Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann felt his side deserved more from their opening day defeat to Mansfield Town on Saturday. Rhys Oates put Mansfield ahead in the first half, but Jack Senior levelled for Rovers inside the first five minutes of the second half. Louis Reed scored 15 minutes from time to secure the home side's 2-1 victory.

McCann praises second-half response

McCann was pleased with how Rovers responded after going in at the break a goal down. "The response in the second half was excellent and I was really pleased that the boys took on the information," he said. "We got the goal inside five minutes and we deserved it."

The manager felt Rovers had chances to win the match after equalising. "Once we get the goal, it looked like there was only going to be one team that would go on to win it. It's fine margins, we missed a great chance and if we'd scored it, I think we'd have gone on to win the game," McCann added.

"But we didn't take it and we've paid the price, it was disappointing to lose it, because we deserved something out of the game. It's the first game of the season, of course, we'd have loved to have won the game but we know it is going to be a long season with plenty of ups and downs."

Gotts impresses on return

Rovers were boosted by the return of midfielder Robbie Gotts, who recovered from a thigh complaint to start his first league game of the season. Gotts played 65 minutes and set up Senior's equalising goal.

McCann praised the midfielder's performance. "He was excellent. There was always a plan to play him for an hour. We didn't want to take any risks but he was brilliant in the game. I think we missed him when he went off, but we have to balance things, especially with him coming in for his first game back. Robbie will only get stronger from here."

Bailey closes in on record

Captain Owen Bailey equalled a club record that has stood since 1951, matching Bert Tindill's feat of starting 139 league games in a row against Mansfield Town.

McCann praised his talismanic captain. "It's a phenomenal achievement for Owen. I've been here for three years now and he's started every game, which is incredible. Owen has come a really long way and I'm sure he'll want to break the record next week. A huge well done to Owen and his commitment to the cause here."