What we learned about Doncaster Rovers this week

One of the best performances of the season was followed by one of the worst during a week where many questions have been asked of Doncaster Rovers.
Centre backs Andy Butler, pictured, and Tom Anderson let nothing past them at Peterborough.Centre backs Andy Butler, pictured, and Tom Anderson let nothing past them at Peterborough.
Centre backs Andy Butler, pictured, and Tom Anderson let nothing past them at Peterborough.

Here, we examine what we have learned about Rovers over the past week.

More resolute than credited

There was a bit of a worry when Rovers visited Peterborough United that they would be the latest victim of ruthless counterattacking by Posh.

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Steve Evans’ side had conceded plenty of chances but managed to hurt opposition teams on the counter.

With Rovers’ ultra-attacking approach leaving them somewhat vulnerable to the counter, many would have been forgiven for fearing the worst.

But they showed just how strong they can be last weekend as they kept Peterborough quiet.

Andy Butler and Tom Anderson let little pass, while incredibly disciplined performances from full backs and midfield ensured Posh were kept at bay.

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With goalscoring proving a difficult thing to master, it is good to see things are going right at the other end.

Questions over cup drive

For the second successive Tuesday night we saw Rovers disappoint in cup competition.

The most disappointing factor about the defeats to Blackpool and Newcastle United U21s was the fact that both games were there for the taking.

And there was the fact the games came in the midst of some strong performances in the league.

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At Peterborough, Rovers demonstrated relentlessness in their attacking intent, tempo and determination.

But they followed it up with a performance where such relentlessness was largely absence.

It left questions over motivations for cup football because they have looked to struggle to maintain a relentless approach throughout 90 minutes in both the Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy.

And it as cost them, just as it will in the league if they dip below standards.

there may be shortage ahead

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Grant McCann himself had pointed out a lack of bodies in defence and suggested there had been a dilemma over whether to make defensive additions in the summer.

Opting against it, there may have been some fear when it was revealed Joe Wright had suffered ankle damage.

While the young defender may have recovered in time to face Luton on Saturday, his absence from the Peterborough game highlighted the lack of depth in the defensive ranks.

And it got worse when both natural left backs went down with injury.

The situation now looks much more brighter than it might have done but the concern remains.