Different days for Derby and Doncaster

Filed in archive Championship 2008-09 on August 10, 2008

It was a game that encapsulated what The Championship is all about. Last season Derby were two divisions above Doncaster but this season they are battling against each other.

For the home team, Derby, it was a chance to put relegation behind them and announce that they mean to go straight back to the Premier League. For Doncaster it was a test to see if they have what it takes to play in a higher league.

As it turned out, a Lewis Guy goal for the visitors was enough to send Doncaster home with high hopes and leave all at Derby with a worried expression on their faces.

Paul Jewell, still without a win as Derby boss, tried to put on a brave face, "We didn't underestimate them because they are a good team that has been together for a few years. We missed two really good scoring opportunities and that cost us. Once they scored they made us chase shadows and made us look like a new team which we are. We had seven players making their debut and it showed. It is not a crisis losing after one game."

Doncaster's Sean O'Driscoll struggled to contain his excitement, "I felt we played well and I'm pleased with the way we adapted to our first game in the Championship. It was a challenge for our players coming to play against a team that were in the Premier League last season. The players have showed that they are up for the challenge and now we have to maintain it."

Nothing can be decided on one game, but Derby need to find a win very quickly.