Richie Wellens felt nerves got the better of his new-look side in a 2-1 defeat against AFC Wimbledon.
Despite Charlie Seaman giving Rovers the lead on the 46th minute, the Dons came from behind to take three points from the Keepmoat Stadium.
Wellens on the result and performance against AFC Wimbledon:
“I’m disappointed with the game. I don’t mind losing when you play the way you want to play and the opposition is better than you, but we never didn't the way we wanted to play.
“It was a very nervous start with eight players making their debuts and at times it was really ragged.
“We scored a good goal with Charlie Seaman and it gave us a good leg up in the game.
“We know where we are. I’m disappointed for the supporters after so long away and we didn’t give them the performance they deserved.
“This is a rebuild and sometimes we’re going to suffer. If we suffer together, we'll also go through the good times together.”
On reasons why the performance did not reach his expectations:
“They were young kids making their debuts today and I think the nervous energy got the better of them and they ran out of steam.
“We’ll get better and we’ll improve. At times we did look like a team which has just been made up, which in a way we have because of the rebuild.
“I’m gutted for the fans. This is a difficult league, if you’re not on it and not doing the basics right then any team can beat anyone.”
On debutants Seaman, Pontus Dahlberg and Tiago Cukur:
“Charlie was brilliant. To score at home on the opening day of the season, he and his family should be proud. Obviously, we need more from him now.
“Dahlberg was very good. He’s played for Sweden twice and moved to Watford for big money, so we know how good he is. At times against Wimbledon, he showed his quality.
“Tiago will only get better. When everyone in this team is fit and at their maximum levels then we’ll get more cohesion.”
