Barnsley v Doncaster Rovers: Grant McCann eyeing missing ingredient in final Yorkshire derby of 2025-26
IF there's been one element missing for Doncaster Rovers in Yorkshire derbies so far this season, it's probably a slice of luck.
So far, they have picked up a healthy enough return of four wins from seven matches, but the record could have easily been stellar in Grant McCann's eyes.
Rovers were outstanding for the first hour of their opening derby at Huddersfield Town, but ended up with nothing.
They were also unfortunate not to take anything from their game at Bradford City on January 31, when Tyreik Wright's brilliance undid them at Valley Parade.
Their performance in the reverse fixture with Barnsley at the Eco-Power Stadium in November, also merited something, according to McCann.
In their final derby of the season, they are seeking to square the ledger at a venue where Rovers - who will be backed by over 3,000 supporters today - have not won at league level since March 2010.
On whether Rovers have merited more in the derby stakes in 2025-26 given their level of performances, McCann - a one-time Reds midfielder in his playing days - said: "Yes, I agree.
"But we also won away at Mansfield and at Burton, which wasn't too far away, while we were pretty good at Lincoln and deserved to get something there as well, barring an own goal; a freak goal from Gottsy (Robbie Gotts) from a long throw.
"So yes we've been pretty good in the local games. Obviously we lost the Barnsley game at home, but I felt we deserved more than to lose that game.
"At Huddersfield away, it was probably the best first-half performance of the season and then they brought on the three-million pound strikers that we're trying to compete with in this league…
"But we've been pretty decent in all the sort of local games and this is another one that we want to go and try and win."