Doncaster Rovers have had an impressive start to their first League One campaign since the 2021/22 season. We’ve had a closer look at the statistics and key players behind it.
After seven games, Doncaster Rovers sit pretty in 2nd in League One, with five wins, one draw, and one defeat. It’s a start the League Two champions likely only dreamed of. Still, this early into the season, Donny are grabbing the attention of people around the league.
We’ve taken a deep dive into the impressive numbers, as well as the key players behind their solid start to the 2025/26 season.
Doncaster Rovers’ solid defence
Only three teams, Luton Town, Cardiff City, and Stevenage, have conceded fewer goals than the Donny this season, all of whom have played a game less than Rovers.
Grant McCann’s side have conceded just four goals in their opening seven games, which is 0.7 goals per game. In their seven games, Rovers have kept three clean sheets, against Rotherham United, Exeter City, and Port Vale.
21-year-old defender Connor O’Riordan has been a standout since joining from Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan. O’Riordan has started all seven of Donny’s games, with the first six coming at centre half before moving to right back against Bradford City.
In his opening games, O’Riordan has received an average Sofascore rating of 6.93. His standout performance was against Rotherham, where he received an 8.1 rating.
Matthew Pearson has been another solid defender for Doncaster. He’s only featured five times, but has picked up an average rating of 7.5, including an 8.9 Man of the Match rating against Exeter City on the opening day.
Controlling the ball and creating chances
On the ball, Doncaster Rovers have often been in control. This season, they’ve averaged 53.4% of ball possession, allowing them to take control of games and create 1.6 big chances per game.
In front of goals, Donny have averaged 2.6 shots on target per game and 5.7 shots off target per game. They’ve also had 3.6 blocked shots per game.
Most of their goals have come from an unexpected source so far. Midfielder Owen Bailey scored only five goals in League Two last season, but after seven League One games, he already has four goals.
Experienced striker Billy Sharp also has two goals this season. The forward might be 39 years old, but his experience at this level and higher could be crucial if Rovers want to maintain their good start.
Luke Molyneux starting to find his form
Luke Molyneux was one of the best players in League Two last season. The 27-year-old finished last year’s campaign with 16 goals and 12 assists. He ended the season with an average Sofascore rating of 7.29, the highest in the team.
In Donny’s opening game, Molyneux scored the game’s only goal and picked up a 7.6 rating. Some expected him to kick on, but despite picking up an assist in game two against Mansfield Town, Molyneux wasn’t as sincilating as last season.
Despite Doncaster losing against Huddersfield Town, Molyneux picked up a seven rating after creating four big chances in the game. Against Bradford City, he scored his second goal of the campaign, as well as a 7.2 rating.
After a few quiet games, it looks like Donny’s star man is finding his feet in the league and will be a threat again throughout this season as they look to see where they can finish come May.