Doncaster Rovers twice came from behind to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Stevenage in Sky Bet League One on Saturday 29 August 2026. The match, played in heavy rain at the Lamex Stadium, saw both sides share the points in a dramatic second half. The result leaves Rovers 20th in the League One table with one point from their opening two matches, according to the latest standings.
Stevenage had the better of the first half and created several big chances. Doncaster goalkeeper Tommy Simkin was in excellent form to keep the scores level. He punched a Phoenix Patterson free-kick round the post after just three minutes, ensured a Carl Piergianni header went over the bar, and later pushed a low Jordan Roberts shot wide. The visitors held firm under pressure, but the game was played through persistent heavy showers that made conditions difficult.
The second half exploded into life. Stevenage broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Josh Magennis powered a header home from a Phoenix Patterson cross. Doncaster Rovers responded superbly. Jack Senior equalised in the 70th minute with a superb bending shot from outside the area that flew into the net. Ten minutes later, Owen Bailey put Rovers ahead with a bullet header. Their lead was short-lived, however, as Olly Sanderson scrambled in an equaliser for Stevenage from a corner in the 82nd minute. The ball was holding up in puddles late on, and an abandonment was a possible outcome before the final whistle.
The draw means neither Stevenage nor Doncaster Rovers have their first League One win of the campaign after this match. For Rovers, the point is a positive step after a difficult start. They have now scored one goal and conceded two across their two league games, giving them a -1 goal difference. The team is already five points behind early leaders Bradford City.
Attention now turns quickly to the next fixture. Doncaster Rovers are back in action at home on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, against Notts County. County currently sit 15th in the table, making it another important early-season encounter. A positive result at the Eco-Power Stadium could provide a platform to climb the standings. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.
The significant impact of the weather on the latter stages was noted. Manager Grant McCann will take heart from his team's resilience in coming from behind twice on the road. The performance of goalkeeper Tommy Simkin was a major positive, while the goals from Senior and Bailey show the team can find the net from different areas. Building on this point will be the immediate focus.
