Doncaster Rovers' winless start to the League One season continued with a 1-0 defeat away to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Myles Hippolyte scored the only goal of the game with a free-kick in the 43rd minute.
Chances go begging
The visitors created several opportunities, particularly through Jack Senior. The defender saw a shot saved by Josef Bursik in the 15th minute and had a header go wide. Owen Bailey thought he had equalised in the 19th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Senior forced another good save from Bursik with a half-volley just before the break and had a close-range effort stopped in the second half. At the other end, Bursik also had to be alert to turn an Isaac Hutchinson free-kick around the post early in the second period.
A familiar story
The result leaves Doncaster 22nd in the table with just three points from their opening five matches. They have now lost their last three league games, a run that includes defeats to Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle. The side has scored six goals but conceded eight so far this campaign.
What comes next
Grant McCann's team must now prepare for a trip to face Peterborough United on 19 September. Peterborough sit 20th, just two places above Rovers, making it a significant early-season fixture.
The match at Plough Lane was officiated by referee Elliott Swallow.
Manager Grant McCann said he will not panic despite Doncaster Rovers' poor start to the season, according to the Yorkshire Post. "The easiest thing to do is throw your toys out of the pram and scrap everything," McCann said. "But the best thing to do is to stay calm and believe in what we are." He cited the integration of new signings and players returning from injury as factors. The club is 24th in League One with three points from six games, having lost 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon on September 12.
Manager Grant McCann said his players are 'really angry' after failing to convert numerous chances in the 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon, according to the Doncaster Free Press. McCann also claimed a review showed Owen Bailey's disallowed goal was not offside. Doncaster Rovers are now 24th in League One with three points from six games. They have scored six goals and conceded nine this season.
Grant McCann made four changes to his starting line-up for the 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon, according to the Doncaster Free Press. James Husband and Matty Pearson were given their first full league starts of the season, while summer signing Leon Ayinde made his first Football League start. Pearson was substituted after just five minutes due to injury. The report also noted that substitute Jordan Thomas missed a golden opportunity to equalise in the second half. Doncaster Rovers are 24th in League One with three points from six games.
