Doncaster Rovers remain without a league win this season after a thrilling 2-2 draw away at Stevenage on Saturday afternoon. The Sky Bet League One encounter at the Lamex Stadium produced four goals in a chaotic second half played out in torrential rain and waterlogged conditions.
Both sides will feel they could have claimed all three points in a match that swung dramatically from one end to the other. Stevenage took the lead in the 57th minute when Josh Magennis headed home from a Phoenix Patterson cross. Rovers responded with a moment of quality as Jack Senior curled a superb effort into the net from outside the area to restore parity.
Captain Owen Bailey then powered a bullet header past the home goalkeeper on 80 minutes to put Grant McCann’s side in front for the first time. The joy proved short-lived, however, as Olly Sanderson scrambled home an equaliser just two minutes later from a corner, leaving the scores level at the final whistle.
The first half had been a more cautious affair. Stevenage created the clearer openings, but Doncaster goalkeeper Tommy Simkin was in outstanding form. The on-loan Stoke City stopper produced three excellent saves, punching away a Patterson free-kick, tipping a Carl Piergianni header over the bar and pushing a low Jordan Roberts effort wide of the post.
Heavy showers throughout the afternoon left large puddles across the pitch, with the ball holding up late on as players struggled to move through the standing water. At one stage the possibility of abandonment was discussed, yet both teams continued and produced an entertaining spectacle.
The result leaves Rovers with two points from their opening three League One fixtures. They began the campaign with a narrow defeat before securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw against local rivals Barnsley the previous weekend. McCann’s side also exited the Carabao Cup midweek, falling 3-1 at home to Championship side Middlesbrough despite a late consolation from summer signing Isaac Hutchinson.
There was positive news off the pitch earlier in the week when Rovers completed the season-long loan signing of Aston Villa attacking midfielder Tommi O’Reilly. The 22-year-old impressed last season at Crewe Alexandra, contributing seven goals and 14 assists, and arrives with a reputation for direct running and creativity. Manager McCann described him as a “really good signing” who will add energy and quality to the squad.
Bailey continues to lead by example. The midfielder, who signed a new three-year contract earlier this month after a standout 2025-26 campaign that earned him a place in the League One Team of the Year, was once again influential with his decisive header at Stevenage.
Attention now turns to Tuesday night’s home fixture against Notts County. McCann will be hoping his side can convert promising performances into a first victory of the season and begin climbing the early League One table. With several players returning from minor injuries and the new loan arrival available for selection, Rovers will aim to build on the character shown in difficult conditions at Stevenage.
While the search for that elusive first win continues, the point gained on the road against organised opposition offers encouragement. Supporters will hope the attacking intent displayed in the second half becomes a more regular feature as the campaign gathers pace.