Doncaster Rovers picked up a deserved point as they drew 0-0 with Sunderland on Friday night.

It was the visitors who dominated the first half as their pressing game forced the Black Cats into a number of errors that almost caught the home side out on several occasios.

Phil Parkinson's side looked a lot more dangerous in the second period though, as they dominated play and pushed Darren Moore's side back into their own half.

Chris Maguire and Duncan Watmore has some decent chances to make something happen, but Phil Parkinson's side will have been satisfied with a point based on the balance of play.

But what did we learn about Doncaster Rovers? Let's take a look.

A resolute defence

It seemed that Doncaster Rovers would be in for a long night in the opening stages, but Darren Moore's side took everything in their stride.

Holding a deep defensive line, the visitors were able to frustrate Sunderland and the supporters as they provided little-to-no room for the home side to play their usual game.

Doncaster were organised in positioning and strong in the tackle which made it a long night for the hosts.

It's easy to see why Rovers have one of the best defensive records in League One and that's an excellent foundation to build on as they look to squeeze into the play-off places.

If they can do it against Sunderland then you feel that they could do it against most.

A need for signings

it didn't take a genius to come to this conclusion after the team news dropped an hour before kick-off.

Doncaster Rovers named just six substitutes for the clash at the Stadium Of Light with injuries and a general lack of options meaning that they were unable to fill the spaces available.

Darren Moore played it down by saying that he can only make three changes anyway, but that's besides the point.

Supporters are growing frustrated at the lack of transfer activity and many will be praying for a breakthrough or two before the window slams shut this week.

After all, a play-off push could depend on it.

Ability to compete with the best

They're hardly minnows in League One but Doncaster Rovers made a real statement with their performance at the Stadium Of Light.

On paper a trip to Sunderland is one of the toughest fixtures that a side can face in the third tier but Darren Moore's side showed that they certainly weren't overwhelmed by the experience.

In fact, they actually seemed to relish it.

If Doncaster Rovers can continue to put these sorts of performances in then few would bet against them having what it takes to squeeze into the play-offs again this time around.

They fell short against Charlton in the play-offs last term, and Doncaster will be hoping that they can have another bite of the cherry this time around.