The 1933/34 campaign proved to be one of the Rovers better campaigns for a number of years, and their eventual league placing of fifth on the League Division Three (North) was definitely a sign of good things to come, with their first championship success arriving at the end of the following season.

With their team boosted by the arrival of a number of influential players, the Rovers commenced with a narrow home victory over New Brighton, and although the next three fixtures only realised one point, three consecutive wins during September boosted their league position appreciably.

The autumnal fixtures were striking in their contrasts. An excellent win one week followed by a disappointing defeat the next. A perfect example of this being the Christmas fixtures against Crewe Alexandra, where both teams won their home game by four clear goals, the two matches being played back-to-back over Christmas Day/Boxing Day 1933.

The New Year began with a heavy defeat at Accrington Stanley, but a victory over old rivals, Rotherham United seven days later sowed the seeds of what would be a much improved second half of the season. The period between January/February saw relatively mild weather conditions nationwide, and the Rovers took full advantage by winning six of the nine games played.

The Rovers maintained their form as the season entered its final phase. Ronnie Dodds continued to lead the attack in fine style, whilst Stan "Dizzy" Burton and newcomer, Albert Turner both scored on a regular basis from their positions on either flank. March saw just one defeat - on the last day - with the pick of the performances being a useful point gained at Oakwell, the home of eventual champions, Barnsley.

With promotion out of their reach, despite their good run of form, the Rovers continued to play good attacking football, and the last month of the season bore this out with some excellent results. Rochdale and Accrington Stanley both had five goals put past them at Belle Vue, whilst another good point was gained at Chesterfield, who eventually finished second behind Barnsley.

The last away game at Gateshead was won by a handsome margin before a 'gate' of less than 600, before the Rovers ended their best season for years be defeating Darlington at Belle Vue by the odd goal in five.

The FA Cup provided little to shout about with the Rovers going out in the First Round at Barrow, via a 2-4 scoreline at Holker Street.

Leading scorers: Dodds 24, Turner 14, Burton 10

Division Three (North)
 1933-1934
 
P
W
D
L
F
A
Points
Barnsley
42
27
8
7
118
62
62
Chesterfield
42
27
7
8
86
43
61
Stockport County
42
24
11
7
115
52
59
Walsall
42
23
7
12
97
60
53
DONCASTER ROVERS
42
22
9
11
83
61
53
Wrexham
42
23
5
14
102
73
51
Tranmere Rovers
42
20
7
15
84
63
47
Barrow
42
19
9
14
116
94
47
Halifax Town
42
20
4
18
80
91
44
Chester
42
17
6
19
89
86
40
Hartlepool United
42
16
7
19
89
93
39
York City
42
15
8
19
71
74
38
Carlisle United
42
15
8
19
66
81
38
Crewe Alexandra
42
15
6
21
81
97
36
New Brighton
42
14
8
20
62
87
36
Darlington
42
13
9
20
70
101
35
Mansfield Town
42
11
12
19
81
88
34
Southport
42
8
17
17
63
90
33
Gateshead
42
12
9
21
76
110
33
Accrington Stanley
42
13
7
22
65
101
33
Rotherham United
42
10
8
24
53
91
28
Rochdale
42
9
6
27
53
103
24