Tom Anderson) had featured in the starting XI last season, and a pre-season filled with injury setbacks, Covid-19 cancellations and trialists galore was only ever going to lead to one thing; a squad that simply hasn’t had time to gel.
Fans went into this opener unsure of what team Richie Wellens would field. As it turned out, the initially slightly confusing inclusion of full-back Charlie Seaman playing on the wing would bring the best moment of the day. Seaman’s goal at the beginning of the second half put Rovers ahead following a difficult first 45 minutes where we’d struggled to string more than three passes together.
One (definitely offside) equaliser later and the Wombles were back in it. Their second goal hit the back of the net shortly after. This goal certainly raised eyebrows as Rovers used a ‘draught excluder’ to defend a free kick that was easily slotted home. Football is dead.
On a more positive note, new goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg looks a fantastic acquisition and I couldn’t stop laughing every time Tommy Rowe was caught offside, whilst playing left back.
Overall, the football was disappointing. But it’s too early to get bogged down quite yet. Instead I intend to look back on this match for how exciting it was to see fans back where they belong; in the Keepmoat Stadium, supporting the team they love.
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