Rovers up-and-down start to the 2011–12 season continued with a heavy 3–0 defeat at the hands of Oxford United. Manager Paul Buckle handed a debut to loanee Scott Rendell, who had arrived from Wycombe Wanderers the previous day, and defender Gary Sawyer made his first appearance of the season after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an injury. The Oxford lineup included former Rovers goalkeeper Ryan Clarke.