Rovers tipped for play-offs

Rovers left Roots Hall, where they had won on their their last visit, still looking for their first back-to-back wins after losing by the odd goal in five against Southend.

Defeat plunged fancied Rovers down to 17th spot in the table, just one place and one point above fallen giants Leeds United, who started the season with a 15-point deduction following financial irregularities.

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll admits that Rovers haven't started the season as well as he had hoped in terms of results but insists that there is plenty of time to get the club back on track in the promotion race.

O'Driscoll's Southend counterpart, Steve Tilson, who steered the Shrimpers to promotion to the Championship in the 2005-2006 season, remains convinced Doncaster will be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season despite Saturday's defeat.

"I said at the start of the season they were one of the better sides in the division and I have seen nothing to change my mind," was his after-match verdict.

"Let's face it, they outplayed us in the opening 45 minutes, so much so that I was thankful we reached the break only one goal down.

"They had enough of the ball to have at least turned round with a two-goal lead but fortunately for us didn't make the best use of it.

"Luckily we got back on terms soon after the break and that gave us self-belief to go on and win the game.

"But I'm sure Doncaster will soon put a winning run together to get up among the frontrunners.

"They are one of the best passing sides in the division and possess too many quality players not to be challenging for at least a promotion play-off place come the end of the season."

O'Driscoll is hoping that a run of three home games in the club's next four league fixtures will result in Rovers climbing the table.