Goals, trialists, Richards, empty Keepmoat and more talking points from Doncaster Rovers' friendly win over Manchester United U21s

A Jon Taylor brace plus strikes from James Coppinger, Madger Gomes and on trial Andy Butler helped Rovers to the comfortable win as they experienced the Keepmoat for the first time in behind-closed-doors conditions.

Here, we look at some of the major talking points from the evening.

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS - BUT ONLY AT ONE END THIS TIME

Pre-season has been characterised by goals for Rovers with only the draw at Derby failing to see them fire. And they saved their most ferocious goalscoring turn until last as they struck five against Manchester United’s youngsters.

And, like in their previous friendlies, there were some cracking goals among the bunch too.

Not quite a lob on this occasion, Coppinger nevertheless looped an impressive effort into the postage stamp while Taylor smashed in a superb angled drive, adding a second goal to his tally after finishing off good build-up play earlier in the game.

Impressive too was that Rovers let nothing slip at the other end, particularly after coming under pressure in the second half.

Louis Jones pulled off a couple of smart saves while there were also some impressive blocks along the way.

IT IS NOT THE SAMEWhether it was the buzz from those typically congregated outside the ground or the noise from the Black Bank, there was plenty missing from the usual matchday experience at the Keepmoat - and it hammered home just how much worse football is for it.

Behind-closed-doors football is something we all are still getting used to - including the squad who had a dress rehearsal for what life will be like for some time to come at a place they had been so familiar.

Hopefully we won’t be waiting too long for the return of supporters, because it is very much not the same without them.

MORE OF A LOOK

After his impressive debut on Saturday against Blackburn - particularly in the second half - there was opportunity for a further look at Taylor Richards, who featured in the opening 45 minutes.

In a fluid midfield section, he spent time partnering Ben Whiteman in the sitting two, and also pushed further forward into the advanced three.

While he caught the eye with his passing range at the weekend, on this occasion it was his pressing work and ability to drive forward.

Richards has spoken of his desire to improve his off the ball work, and he is making a good start at that. On several occasions, he closed down the ball superbly and nicked it away from opposition players - most eyecatching as part of the opening goal.

He made several smart runs with the ball at his feet and carried Rovers forward.

It is early days but Rovers looked to have landed a player that could make a big contribution, wherever he ends up playing.

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS

Andy Butler’s last competitive appearance for Rovers saw him power in a header at the back post in the play-off semi-final against Charlton Athletic. This might not have been quite as pressurised a situation, but it was nevertheless pleasing to see the centre half getting on the scoresheet on his return to the Keepmoat.

It was a solid showing from Butler, who has impressed during his trial with Rovers. He handled the pace and busyness of Manchester United’s youngsters really well.

But where he impressed the most was how vocal he was, particularly in guiding the club’s youngsters through the game. His left sided full backs were Branden Horton and Cameron John, and he could be heard clearly advising them from start to finish.

His trial is unlikely to lead to a regular starting place with Rovers, but with his performance on Thursday, he showed he would be a more than capable deputy - but more importantly a strong voice and teacher within the dressing room.

THE PITCH LOOKS SUPERB

One positive to come from the long, long break in action is certainly the state of the pitch at the Keepmoat.

Head groundsman Andy Thompson and his team worked smartly and with expert timing during the pandemic to maximise the amount of renovation work they could do on the playing surface and ensure it is ready for a busy season.

Taylor Richards commented after the game on the quality of the pitch and with Rovers again looking to play smart, possession football, it is exactly the surface they need.

EYE ON TRIALISTS

Darren Moore continues to cast his eye over trialists - aside from Butler.

He gave the opportunity to three other players on Thursday - including former Rotherham United forward Julien Lamy who played the full 90 minutes, either in a wide position or as the lone striker.

Moore also fielded a holding midfielder, who was latterly with a League Two club, and a young right back, who was released by a Championship side earlier this summer.

Lamy showed flashes of good play, especially on the break, but his decision making and end product let him down on numerous occasions.

The young right back got forward well in the first option and linked up well with Jon Taylor, and looked solid enough defensively.

There was little opportunity to see the holding midfielder on the ball but he showed the hard running to disrupt Manchester United’s attempts to attack.

While there is little indication so far that any of the trio will follow Ed Williams in signing permanent terms with Rovers, it does offer a suggestion of where on the pitch Moore continues to look for reinforcements.

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