Darren Ferguson was left to wonder what could have been after Rovers lost 2-0 away at AFC Wimbledon.
Two quick second-half goals from Kwesi Appiah and Andy Barcham saw the hosts take all three points and ended Rovers unbeaten start to the season.
Rovers also went down to 10 men after Matty Blair went off with possible concussion, after Rovers had utilised all three substitutions, and Ferguson felt his side were below the standards they have set this season.
“It’s a very disappointing day but I thought we should’ve won the game, we weren’t anywhere near the levels we’re used to and we were just way off it as a team, the way we’ve conceded those goals, it hit us hard,” Ferguson said.
“Going down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes was always going to be tough, but, even at 2-0, I thought if we got a goal we could go on and get another, but if you aren’t at it in this league you’ll get beat.
“Wimbledon made it tight and the two boys in the middle were very experienced, but we were nowhere near the levels we are used to. The heat made it very difficult for us, but I’m not using that as an excuse because it was the same for them.”
Ferguson was also disappointed with the lack of control that Rovers had in the game, and was quick to apologise to the fans that travelled down.
“It was a bad day at the office, no doubt, and we have to put it behind us, it’s not very often that I have to go over to apologise to the fans because they’ve travelled in their numbers and been brilliant, so I feel sorry for them,” he said.
“We lost a goal and we’ve lost one shortly after, we just had to keep our composure and we didn’t. We know we can’t have too many bad days, but I can’t be too harsh because it has been a good start and hopefully this is a one off, Peterborough next week will be a big test because they are a very good side.
“Everyone is aware what this league is about, the standards weren’t there, but we know that we have to be consistent, and I know that I don’t have to say much to my players because they know what I expect.”
Tickets for Rovers' next home game against Peterborough are available from the Club Doncaster Box Office now. You can call in at the Keepmoat Stadium, call us on 01302 762576 or shop round the clock at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.