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Mid-season report: Doncaster

Despite a change in management back in December, Doncaster Rovers are struggling in the Championship. Sports Mole assesses their relegation battle over the last five months.

To say the least, Doncaster Rovers fans will be worrying over their team's future going into 2012.

After a poor first half of the season, Donny find themselves firmly in the relegation places.

However, the introduction of Dean Saunders as manager in September has seen the side maintain a chance of safety.

Sports Mole assesses a difficult five months for the Yorkshire club.

August

The opening month of the campaign set the standard for Rovers as they suffered defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Derby County.

They were knocked out of the Carling Cup second round by Leeds United, but they did managed to pick up a 3-0 league win at home to Tranmere Rovers and a 1-1 draw against Bristol City.

September

After defeats by Cardiff City and Reading, Dean Saunders was brought in to replace Sean O'Driscoll as manager.

The Welshman made an instant impact as Rovers beat Crystal Palace 1-0.

Saunders stopped the rot again in the following match as his side claimed a 1-1 draw with Hull City to spread a feeling of optimism around the club.

October

Fortunes were improved in the following game as Rovers managed a 2-1 win at Peterborough United.

However, defeats against Leeds United, Blackpool and Portsmouth saw the team make a swift return to losing ways.

The month concluded with a 1-1 draw at home to Coventry City.

November

November proved to be another disappointing month for the club as defeats against Middlesbrough, Barnsley and Millwall saw the side stay rooted in the relegation places.

Two goals from new signing El-Hadji Diouf helped Rovers to a 3-2 win at Ipswich Town, while an additional point was picked up with a goalless draw against Watford.

December

The final month of the year saw Doncaster pick up a shock 1-0 win at home to Championship leaders Southampton thanks to Billy Sharp's goal.

A 2-1 defeat at Birmingham City was cancelled out with a 2-1 triumph against Leicester, before a 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to Burnley.

Fans will be hoping that Saunders can inject the side with the same vigour as when he first came to the club.

Although they have become all to familiar with losing, Rovers still have every chance of survival.

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