Paul Goodwin: Reality of League Two has quickly hit home for Doncaster Rovers

If anyone at Doncaster Rovers was unsure about what League Two had in store for them, they know all about it now.
Andy WilliamsAndy Williams
Andy Williams

From the moment Rovers pulled up in their team bus outside Accrington’s tiny Wham Stadium, where music blasted out from the portable cabin for a home dressing room, the reality of relegation will have immediately hit home for Darren Ferguson and his squad.

Events on the pitch also backed up many of the preconceptions about the fourth tier.

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What Stanley lacked in technical ability they made up for in tenacity and tigerishness.

First and foremost, Rovers will have to win the battle if they are going to win the war.

And while Ferguson’s men had more swagger and style than their hosts, they have learned very quickly that not doing the basics will see them punished just like they were in the league above.

In that respect, the defeat last weekend might not be a bad thing.

A bit of a reality check might just focus a few more minds.

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But when it comes to this week’s home double-header they need to put their greater ability to better use, exert more control on the game, and cut out the lapses in concentration that cost them so dearly.

Had Andy Williams scored from the spot it would have been a very different game against Stanley. Instead, his miss lifted the opposition and Rovers were playing catch up.

If they can score first in both of these games, I expect them to grow in confidence and finish the job.