Recap as Doncaster Rovers are beaten by Harrogate Town on League Two’s opening day

A new era - Grant McCann’s second spell in charge - is officially here. What a season it promises to be. Hopes are high at the Eco-Power Stadium following a transformative summer for Doncaster Rovers on and off the pitch. There’s even a new menu!

But more importantly ten new signings have turned Doncaster into a contender for promotion in 2023/24. It won’t be easy, and much has been said and written about the strength of their rivals, but McCann is confident he’s assembled a group that can be there or therabouts come May.

Let’s hope the good times are back after two terrible years, even if the sun hasn’t come out today. A good start with a positive result against Harrogate this afternoon would keep the optimism burning bright among a re-energised fan base. Bring it on!

No Luke Armstrong for the visitors. A big boost for Doncaster.

Harrogate are all in blue with Rovers sporting their traditional red and white hoops. Great noise from the Black Bank as the players make their way out. Haven’t heard the place this loud in a while...

Harrogate get us started with Rovers kicking towards the away fans.

Jon Taylor plays Jon Taylor in over the top, but his ball into Joe Ironside is blocked for a corner.

As expected, Owen Bailey is sitting behind Rowe and Broadbent in the middle. Still fairly quiet here but Doncaster have seen more of the ball.

Ten gone here and Harrogate might have had the lead Jack Muldoon fires straight at Lawlor after he was played through. The Doncaster stopper then saves comfortably from Sam Folarin on the follow-up.