Saunders is seeking 
a set-piece solution

The South Yorkshire club are determined to bounce back at the first attempt from relegation but, following the 3-1 loss to North End, they sit 11th in the table.

Rovers do, though, have a game in hand – their game with Oldham Athletic scheduled for last month was postponed due to international call-ups – and Saunders is adamant there is plenty to be positive about at the Keepmoat Stadium.

The Doncaster chief said: “We lost two goals to corners (against Preston) and we won’t be the first team that they do that to. The second goal was bordering on unstoppable when Scott Laird ran at the near post like that.

“I am still ironing out the problems that we have got. Most goals are scored from set-plays in this league and you have to somehow combat it.

“Sometimes, the more you talk about it the harder it gets. If the delivery is right then it is hard to stop. I have looked back at the DVD and we weren’t as bad as I thought we were.”

Just one win in four home games is why Doncaster, who, in contrast, have triumphed three times on the road already this term, are in mid-table, a record Saunders is determined to improve today when Shrewsbury Town come to the Keepmoat.

He said: “You want to win at home so it puts more on the gate and more people come. If we win on Saturday then we are right up there and we have got a game in hand.”

On the fight to make an instant return to the Championship, Saunders added: “Eventually the class comes through but there are three points from the top to seventh.

“It is all about where we are at the end of the season. Consolidation was the main thing when putting this new side together. Let’s get to 50 points quickly and kick on.

“I’m surprised how well we have done. Okay, we have lost a game but now we need to start again.”

Rob Jones is forced to miss his first game of the season after collecting his fifth yellow card in Tuesday’s defeat to Preston, meaning the defender must serve a one-game ban.