Development manager John Schofield says it is a steep learning curve for his side after their 5-1 defeat to Mansfield Town reserves.
Alfie Beestin fired Rovers into the lead after three minutes at the Keepmoat Stadium but ended up on the wrong side of the result, but Schofield says the players can hold their heads high.
“We had some great chances to score in the first half, and two especially that we should have taken before they equalised, we speak about being ruthless, aggressive and being on the front foot, they’ll learn from that,” he said.
“A lot of the stuff we did well in the first half we didn’t do well enough after the break, we had some great spells of control when we were in possession, and we just haven’t taken enough of the chances that we had.
“What I would say is that every player that pulled on a Doncaster shirt can walk away thinking that they should be in the first-team, all I ask is that they give their all, it doesn’t matter who you play, and they should be showing the manager how much they want to play.”
Beestin’s opener was his second goal in two games for the Development side, and Schofield believes if the forward and his teammates apply themselves correctly they will give manager Grant McCann some food for thought.
“I touched on it last week when the front three all scored and no matter how well they play, if they score it can give them a lot of confidence when it comes to pushing themselves towards the first-team door,” he said.
“People will look at this result, see we’ve conceded five goals and think we were well off it, but Ian Lawlor pulled off some brilliant saves in the game and for him, playing in these games is invaluable because you’re still doing what you would in the first-team games.
“These games are all about learning, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the young lads get the chance to play alongside the senior professionals and they get to learn what it’s like to play with, and against some great players so that only helps us as a club.”