James Coppinger felt Rovers couldn’t have any complaints from the 1-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League One.
Rovers suffered their first defeat under Andy Butler at the Alexandra Stadium, and Coppinger says they lacked a cutting edge.
He said: “We always knew it would be a tough game with Crewe’s recent home record and the way they played against us at the Keepmoat.
“They play with a lot of energy and press high so with us missing a few players we had to find a way to grind out a result.
“We missed somebody making runs in behind them and we probably got caught trying to play too much in certain areas.”
Coppinger has started the past three league games including playing 90 minutes on Tuesday night, and says he’s feeling stronger with every game he plays.
He added: “I didn’t expect to start if I’m being honest but with a couple of lads dropping out the manager asked me if I was alright to play and I felt good.
“I’m getting stronger with each game and finding my rhythm, it’s my first 90 minutes for a while and third start in a row.
“I feel like I’m contributing in and out of possession, I can only give my best and hopefully that’s good enough to stay in the team.”