Niall Mason stresses importance of March fixtures for Doncaster Rovers

Niall Mason has stressed the importance of this month's games for title-chasing Doncaster Rovers.
Niall MasonNiall Mason
Niall Mason

Rovers’ next three opponents - starting today at home to Cheltenham Town - all find themselves in the bottom seven of League Two.

Currently 11 points clear of fourth place, Rovers then end March with a Sky-televised clash with second-placed Plymouth Argyle at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And Mason says this run of games could prove to be vital in terms of avoiding a nervy finish to the season.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a comfortable gap,” said the on-loan Aston Villa man.

“We need to start winning games now and I think these next three or four games are going to be really big for us.

“Obviously we’re not happy we haven’t won as many games in the last month or so but at least they haven’t been defeats and we’ve shown a bit of steel and picked up points.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Maintaining those points, and not losing, has helped keep us in the position we’re in. We’ve also had some good results go for us involving other teams.

“We’ve lost two in 22 which has been key really.

“Like I say, these next few games are going to be massive because we can make it a lot easier for ourselves in the last couple of games.”

Mason, whose versatility has been a huge asset to Rovers this season, recently switched from left back to the midfield holding role vacated by injury victim Jordan Houghton.

And the 20-year-old is determined to make a good impression in that position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “It’s been good. I’ve had two or three games just to find myself in there but hopefully now I can progress because I think I’ve got a lot more to show in that role.

“I think with a bit more confidence in there I’ll do a lot better.

“I played in that position for a season in the youth team at Southampton but I’ve not played there for quite a while.

“I can learn a bit from what Jordan [Houghton] did in there because he was a massive player for us and try and replicate it.”