Saturday Night Takeaway: A frustrating day that will be repeated - Doncaster Rovers show they are not the finished article in Crewe Alexandra defeat

The overriding thought after a defeat for Doncaster Rovers that brought frustration, positives and a good deal to reflect on was that it is unlikely to be the last time it occurs.

Rovers are not the finished article. Nor should anyone expect them to be.

Nor will they ever be under the insistence of Darren Moore who continues to strive for improvement with every day that passes.

Elements of the 2-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra laid this bare. There was a wilting as the task became ever more difficult and a lack of smarts to break down a stubborn opposition and fully take back control.

But they were also not a million miles away from taking something from the game. On another day they could easily have won it.

The frustration came from the failure to take at least a point against a Crewe side they had the better of for much of a rain-drenched afternoon.

And of course there was the disappointment that a brilliant week with two very notable results was brought to an end in such flat fashion.

Positives came in the form of some decent attacking play, particularly in the first half when some of the passing moves were particularly impressive.

And there was the continued impact of Josh Sims, who grabbed his first senior goal in English football and was a menace throughout.

The aspects of the game to reflect on were plentiful - a lack of attacking spark after the break when Crewe presented an incredibly congested half of the pitch for Rovers to navigate through; being caught out with several swift counterattacks including those which led to the visitors’ two goals; the decreasing availability of game-changing options off the bench.

Crewe swept up the pitch quickly and caught Rovers off guard with the move that ultimately saw Charlie Kirk slot past Josef Bursik to give David Artell’s side the lead.

Rovers responded superbly and were level inside two minutes when Sims brilliantly curled past Will Jaaskelainen after a rapid attack.

Moore’s men had the better of the chances but their fate was sealed when Harry Pickering curled home an excellent free kick.

Frustration won’t end with this defeat. There’ll be more to come.

How quickly depends on the swiftness of the response.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.