Doncaster Rovers v Northampton Town - Andy Butler has a score to settle

Back on December 5, the veteran defender, who re-joined his hometown club on an initial short-term deal following a successful trial, made the first league start of his second spell with Rovers in a win at the Cobblers’ home.

It was an eventful game which saw the hosts reduced to ten men after just 18 minutes, with the visitors – beaten at Hull City three days earlier – cashing in to register a 2-0 success.

Now Butler finds himself in the dug-out and not on the pitch, but the aim is still the same as Doncaster seek to hit back at the first opportunity against Northampton following a defeat, this time at Crewe in midweek, when Rovers lost by a single-goal margin.

Butler said: “It was a funny old game (at Northampton). Coming back into the starting 11 for the first time and then getting a stud down my ankle.

“It was an eye-opening game and an important result for us and hopefully it will be again on Saturday.

“Hopefully, we can take advantage of a mistake and keep calm on the pitch and use the experience we have to get a result.”

Generally, Rovers’ record after set-backs has been pretty consistent this term, indicating a fair amount of character and spirit in their ranks and despite some selection issues, Butler is confident his side will have the wherewithal to respond after the first loss of his tenure.

He added: “You get questions asked throughout the season and the group have responded well. The (Crewe) result was not what we wanted, but there was no moping from the players or feeling hard done by.

“We know where we can improve from Tuesday and hopefully the group take on board what was said and apply that.

“You get challenges and it is how you respond.

“There is character from the group to right wrongs. We have bounced back pretty well (before) and I expect us to on Saturday.”

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