YORKSHIRE derbies brought out the best in Doncaster Rovers in League One last season.

A rewind of the clock would be timely in that regard for Rovers as they prepare for Saturday's home game against Sheffield Wednesday, both in terms of performance and result.

Last term, Rovers secured a double against Rotherham United for the first time since 1949-50 and made history by winning league games at Barnsley and Millers in the same season - something they had never done before.

Grant McCann's side also beat Huddersfield Town and Bradford City at home and performed well in both away games and were unfortunate not to take anything away from either match.

Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

placeholder image — Doncaster Rovers manager Grant McCann. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Now McCann is hoping the arrival of Wednesday yields a reaction from his players after successive defeats.

The Rovers chief, who has key duo Jamie Sterry and Jack Senior available along with Jordan Thomas and Tommi O'Reilly, said: "We beat Bradford and Huddersfield at home (last season), Barnsley away and Rotherham twice.

"We've been pretty good since I've been here in the derby games. I always enjoy them.

"Honestly I love going out to our stadium when it's full. There's a big home following and it gives you the sense that you almost want to go out and play yourself."

Doncaster Rovers' Jack Senior is back in contention for Saturday's League One derby with Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The marquee fixture against the Owls follows last weekend's game at Leicester City.

Despite 19th-placed Rovers' disappointing start to 2026-27, it also serves as a reminder of how far they have progressed in the past few seasons.

McCann added: "I think it certainly highlights where we have come from. Actually, one of the staff mentioned that to me the other day.

"No disrespect to some of the teams that might be mentioned, but away to Morecambe and Accrington and we're now playing away to Leicester and home to Sheffield Wednesday.

"It's amazing how far we've come. But it's where we wanted to be when we first came in - competing in this division.

"I think we can. I'm still a firm believer that as the season goes, we'll get better once we get a few back and start rolling a wee bit more with consistency."