Doncaster Rovers v Cambridge: Home improvement is key for Ferguson

Three games in and Rovers remain without a victory and although positive aspects were taken from elements of their opening two performances, albeit in losing causes, in league and cup reverses against Accrington and Nottingham Forest, Saturday’s disjointed home draw with Crawley was a wholly different matter entirely.

It leaves Rovers with plenty to prove ahead of tonight’s home encounter with Cambridge United, with Ferguson not glossing over that fact.

He said: “Saturday was a performance that I do not want to see again really, in terms of the tempo and energy that we want to play at.

“After 15 minutes, Crawley were comfortable and I really do not want that when we are at home. The players understand where I am coming from and agree, so we have got to put it right and get a performance for 90 minutes which I expect from them.”

Rovers’ weekend woes were compounded by a knee injury suffered by loanee Niall Mason, who has become the latest addition to the treatment room.

The young Aston Villa defender only joined on the eve of the new season on loan until January and Ferguson is expecting him to be out for at least a month.

Last six games: Doncaster WLDLLD, Cambridge WDDDWL.

Last time: Doncaster 2 Cambridge 0, April 12, 2004; Division Three.

Referee: D Handley (Lancashire).