Impressive Rovers lack finishing touch

DONCASTER Rovers failure to turn home draws into wins last season was a contributory factor in their failure to make the play-offs.

Rovers drew 10 of their home games last season, more than any other team in League One apart from Leyton Orient, who also shared the spoils on the same number of occasions.

So it came as no real surprise when Saturday's League One opener against the Lions at the Keepmoat Stadium finished honours-even apart from the fact that the visitors drew just once on the road last season.

Rovers know that if they are to mount a strong challenge for promotion this season then they have to turn the Keepmoat into a fortress.

Millwall were definately the happier of the two teams to share the spoils even though they went home with two points less than on their last visit late last season.

"I would have settled for a draw before the start,"`said Millwall boss Willie Donachie. "I knew it was going to be a hard game because we'd seen a lot of them in pre-season.

"They are a good team with good players and they play good football. I think Doncaster are a better side than they were last season, but so are we.

"I thought the disallowed goal looked a good goal, but the referee and linesman were closer than me."

Despite the fact that they didn't get off to the winning start that they had hoped for, there wasn't a lot wrong with Rovers' display. In fact there was much to admire.

Keeper Neil Sullivan continued his impressive pre-season form and newcomer Gordon Greer - again wearing a light plaster cast to protect his broken wrist - and stand-in captain Adam Lockwood, formed a solid partnership at the heart of the back-four.

The new-look midfield of James Coppinger, Mark Wilson, Ritchie Wellens and Martin Woods gelled well together as Rovers made light of the absence of the creative Brian Stock

Paul Heffernan proved more of a threat than in most of the warm-up games and on another day he could have got a hat-trick.

Record signing James Hayter also made more of an impact as he continues to find his feet following his close-season move from Bournemouth. But there is clearly more to come from him.

What did you think of the game? Post your comments below or click here to email the sports editor.