DRFC Season Review 2010/11 - August

The players and staff at Doncaster Rovers are now taking a well-earned break after a tough season at the Keepmoat and we start our build up to the 2011/12 season by looking back at last season.

Rovers managed to maintain their position in the Championship for a fourth season but it was all very nervy in the final few months of the season as they slip towards the relegation places..

Sean O`Driscoll and the players went into the new season looking at pushing for the play offs and this was boosted by the record signing of Billy Sharp in the summer.

Sharp was joined at the Keepmoat by fellow new signings George Friend (Wolves), Simon Gillett (Southampton) and Josh Payne (West Ham).

We start the look back at last season by starting in August as the club made a great start on the opening day.

The first game of the season saw Doncaster travel to Preston North End and first half goals from James O`Connor and James Hayter ensured a 2-0 win for Rovers.

The only sour note of the afternoon was Simon Gillett receiving a red card for two yellow card offences.

Rovers entertain Accrington Stanley in the Carling Cup in midweek and bow out of the competition in extra time.

Josh Payne scores his first goal for the club but Accrington takes the tie into extra time with a late equaliser.

The League Two side progress into the second round with a goal early in extra time.

Rovers are already having an injury crisis, something that becomes a common feature during the season.

Four youth team players are named on the bench, with Bradley Grayson getting his first taste of first team action in extra time.

Sean O`Driscoll boosts his squad with the signing of experienced defender Wayne Thomas who was released by Southampton in the summer.
He also brings in young midfielder Ryan Mason on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Rovers are back in Championship action on the Saturday and a penalty in injury time from Billy Sharp salvages a point in a 1-1 draw with Bristol City.

Cardiff are next up for Rovers in South Wales and a Craig Bellamy inspired side inflict a 4-0 defeat on Rovers.

Old League Three and League Two foes Hull City are next up for Rovers at the Keepmoat.

The Tigers are back in the Championship after two seasons in the Premier League and they are no match for Rovers who bounce back from the heavy defeat at Cardiff.

Martin Woods gives Rovers an early lead only to be cancelled out by Nicky Barmby inside the opening ten minutes.

Billy Sharp scores from the penalty spot for the second home game in a row just before half time to give Rovers a deserved half time lead.

James Coppinger wraps the game up for Rovers in the second half as they enjoy a 3-1 win.

Rovers finish the first month of the season on seven points, level with fifth place.

Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town are the early pace setters in the division with ten points.

It is a quiet day on transfer deadline day at the end of the month with just Josh Payne leaving to join Oxford United on loan.

Join us next week when we will be looking back at September, when an inspired James Coppinger fires a superb hat trick to down eventual promoted side Norwich City at the Keepmoat.






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