Doncaster Rovers v Shrewsbury: Ferguson welcomes Marquis's swift reply

DONCASTER Rovers' manager Darren Ferguson believes that his decision to drop John Marquis to the bench for last week's glamour cup tie at Arsenal yielded a timely response.
Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis in action against Peterborough United earlier this month (Picture: Chris Etchells).Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis in action against Peterborough United earlier this month (Picture: Chris Etchells).
Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis in action against Peterborough United earlier this month (Picture: Chris Etchells).

After a stellar 2016-17 that saw him become the first Rovers player to score 20 league goals in a campaign in 40 years, Marquis’s start to this season has been rather inhibited, prompting Ferguson’s decision to start him from the bench at the Emirates.

It triggered the right response with Marquis netting in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Plymouth in a far more assertive display.

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Ferguson said: “I think he needed the whole week really in being left out of the game for Arsenal and it was just a little reminder.

“He was back at it when he came on at Arsenal and on Saturday. He was at it and aggressive in the way he played and the way I like. He had maybe lost a bit of that.”

After Saturday’s relieving victory, Rovers are now targeting the scalp of surprise early leaders Shrewsbury and a first home league win of the season, which Ferguson believes is imperative.

He added: “We have had three draws and a defeat and the only win was in the cup, but none in the league. We would like to start winning games at home, obviously, as it was a huge part of our success last year.”

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Mathieu Baudry and Luke McCullough have been pencilled in to feature in a development squad game on October 10.

Last six games: Doncaster DLLLLW Shrewsbury WWWWWD.

Referee: J Brooks (Leicestershire).

Last time: Doncaster 0 Shrewsbury 1; March 5, 2016; League One.