Wins are Crucial in Promotion Push, but Doncaster Rovers Stay Calm Despite Salford Draw
After a crushing penalty shoot-out defeat to Crewe Alexandra in last season’s play-offs, Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann set a clear goal: to secure promotion from League Two this season.
The disappointment of that loss was magnified by the team’s remarkable turnaround, climbing from 22nd in February to finish fifth, thanks to an unbeaten streak in 17 of their last 18 games. Their winning mentality saw them rack up 13 victories, including 10 consecutive wins. This performance underscored a key lesson: accumulating wins is critical in the promotion race.
Despite their impressive efforts, which included 21 wins to counterbalance 17 losses, Doncaster fell short in the play-offs, a frustration they hope to avoid repeating. However, back-to-back 1-1 home draws against Notts County and Salford City have left fans longing for a return to winning ways.
Currently third in the table, Doncaster has been steady, especially compared to their struggles last season when they were 19th at this stage. Still, McCann has identified a key area for improvement: scoring goals. Aiming for 90 goals this season, Rovers have so far netted only 22 and haven’t scored more than once at home since their opening-day 4-0 win.
Saturday’s match against Salford City was another frustrating encounter. A late equalizer from veteran striker Billy Sharp rescued a point after Salford’s Kylian Kouassi put the visitors ahead with a long-range strike. Despite showing urgency in the closing stages, Doncaster couldn’t capitalize on their chances, including Sharp hitting the post late on.
Salford, inconsistent this season with a record of five wins, five draws, and five losses, looked more threatening for much of the game. They created better opportunities, including Kouassi missing a clear chance in the first half. For Doncaster, promising moments, like Jordan Gibson’s shot that hit the post, ultimately came to nothing.
Although the match ended in disappointment, McCann remains optimistic. With 30 games left, there’s plenty of time to regain form and avoid another play-off lottery.
Doncaster Rovers Squad: Sharman-Lowe, Sterry (Sharp 70), Olowu, McGrath, Fleming (Maxwell 71), Bailey, Kelly (Broadbent 84), Molyneux, Hurst (Yeboah 84), Gibson (Sbarra 70), Ironside.
Salford City Squad: Jones, Negru, Tilt, Garbutt, Mnoga (Shephard 67), Lund (Berkoe 84), Austerfield, N’Mai (Okoronkwo 83), Ashley, Kouassi, Woodburn (McAleny 67).
