With Rovers still in with a chance of reading the League One play-offs (albeit only by a certain freak set of results both this week and next week), they look set to be unchanged for this afternoon's tough away game at Bristol City. Rovers have to win both games to keep their hopes alive, and keep their fingers crossed on other results. Winger James Coppinger has recovered after being substituted last weekend through tiredness in what was his first match back after an injury lay-off, but striker Neil Roberts looks as though he will miss the rest of the season with his rib injury after suffering a setback after returning to training a little too soon.
Long-term absentees Jamie Price and Simon Marples will miss the game - Adriano Rigoglioso is also injured and will miss today's game. Defender Mark Albrighton may be included in the squad after making a successful return in the reserves in midweek.

Leading goalscorer Leroy Lita will miss today's game after having an appeal against a two-game suspension dismissed on Wednesday. Paul Heffernan will earn a recall alongside Steve Brooker in attack. Young striker Steven Gillespie has been recalled from a loan spell at Cheltenham Town, and is expected to take a place on the substitutes' bench.
Welsh under-21 international Dave Cotterill will miss today's game due to a knee injury, with an X-ray showing cartilage damage, meaning that his season is now over. Scott Brown is likely to replace him. Tommy Doherty resumed training this week after being out for ten days with a knee injury, and is likely to be included in the City squad.
City will have a new signing on display this afternoon - their new mascot, a red-breasted bird is set to make its debut at Ashton Gate this afternoon. As yet, the bird has not been given a name, with City fans being split between Adge, Red and Scrumpie.

The newly crowned "Miss Doncaster Rovers", Danielle Fell, will be making her TV debut today when she appears as a Soccerett on Sky Sports show SoccerAM.

An on-going vote by Coca Cola in their "Win a Player" competition sees Doncaster Rovers in 38th place this week, just marginally behind Rochdale and Preston North End, with Rovers having received 5,620 votes. Whilst the £250,000 which the winning club can spend on new players will be drawn at random, the more votes in favour of each club will increase thei chances of being drawn. Also, if your nominiation is the one picked at random, you have the chance to win £10,000.
Leeds United are currently the runaway leaders with 136,687 votes, with QPR trailing well behind in second place with 57,115 votes.
Click on the CocaCola logo to the left if you want to vote for the Rovers!

Despite Rovers moving up to within touching distance of the play-offs, Dave Penney has said that, no matter where they finish, this season will have been a great success for Doncaster Rovers. He said: "We want to finish as high up the table as we can but it's been a great season for us in any event after winning promotion last year. I've been delighted with the players this season. This season was about not going back down, stabilising and adding some quality."

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Tristram Whitman has been given a new 12-month contract at Nationwide Conference club Tamworth. The 24-year old striker has scored 11 goals Conference goals in his first season at the club.

There isn't long now until voting closes for Hallam FM's "Player of the Season", which was won last season by Michael McIndoe. If you want a Rovers player to win again this year, you will need to place your vote by midnight tonight, and the result will be announced on Jules Warren's show tomorrow afternoon. Many Rovers fans have voted for Tim Ryan this year - to maximise the chances of a Rovers player winning the voting, we need to vote for the same player - Vote Ryan - you know it makes sense!
You can vote by emailing gameon@hallamfm.co.uk or by texting - text the word "Hallam" and then "Player", then the name of the player, to 82019.

The Retford Branch of the Supporters' Club are holding their annual dinner dance at the Elms Hote, London Road, Retford on Friday, 13th May at 7.30pm, and they will be presenting their "Player of the Season" during the evening. As in previous years, they are running a free bus from the Doncaster area, leaving from Barnby Dun (the Star) at 6.15pm, Waterdale (opposite the library) 6.30pm, Rossington (the Styrrup) 6.45pm, and Bawtry (Market Place) 6.50pm.
A bar extension has been arranged until 12.30am.
Tickets cost £16 - please contact Paul Mayfield as soon as possible - phone 01427 880154.

Doncaster Rovers yesterday announced the appointment of Micky Lewis as their first team coach, and he will take up his new job in time for pre-season training next season. Micky is an experienced coach, and also played with Dave Penney at Oxford United. This appointment comes just a day after it was confirmed that Paul Wilson will be joining the club from Scunthorpe United to head the Rovers' Centre of Excellence. Dave Penney has also confirmed that an assistant coach will be named shortly.

A joint Race Night organised by the Retford Branch and the Disabled Supporters' Branch will be held in the Viking Bar (Rovers Return) tonight, starting at 7.30. Entry is free, and there will also be a free buffet.
Please come along and help us make this night worthwhile, and enjoy a flutter on the races as you also help contribute to branch funds.

An impressive performance from the Rovers' reserves saw them run out as 1-0 victors - but with a little more luck a 4-0 victory would have more truly reflected their dominance. Rovers included three trialists in their side - Dean Howells, Paul Keegan and Damon Martland, as well as Ben Jackson, who has returned to the club following his loan spell at York City.
The deadlock was broken four minutes after the break, when Ben Jackson hit a low hard shot past the keeper from a good cross in from Nelthorpe.
Rovers: Lee Cockerham, Jon Maloney, Nic Priet, Paul Keegan, Adam Green, Mark Albrighton, Adam Brown (Craig Nelthorpe 45), Adam Lee, Ben Jackson, Damon Martland, Dean Howells
Substitutes: Craig Nelthorpe (for Adam Brown, 45), Danny Maudslay (for Jackson, 70), Alex Wilson, Adam Brittain, Liam Green

The Doncaster Star has reported that former Rovers striker Robert Gill has been released by Nationwide Conference side Scarborough. Gill was released by Rovers last summer, and has struggled to get in Scarborough's side, starting only 13 games this season, and spent loan spells at Whitby Town and Forest Green Rovers this season.

Dave Penney, the Rovers manager, has told TeamTalk that he already knows which players will be leaving the club in the summer, and which ones will be staying - but admits that nothing is definite, and impressive performances may yet persuade him to change his mind. He said: "I've got a good idea of who's staying and who's going but nothing is decided. I know we need to be a bit better in all areas of the pitch, so we will be looking to improve in general."

The Rovers' youth team secured a good 2-1 victory at the Saunders Honda Stadium, Chester (formerly known as the Deva Stadium!) on Monday afternoon. The Rovers goals were scored by Maudsley and Brittain. So close is the league table in the Merit League Division Two North, that the victory takes Rovers up from eighth place to fourth, taking them past Chester, Bury and Macclesfield, although only on goal difference, and Grimsby.

Former Doncaster Rovers assistant manager Alan Lewer has left Conference National club Forest Green Rovers following their relegation from the Conference this season, "by mutual consent". Lewer, who was assistatn to Steve Wignall for a while at Belle Vue, had only joined Forest Green in September, although he inherited a team that had lost their opening seven matches of the season. Forest Green, who have already agreed to go full-time next season, still have a chance of avoiding relegation if Northwich Victoria fail to finish work on their new stadium by the time Conference chiefs inpsect the ground in May.

The Donny R'sonists recorded their first win of the season in a friendly fixture against Rotherham United on Saturday. The R'sonists won 3-2 with goals from Paul Exton (2) and Gaz Robson. The match was played at Hooton Lodge, Rotherham United FC's training ground. The R'sonists' next game is on Saturday 7th May when they take on Inter Blades (Sheffield United) in an away League fixture.

Scunthorpe United have announced that Paul Wilson, their Youth Development Officer since 1995, is to leave them at the end of the season to join Doncaster Rovers, where he is to set up a Centre of Excellence. In a statement expressing disappointment at his departure, Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton said: "On behalf of everyone at Scunthorpe United I would like to thank Paul for his professionalism and hard work throughout his nine years at the club and wish him all the very best in his new role at Doncaster. I have always enjoyed a good working relationship with Paul and am very disappointed to see him leave. I know he has thought long and hard before taking this decision".
Wilson said of his new job: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Scunthorpe United, but this is a great opportunity for me, one which I feel I cannot turn down".

A clear winner of the latest "Man of the Match" voting emerged for the home game against Hartlepool United on Saturday. Ricky Ravenhill emerged ahead of the nine Rovers players nominated, receiving almost three times as many votes as his nearest rival. The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Ricky Ravenhill (41.98%)
2 Nick Fenton (14.84%)
3 Lewis Guy (11.11%)
4 Leo Fortune-West (9.88%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open on Saturday evening, following the away game at Bristol City.

Further to the information we posted on this website on 24th April, some further information relating to Bristol City tickets has emerged that may be of interest. The £1 "administration charge" applies for each booking - but you can order several tickets at once and only play a £1 charge. Why not group together with friends to buy your tickets, and save on this fee.
We have also heard from a supporter that says that you can buy them by cheque, which if received by Friday will entitle you to the £2 discount with no booking fee. For this option you will need to pick up your tickets from their ticket office on Saturday. Their ticket office telephone number is 0870 1121897.
No tickets are available from the Rovers' ticket office at Belle Vue.

A superb effort at the Hartlepool United game saw £362.76 collected in the Viking Supporters' Bar, leding to a grand total on the day of £602.68 - the highest amount the VSC have raised for their "Coin Trail" appeal since late November. This takes the new total to £31,936.91.
Please note that there will be no collection at the Bristol City match on Saturday, owing to an NSPCC collection already taking place.

Local radio station Hallam FM are asking all fans to vote for their "Player of the season". Last season, your votes helped Michael McIndoe beat off competition from all local rivals to win their award. If you want a Rovers player to win again this year, you need totext ro email your choice NOW.
For mobile phones, you need to text "Hallam" and "Player", then the Rovers player you want to vote for to 82019. Alternatively, email your vote to gameon@hallamfm.co.uk.
Voting closes at midnight on Friday (29th April), so there isn't much time! The winner will be announced by Jules Warren in their "Game On" show on Saturday afternoon.

Rovers defender Jamie Price continues his recovery from a foot injury, and resumed jogging late last week. He is now progressing well on his way back to full fitness. He will not, however, play for the first team this season, and it has already been hinted that he will be released by the club in the summer.
Simon Marples is also making good progress, and has started running and doing some ball work. Simon will not play this season, as Rovers are keen for him to regain full fitness for next season after suffering from a sequence of related injuries in the last eighteen months.

Dave Penney said yesterday that he thought his side fully deserved their 2-0 win over Hartlepool United on Saturday. He said: "I felt we played quite well and deserved the win. It's just a pity the play-offs are out of reach.
"We haven't played at home for about three weeks so it was great to get back here and record a victory.
"We've looked a little jaded and sluggish in one or two games but we seemed refreshed and back to playing like we can."
The Hartlepool manager, Neale Cooper said "I am not trying to make excuses", but then went on to give excuses, saying "We have had a bit of a bug going round the squad, and I thought a few of them looked a bit tired, but there is no way I can fault their efforts. There are no nerves here. We will just dust ourselves down and focus on the game against Walsall next week, as we certainly owe them one."

The Doncaster Rovers Belles grabbed the all-important victory over Birmingham City yesterday afternoon which means that they have avoided relegation from the Women's National League by the closest of margins. The Belles won 1-0 in yesterday's game, played at Belle Vue, meaning that Liverpool and Bristol City are relegated. Vicky Exley scored the all-important goal.
This means that the Belles remain in the top division of women's football, something they have achieved since the formatoin of the National League 14 years ago. Remarkably, until last season, they had always finished in the top three places, but a mass exodus of experienced internationals last summer led to John Buckley inheriting a greatly weakened squad, and they have struggled all season.

Rovers defender Dave Mulligan has been selected as part of an initial 30-man New Zealand squad to face Australia on June 9th at Fulham's ground. The squad will be reduced down to 18 on 3rd May.

Doncaster Rovers' youth team went down to a narrow defeat on Saturday morning to the Merit League leaders Rotherham United, although they were not helped by the absence of two of their leading players, Ben Jackson (on loan at York City) and Adam Brown, who was on duty with the first team squad. They went behind as early as the sixth minute, but despite a number of attempts on goal, they could not find the equaliser. The victory means that, despite some teams still having another match to play.
The Rovers' side was: Lee Cockerham, Michael Senior, Tommy Brailsford, Andy Matthews, Adam Green, Robert Pacey, Jason Flint, Liam Green, Martyn Woolford, Adam Lee, Craig Nelthorpe
Substitutes: Danny Maudslay (for Woolford, 39), Alex Wilson (for Brailsford, 46), Anthony Griffith (for Liam Green, 72), Nathan Ireland, Aaron Brittain

Rovers comprehensively defeated play-off challengers Hartlepool United this afternoon on a sunny afternoon at Belle Vue. One of the most entertaining goalless first halves you will see was even, but after an intiial five mintues after the break, Rovers took control. Ricky Ravenhill slotted the ball home from a Lewis Guy pass in the 59th minute, and after that Rovers took complete control. The expected Hartlepool onslaught never arrived, and Rovers continued to take the game to the visitors. It was no less than they deserved when Leo Fortune-West side-footed home from three yards following some good work by Blundell, Brown and Green. Rovers remain mathematically possible of reaching the play-off positions, five points behind with two games to go! Will they do it? It may be an outside shot, but you never know.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed, and the result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

It's a brief review of former Rovers players who scored goals this weekend, but we start in League One, where Adebayo Akinfenwa scored Torquay United's winner as they won 2-1 at Oldham Athletic. In League Two, Dave Morley scored Macclesfield's second goal as they defeated Mansfield 3-1 to keep in the play-off places.
Finally, former Rovers midfielder Jason Blunt scored Halifax Town's first goal as they went on to defeat Woking 3-1 in the Nationwide Conference, but sadly for them they still finished just outside the Conference places.

Rovers fans will be allocated to the Wedlock Stand of Ashton Gate for the last away game of the season at Bristol City on Saturday, 30th April. Admission prices for the fixture are: Adults £17.00*, Senior Citizens £14.00*, Under 19/Students £10.00, Under-16 £5.00.
The match is NOT all-ticket, but information on Bristol City's web site indicates that a £2 discount is allowed on tickets marked * if they are bought in advance. We presume that tickets for the fixture are not on sale at the Rovers ticket office, as they state that admission is only by payment at the turnstiles.
We have been reliably informed that some supporters have achieved the discount by obtaining tickets from Bristol City's ticket office - although there is a £1 administration charge. Their ticket office telephone number is 0870 1121897.
Please note that, whilst tickets are on sale in advance, you will be able to pay on the gate, but the discount will not apply.

The away youth team game against Chester City, which was postponed recently, has been rearranged for Monday, 25th April.

Rovers welcome James Coppinger and Mark Albrighton back into the squad for this afternoon's match, with both players resuming training this week after recovering from injuries. Striker Neil Roberts will be absent though, as he has not recovered from hsi rib injury. Rovers have hinted that youth teamer Adam Brown will again be included in the squad, although he is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench as Rovers go after three points to consolidate their top ten place. Whilst goalkeeper Stuart Jones has resumed training after along absence, Iain Turner will continue in goal this afternoon, with Andy Warrington on the bench.
Boss Dave Penney has confirmed that, despite the unfamiliar experience of not having a promotion to aim at this year, Rovers will be out to win today's game - if Rovers finish 11th, they will match their best final league position of the season since 1958. He also warned that the players need to continue to impress if they want to earn new contracts at Rovers.

Play-off candidates Hartlepool United welcome back Hugh Robertson into their squad for this afternoon's game after recovering from illness. Late fitness checks will be made on Joel Porter, who picked up a thigh strain in last Friday's win over Sheffield Wednesday, with Eifon Williams likely to replace him if necessary. John Brackstone (glandular fever) and Darren Clarke (knee) will both definitely miss the game.

Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West has signed a new one-year contract with Doncaster Rovers, after proving that he has regained fitness after his knee surgery. Dave Penney said: "He gives us another dimension to our game when we need it and would have doen against some of the sides who bullied us out of the games"

Unique-bid have a signed Doncaster Rovers shirt that they are auctioning off to the lowest unique-bidder. You could win the item for only pennies! All you have to do is to text ROVERS (space) your bid (£.pp) to 87070. So for example, if you wanted to bid 20p you would text ROVERS 0.20 to 87070.
The auction closes at noon on 5th May.
Bidders must be 16+ . SMS is charged at £1.50 + standard network charge. Service provided by Unique-Bid Ltd, 17 Laneham Street, Scunthorpe, North Lincs, DN17 2FD. 0870 360 8243 (U-BID)

An estimated 2,400 people attended last night's rally at the Dome, with some being locked out. All the players and officials attended the event, with the Mayor, Martin Winter, giving an update on the Community Stadium, which he pledged would be delivered time for the 2006/07 season. He also said that he would resign if the stadium wasn't delivered in his next term as Mayor. The companies tendering for the contract were re-assessing their bids as all have come in well over the £32million budgeted.
Other news from the evening include:
- all season ticket holders will get into home reserve matches free next season
- new youth teams at U-15 and U-16 levels will be introduced next season, with full coaching staff
- a first team coach will be appointed for next season
- John Ryan pledged to match pound-for-pound the amount received in season tickets in his investment in the club

We have learned that Rovers defender Nic Priet has been training at Championship club Plymouth Argyle for the last three days. Priet is to be released by Rovers at the end of the season after struggling to force his way into the Rovers side due to the outstanding form of Tim Ryan.

The latest issue of the award-winning "Popular STAND" fanzine will go on sale at tomorrow's home game against Hartlepool United, either from sellers outside the ground, or from the Rovers' Supporters Club shop. Still priced at just £1, as well as regular contributions from Yorkshire Rovers, John Coyle, Stu the Tickhill Red and King Barnes, the issue will include:
- Rovers Jukebox
- Sepps Better future - New Rules
- A Dragon, a Crocodile & a Parrott
- The 125 Rovers greats - final result
- Popular STAND election manifesto
- Coin trial - how you can help
- A review of the season by Dan Nice
- Rovers players wearing gloves

Youth team player Adam Brown admits that scoring on his Rovers' debut was "the best feeling in the world". He made his appearance as substitute after just half an hour of last week's game at Stockport, replacing Dave Mulligan, who went off injured.
Brown said "I was just happy to have been on the bench on Saturday. It was the best feeling in the world to score my first goal."
Despite his "man of the match" debut, he accepts that he is not certain of being included in the squad for the remaining games of this season, as he only was included last week due to the Rovers' mounting injury crisis.

Doncaster Rovers are holding their rally at the Dome this evening, with the event starting at 7pm. There are 1,800 seats available, and Rovers are asking fans to be there early if you want a seat. The club shop stand and season ticket sales will be open from 6pm, as will the bars at the Dome.
Rovers will be unveiling their new kit that the team will be wearing next season at this evening's event, with a limited number of shirts being available to buy tonight. All of the current squad in attendance, and will sign autographs for fans.
All season ticket holders, lottery members and 125 Club members should have now received their packs through the post. If yours has not arrived, there are a limited number of unpersonalised packs available at Belle Vue - call them on 01302 539441 or email steveuttley@roversmedia.co.uk.
Rovers have also announced that John Ryan will be donating a mystery memorabilia item as a fourth prize of the draw being made this evening, with the only hint being that it is "a signed item that is unique."

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Billy Whitehurst has narrowly escaped prison after pleading guilty to six charges of falsely claiming over £12,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions, and asking other offencs to be taken into consideration.
In the case which was heard at Barnsley magistrates court, it emerged that a series of footballing injuries had limited the amount of work he could do, and that he turned to gambling. Unfortunately for Billy, he lost large amounts, resulting in his wife leaving him. Whitehurst retired from playing football in 1993, and was once described by Alan Hansen as the opponent he feared the most. He was sentenced to an 18-month rehabilitation order, was ordered to pay £120 costs, and was told that it was only his decision to plead guilty that saved him from a custodial sentence.

After leading his Hucknall Town side into the final of the FA Trophy, former Rovers left back Dean Barrick, now player/manager at Hucknall, scored two goals on Tuesday night in their game at Hinckley United. The 3-0 victory takes them to 56 points, and whilst they are 12 points behind the play-off places, they have three matches in hand on the teams above them.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative will be making a presentation of a cheque for £10,000 at this evening's Rovers rally at the Dome. If any VSC member who has a young child, or any junior member of the VSC, would like to have the honour of presenting the cheque, please email Andy Liney at andy.liney@virgin.net as soon as possible.

It emerged yesterday that Rovers full back David Mulligan is likely to be fit to play on Saturday for Rovers' home game against Hartlepool United. He was substituted after less than half an hour of Saturday's game at Stockport with a calf problem, but Rovers' physio, Baz Windle, said that it appears to have been a circulation problem rather than anything more serious. Mulligan appears to have made a quick recovery after the game, and is set to train normally this week.

Dave Penney spoke of his pleasure at seeing youth team midfielder Adam Brown making a great first team debut on Saturday, and believes that he has made great progress this season. He said: "It was fantastic for young Adam to get a goal. He's come on in leaps and bounds lately in the youth team and the reserves. I'm really pleased for the kid, but let's not get too carried away, he's still got a lot to learn."
Brown made his debut on Saturday as a 28th minute substitute for Dave Mulligan, and capped his debut game with a goal three minutes from time.

Defender Mark Albrighton is due to have further treatment on his knee injury which prevented his hoped-for return on Saturday. Windle believes he has bruising around the base of the patella, which has prevented him kicking a ball - but he has been able to do weight training. However, this bruising takes time to come out, so he will have daily treatment to treat the injury.

Rovers have announced that the Viking Supporters Bar will be opening after Thursday evening's rally so they can discuss what they have heard at the Dome a little earlier. The bar is expected to open at around 9pm, when the main events at the Dome are approaching their completion, and remain open until 11pm. John Ryan is also understood to be coming over to the Viking Bar when he has finished at the Dome, so fans will have the chance to chat to him informally.
The Rovers Rally at the Dome is open to everyone, although only those who have received the packs distributed to season ticket holders, lottery members and 125 Club members will be able to enter the prize draw. The rally at the Dome starts at 7pm.

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Coin Trail" edged up a little further on Saturday, with £95.51 beign raised. This takes the total raised under this appeal to £31,334.23.

The BBC have reported that Everton and Doncaster Rovers have been watching Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus recently. Rovers are reported to have sent a representative to check on the 23-year old during two recent Irish Premier League matches.

The Retford Branch Dinner Dance will held at the Elms Hotel on London Road, Retford on Friday, 13th May,starting at 7.30pm (for 8pm), and goes on unitl 1am. The Retford Branch "Player of the Season" will be awarded during the evening, and they have obtained a bar extension until 12.30pm.
A free bus will be running from the Doncaster area, leaving Barnby Dun (The Star) at 6.15pm, Waterdale (opposite the library) 6.30pm, Rossington (The Styrup) 6.45pm and Bawtry (Market Place) 6.50pm.
Overnight accommodation can be provided if required for about £45 (bed and breakfast). Tickets for the dinner dance are £16 - please book as soon as possible by phoning Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154.

Debutant Adam Brown cruised to a comfortable victory in the voting for the "Man of the Match" for the away game at Stockport County on Saturday. Adam received over half of the votes cast, well ahead of the rest. With nine players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Adam Brown (54.90%)
2 Paul Green (15.69%)
3 Ricky Ravenhill, Tim Ryan (7.84% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following Saturday's home game against Hartlepool United.

Dave Penney was happy with Rovers' performance in Saturday's 4-2 win at Edgeley Park, as his side came back from a 2-1 half time deficit to score three goals in the last 18 minutes. He said: We scored early, but then for some reason we mentally switched off. We didn't continue what we had been doing, but at the end of the day there's always goals in us. We had a few words at the interval and in the second half it was a lot more like us. We've got plenty of pace and we were always going to cause Stockport problems."

The Supporters' Club web site has reported that the Retford and disabled branches of the Supporters Club are running a race night at the Rovers Return on Thursday April 28th, with the event starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Season tickets for the 2005/06 season will go on sale at Belle Vue today. The prices for the tickets were announced by Rovers last week, with the prices until 1st July being as follows:
Seating: Adults £320, Concessions £175
Standing: Adults £270, Concessions £120
Student season tickets will be available at the concessionary rate, but evidence of full-time student status must be provided.

Doncaster Rovers Belles are on the brink of relegation from the National Division after they suffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Everton yesterday. They are now one point behind Liverpool with one match to go, but Belles have an inferior goal difference. With Liverpool having finished their fixtures, Belles know that they must win their final game of the season, which is against mid-table Birmingham City, if they are to avoid the drop. The club have been members of the National Division - the top league in women's football - since its inception in 1991.

Despite scoring after just over a minute's play, Rovers had to come from behind after conceding two first half goals before eventually running out as 4-2 winners at Edgeley Park. An early Ricky Ravenhill goal put Rovers in front, but three goals in the last twenty minutes gave Rovers victory, with the headlines no doubt going to debutant Adam Brown, promoted from the youth team to the first team squad, who scored three minutes from time.

There was only one goal we spotted that was scored by a former Rovers player in the Football League this weekend - defender Andy Crosby scored Scuthorpe United's second goal as they thumped bottom club Cambridge United 4-0. However, there are a few goals to report from the non-league scene. In the Conference National, Tristram Whitman was on target twice for Tamworth as they drew 2-2 at Farnborough. Brian Quailey scored one of two goals for Nuneaton in the Nationwide North as they defeated bottom club Bradford Park Avenue 2-1. The evergreen Paul Barnes scored an injury time goal for Hinckley United, but his side still went down away at promotion candidates Southport.
In the UniBond Premier Division, Workington had their promotion hopes dented as they went down 1-0 at home to Hyde United - not helped by Adam Collin, the goalkeeper who Rovers signed for the closing weeks of last season, being sent off in the 60th minute for handling the ball outside the penalty area.

The packs which are promoting the Rovers' rally at the Doncaster Dome on Thursday were been dispatched in the latter part of last week, and should be delivered by tomorrow's post at the latest. If you have not received your pack, which should be sent to all season ticket holders, lottery members and 125 Club members, by Monday, Rovers have recommended that you contact them so they can help. All packs sent out contain entry to a draw which will be held at the Dome rally. However, the rally itself is open to the general public - it is just the prize draw that those without the promotional packs will be excluded from.

Jeremy Christie, a 21-year old midfielder who is currently playing in New Zealand, is reported to be interesting Doncaster Rovers, according to the New Zealand Herald. Christie, who is currently on the books of Waitakere United, has also played for Barnsley, but was released when the club went into administration and manager Nigel Spackman left the club. However, he will wait to see if he gets a new deal from Waitakere before looking abroad. Trials have "tentatively been arranged" with Doncaster Rovers, Rochdale, Wigan and Grimsby, as well as interest being shown by some Norwegian clubs.

Dave Penney will have to survey his injury ravaged squad before naming his side for this afternoon's away game at Stockport County. With Simon Marples, Jermaine McSporran and Jamie Price ruled out for the rest of the season, he also has doubts about Mark Albrighton (knee), James Coppinger (rib) and Neil Roberts (rib). Dave Penney hinted at this week's press conference that both Coppinger and Roberts could miss the rest of the season. Andy Warrington is awaiting a hernia operation in the summer, but is able to take his place on the substitutes bench. Youth team players Craig Nelthorpe and Adam Brown have been drafted into the squad, but Tim Ryan will make a welcome return after completing his two-match suspension. Skipper Steve Foster has recovered from his hamstring injury, and will definitely play.
Jon Maloney is likely to start his first match for Rovers, with Dave Mulligan likely to be used on the right side of midfield.
Whilst many options will depend on late fitness tests, we expect that the side will be:
Turner, Maloney, Ryan, Foster, Fenton, Mulligan, Doolan, Ravenhill, McIndoe, Blundell, Fortune-West

Stockport are likely to name an unchanged squad from their last game against Blackpool for today's match at Edgeley Park. Harpal Singh (hamstring), Danny Griffin (knee) and Chris Armstrong (groin) will all miss the game, and midfielder Mark Robertson is not expected to feature again this season. Winger Lee Cartwright, just back from injury, completed 70 minutes of the Blackpool game, and will feature again today.
Boss Chris Turner has said that he has only 17 or 18 fit players, so few changes are likely in the team he names today.

Danielle Fell from Haxey was voted as the winner of the "Miss Doncaster Rovers 2005" at last night's event held at the Viking Supporters' Bar at Belle Vue. With ten competitors, the top three were voted as being:
1 Danielle Fell
2 Nikki Nuttall
3 Katerine Brandt
Danielle will be making her first official appearance after winning the title at Thursday's rally at the Doncaster Dome.