Doncaster Rovers' top of League One for Christmas? Great for the town but don't tell the players

However, such is the success of Darren Moore’s indoctrination into his squad of the ‘one game at a time’ mantra, some of them didn’t realise Rovers could be the star on top of the division going into the festive period.

One of those players was Taylor Richards, whose goal helped Rovers to a 3-1 victory over Burton on Saturday.

Richards admitted that the hectic schedule means the team are taking on each challenge in isolation and moving onto the next, without payig too much attention to what’s going on around them.

"I actually didn’t know that [Rovers could be top],” he said. “Its a game at a time, the gaffer always says that.

"You can't look too far ahead because you'll get lost, there are so many games. We'll take it one by one and take all the teams seriously. We will go up against Shrewsbury to get the three points and that’s it.”

Doncaster Rovers team news and Darren Moore's thoughts on in-form Shrewsbury Town

Displaying that mentality was music to the ears of Moore, however the boss did recogise just how much joy it would bring to the town and the club’s fans if they were to beat Shrewsbury tonight.

Moore said: "I can understand that and echo that for the town and everyone connected with the football club because the love and support is there for the club and the team, coming from the supporters. It's the club they have supported for years and from that perspective it would be [great to be top].

“I'm glad that I've said what I've said and Taylor has said the same thing – unbeknown to me he has the same message. Hopefully it shows you all, there are no mixed messages, it's just how we work. We are just going about our business in what we feel is the right way for us as a club and a group of players.

"For the fans and everyone looking in that's a wonderful moment for them, but it's going to be a real tough game. It's been another quick turnaround, the matches are coming thick and fast and we are just preparing for them in an isolated way.”