Stanley boss John Doolan was left ruing a "sucker punch" on the stroke of half time as his side were beaten 4-1 by Doncaster on the opening day.

The hosts were frustrated for most of the first half but took the lead when Luke Molyneux slotted home in the 43rd minute.

Tyler Walton got the Reds back on level terms after the break, heading home Shaun Whalley's cross, but Doncaster seized control when Molyneux and Jordan Gibson struck in a ruthless six-minute spell.

Substitute Billy Sharp added a fourth in the final stages with an instinctive finish from close range.

“The game plan was working. We had a good game plan and probably surprised Doncaster with the way we played," said Doolan after the final whistle.

“The lads put a good shift in and everything was going right and then bang, we conceded on the stroke of half-time. Luke Molyneux pops up and does what he does, with a tap-in and then in the second half, a worldie.

“That goal was crucial, just before the break. We had done plenty of work on the opposition but Molyneux found himself in space, which we just can’t allow.

“We started the second half really well and Tyler Walton scored a great goal.

“The confidence started to grow for five or 10 minutes after that but then Molyneux comes in and puts one in the top corner which totally changes the game.

“We’ll stay together. We’ve got a good group with good togetherness.”