AFTER a barnstorming performance at Coventry it certainly seemed like Rovers would, at the very least, set the tempo and continue the attacking football when Doncaster visited on Saturday, writes Simon Smith.

What was evident from the first five minutes was that the midfield duo seemed to have little to no confidence in those behind them.

Neither Ryan Nyambe nor Elliot Ward looked at all confident on the ball and Richie Smallwood and Corry Evans were reduced to coming short to take a five yard pass.

Even when the ball was easily playable Nyambe and Ward never once made a first time pass in the opening half.

In stark contrast David Raya was super-confident on the ball, to a degree to where it was a failing rather than an asset.

Those readers who recall John Butcher will see the similarities.

A great shot-stopper but someone with a mistake or two in him, which seem to be aching to be released.

His reaction and positioning for the opening goal was woeful.

Ward is, at almost 33, not a callow youth like Raya or Nyambe; he is an experienced player who I have never seen have more than one or two six out of 10 games, at best.

It isn’t just the silly errors, rather the inability to pass and read the game.

Not that I am just picking on these three.

The poor Peter Whittingham was lucky to last 55 minutes and Derrick Williams didn’t seem to know whether he was ‘fishing or mending nets’.

To that end Tony Mowbray - who clearly shared the crowd’s exasperation at the terrible display - made decisive changes and I expect the three subs he introduced to be in the side on Saturday.

Mowbray has to shoulder his share of the blame; he picked that team and that formation. It failed. The system must suit the players or it is square pegs in round holes.

But it is early days and we can only hope Mowbray finds his blend as soon as possible.