Saturday Night Takeaway: Trying in vain not to get carried away by Doncaster Rovers' potential

It’s getting very difficult not to get carried away with what Doncaster Rovers could achieve this season.
Rovers celebrate as Taylor Richards scores their third goal against Bristol Rovers. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIXRovers celebrate as Taylor Richards scores their third goal against Bristol Rovers. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX
Rovers celebrate as Taylor Richards scores their third goal against Bristol Rovers. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX

Everything about this job urges you to be level-headed, to stand back and observe with caution, to not rush into any conclusions.

But after another performance packed with attacking vigour, superb technical ability and one heck of a backbone, the very least you can possibly be is excited at Rovers’ prospects for the next eight months.

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And the most exciting part of it - they don’t even look close to their best just yet.

Darren Moore was right to point out that Rovers should have beaten Bristol Rovers by more than the 4-1 scoreline they ended up with as Joe Wright, Taylor Richards, Jon Taylor and man of the moment Madger Gomes struck.

There were times when the wrong pass was chosen, or there was a rush of blood to the head when the sight of goal opened up.

But with all that, there was week-on-week progression, particularly with the manner in which Rovers started the game and stamped their authority on it from the first whistle.

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After being slow out of the blocks in their previous two league fixtures, they looked to establish control of the ball early and managed to do so in the face of intense pressing and overt physicality from their hard-working visitors.

Under pressure, they moved the ball around the pitch well to open up space for opportunities and also ease the intensity the visitors brought.

Pace in wide areas was matched with excellent movement inside, ensuring there were always options open for those on the ball.

The back line rarely looked unduly troubled, ensuring a comfortable afternoon for goalkeeper Josef Bursik who was only beaten with a spectacular lob.

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And the towering figures of Joe Wright and Tom Anderson showed their value at the other end of the pitch with the latter in particular a useful target at set pieces, from which Rovers grabbed two goals.

An all-round team showing with goals spread around the team and areas for improvement.

It was an exciting game which brought an even more exciting performance from Rovers.

But we’re not getting carried away - honest.

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