The Saddlers' Under-18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the first-round stage after going down 4-3 at Doncaster last night.
An unfortunate Joe Brown own goal put Rovers ahead midway through the first half but Cody Fisher equalised with a cross-shot just four minutes later.
Kian Flanagan followed up a Stefan Mason effort to put Walsall in front before half-time and Mitch Candlin made it 3-1 on 56 minutes with a placed finish.
Quick-fire goals from Lewis Scattergood and Matthew Overton put Donny back on level terms and Myron Gibbons slotted home their winner seven minutes from time.
“It was a disappointing result and a mixed game from a performance point of view too,” said Academy Manager Graham Biggs.
“We had a lot of young boys out there tonight but there’s no excuse for players not taking responsibility for themselves and the team at crucial times in the game.
“The game management wasn’t good enough and it is becoming a regular occurrence in Under-18 and Under-23 games.”
Walsall team: Ganley, Little, Fisher, Mason, Kendrick (Leak 20’), Brown, Cairns (Friel 84’), Bates, Candlin, Flanagan (Nolan 60’), O’Sullivan.
Subs not used: Dawe, Ruddock.