Doncaster Rovers U18’s coach Gary McSheffrey is seeking a response following his side's 5-1 defeat to Burton Albion.

The young side managed to carve out multiple chances but Young Brewers keeper Jake Laban produced some quality saves, as well as denying two penalties.

McSheffrey, who joined Donny’s academy phase in 2018, had this to say to the club's official media: “Our finishing wasn’t there. It could’ve been 5-5 in the end but we can’t concede five goals and expect to get anything out of the game.”

Considering the opposition, Albion’s U18s went into the fixture off the back of two straight EFL Youth Alliance wins. Therefore, McSheffrey appreciated his opponent: “Their goalkeeper has come away with man of the match.

“They have come and done a job on us, we were played through too often.”

The young Rovers coach believes this is a “blip” in the team’s form. His plan is to 'work hard and prepare for the next game where I hope there will be be a reaction'.

Unfortunately for Doncaster, they faced an in-form Callum Niven, who scored a hat-trick. Niven now has seven goals in two EFL Youth Alliance games.

McSheffrey admitted what he did differently heading into this clash: “We had built some momentum. Against Burton I name the same side, same shape and that’s the first time I’ve done that this season.”

Next up for McSheffrey is an away trip to Harrogate Town, who are bottom of group A and come into the game off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Scunthorpe United.

The Verdict

The young Rovers should not dwell on the result. Burton are in a rich vein of form, they have 12 goals from three games. On top of that, Ben Radcliffe, Callum Niven and Jake Laban have been performing well recently for Dan Robinson.

Donny now have the opportunity to get back to winning ways as they play Harrogate Town, the side with the least goals scored in group A.

McSheffrey will most likely look to change the side as keeping the same line-up may have contributed to a 'blip' in form.