Tickets for the home game on Sunday, 19th December, against Sheffield Wednesday, went on sale yesterday to those holding the two vouchers issued at the Stockport and Peterborough games. The holders of both vouchers have until Friday to order their tickets, with the remainder going on general sale on Monday 6th December. Tickets bought on general sale are limited to two per person, and applicants must bring a proof of address whey buying their tickets.

Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington was the clear winner in the "Man of the Match" voting for the game at Luton Town on Saturday. Andy gained almost half of the votes cast, and with ten Rovers players receiving nominations, the leading votes were as follows:
1 Andy Warrington (44.07%)
2 Neil Roberts (18.64%)
3 Ricky Ravenhill (13.56%)
Thank you to to everyone who took part, with an higher than usual number of votes for an away match being cast. The next vote will open following the conclusion of Saturday's FA Cup match at Exeter City.

Rovers manager Dave Penney praised his Rovers side after the great battling display at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Penney claims that the 1-1 result proves that his side can compete with the leading clubs in League One, with the players refusing to give up, and successfully bagging a draw with Neil Roberts' strike eight minutes from time. Penney said: "We've shown we can come to places like this and grind out a result. We're a good side and we're on a decent run at the moment."
Rovers have now lost just once in seven league games, and are just three points outside the play-off places.

Tiverton Town have kindly offered to open up their social club on Saturday so that Rovers fans can call there on the way to the game at Exeter City. The Supporters Club coaches will be stopping there, with both bars and the snack bar being open. Any Rovers supporters travelling independently will also be welcome, with plenty of parking available next to their club house. Tiverton is about 20 miles from Exeter.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jack Lester has signed for Nottingham Forest in a £50,000 transfer from Sheffield United in a two and a half year deal. He made five appearances for Rovers whilst on loan from Grimsby Town during the 1996/97 season, scoring one goal.

The Rovers' youth team continued their winning run on Saturday when they defeated Boston United 2-0 in the Football League Youth Alliance Cup Second Round, with Adam Brown and Adam Lee scoring the Rovers goals. This makes it two 2-0 victories in a row, with the side having defeated York City 2-0 the weekend before.

Dave Penney was pleased with the performance of his side in Saturday's game at leaders Luton Town. He said: "They battled hard and put their heads in when they needed to and got the point.". Rovers could have pinched a fortunate and unlikely win when Ipoua raced clear in the closing minutes, with the Rovers boss saying: "Ipoua had a chance and maybe could even have won the game for us if he'd been a bit quicker, but overall we're pleased with all the lads."
Ipoua was only denied by a well timed tackle by Sol Davis just before he was getting close enough to shoot.

We begin the review of goals scored by former Rovers players this weekend in the Nationwide Conference, where Steve Burton scored a late goal for Scarborough, but it wasn't quite enough for the Seadogs, who went down 2-1 to Crawley Town, who won their third successive match.
Dino Maamria scored two late goals to enable Stevenage Borough to snatch an unlikely point at home to strugglers Forest Green Rovers. Coming on as a substitute when the score was 2-0 to Rovers, Maamria's first striker came in the 89th minute, with his second arriving in the second minute of added time with virtually the last kick of the game.
In the UniBond First Division, Mike Norbury scored the equaliser for Ossett Town, but a stoppage time goal by former Nottingham Forest star Nigel Jemson saw opponents Ilkeston Town emerge victorious by a 2-1 scoreline.
In the second round of the FA Vase, Neil Campbell score Barrow's second goal against Southern Division One West visitors Rothwell Town as the Bluebirds successfully came back from being a goal down to win 3-1.

Doncaster Rovers Belles remain at the bottom of the FA Women's Premier League with seven points from eleven games after then went down to another defeat on Sunday. This time, they lost 2-0 to joint leaders Charlton Athletic, but the Charlton boss was unhappy with the way his side missed several more chances. The game was goalless for an hour before Hunn scored for Charlton, with a late second goal by Walker confirming victory.
The Rovers Belles were hit by the loss of a large number of players in the close season, and their relatively new and inexperienced side is finding life difficult in the Premier Division.

A Neil Roberts equaliser eight minutes from time gave Rovers a point that they probably didn't deserve on the balance of play. With the home side piling on the pressure for most of the game, Rovers' fate looked inevitable, as they only rarely showed any signs of attacking. However, a great equaliser gave Rovers a point, which they would very likely have settled for before the game started.
The match report is now available on the "matches" section of the web site. The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part. The result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

No - it's not a typing error, but the Great Crested Newt is set to delay the start of the building for the new Community Stadium. It has been reported that English Nature have identified the stadium site as one which is a suitable habitat for the great crested newt, which is a protected species. Whilst it is not certain whether any newts are (or were, or will be) on the site, the council are obliged to see if they arrive, and relocate them to another area, probably Potteric Carr. Until then, building cannot start.
The VSC web site reports that there is still enough leeway in the original construction timetable to enable the stadium to be delivered on time.

Whilst the next home league game, against Bristol City on Tuesday 7th December, is not all-ticket, tickets for the seated area of the main stand are now on sale. The game has been classed as a "Category A" game, meaning that admission prices will be:
Seating: Adults £18.00, concessions £12.00
Standing: Adults £15.00, concessions £8.00

UniBond First Division club Chorley have signed former Rovers central defender Jamie Squires from Premier Division club Bamber Bridge. Jamie played for Rovers during the 2001/02 season before leaving to join ex-Rovers assistant manager Alan Lewer at Nuneaton Borough at the end of that season.

We have learned that a new "students season ticket" will be introduced next season, which will be 33% less than the full adult season ticket. Those aged over 16 and still in full time education will qualify for the new student season ticket.
We would like to thank John Ryan for listening to the proposal which was put forward by some Rovers fans. We also understand that people in full time education that can provide the correct documentation will be allowed student concessions at home games.

Rovers travel to Kenilworth Road for their first match there since February 1970 to face the League One leaders, who have scored sixteen goals in their last four games. Despite that, Rovers assistant manager Mickey Walker insists that Rovers are intending to go there with the intention of winning the game. "We've been fearful of no-one this season, it is not going to start on Saturday" he said yesterday.
As previewed yesterday, Rovers will be missing Nic Priet, Ben Jackson, Leo Fortune-West and Steve Foster with injuries, but Jamie Price will be fit to play after being substituted at half time of last week's match with an eye problem. Apart from that, Dave Penney has a full squad to select from.
Luton will miss Steve Robinson, who has been ruled out until after Christmas, but goalkeeper Simon Royce should may be fit to play as it looks as though he will recover from a shoulder injury. Ahmet Brkovic and Sol Davis also look set to play, despite picking up knocks in last weekend's 4-1 win over MK Dons.

It emerged yesterday that tickets for this afternoon's game at Luton Town will be on sale at the ground, with their ticket office opening at 11am. However, Luton do not normally have concessionary tickets for sale on the day of the game. Rovers appear to have sold just under half of their allocation of 1,800 tickets, so there should be plenty available for anyone turning up at the ground this afternoon.

Former Rovers striker Mickey Norbury showed that he still knows where the net is on Wednesday night when he scored an equaliser for Ossett Albion nine minutes from the end of the game to give his club a 2-2 draw against Kidsgrove Athletic in the UniBond First Division. The point gained means that Ossett maintain sixth spot in the league table.

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Richie Barker has signed for League Two club Mansfield Town on a free transfer from Rotherham United. Barker has been at Millmoor for almost four years, and leaves as the Millers look to reduce the wage bill. The club are reportedly losing around £25,000 a week, and with Earth Mortgages pulling out of buying the club from Ken Booth, the club are looking to stem the outflow of funds. The departure of Barker, along with midfielder Paul Warne, who has also joined the Stags on loan, may give Ronnie Moore the chance to bring in new players as he continues to search for their first win of the season.
Richie played five games for Rovers during the 1995/96 season when he joined the club on loan from Sheffield Wednesday.

Rovers manager Dave Penney has indicated that he will send his team out to attack league leaders Luton Town in their game at Kenilworth Road tomorrow afternoon. He said: "There is no point in going there to sit back and defend - I think that would be asking for trouble. It's not a game that we are expected to win, and we have nothign tlose, so we will go there, try to get at them and give it a go."
Gregg Blundell will definitely start the game after being handed a huge vote of confidence by his manager. Rovers have no suspension problems, with the only injury absentees being Nic Priet, Steve Foster, Leo Fortune-West and Ben Jackson.

The Doncaster Star reported last night that Rovers defender Nic Priet will be out of action for up to two months after having an operation to solve a foot problem. Rovers had hoped that an injection would reduce the swelling that he has suffered from recently. Rovers physio Barrie Windle said: "Like all footballers, Nic wants to be playing, but in two months' time he will be glad that he had the operation because there was no light at the end of the tunnel for him otherwise."

Young striker Ben Jackson will not play until next year after limping off in Saturday's youth team game against York City. A scan on his leg revealed a stress fracture.
Mark Albrighton had some fluid removed from his knee yesterday, but should be fit enough for selection tomorrow. Michael McIndoe will also be fit for the Luton match despite having further treatment on a tight hamstring this week.
Skipper Steve Foster continues to make good progress from his ankle injury, and has stepped up his training regime this week.

The Free Press has reported that there are four top constructions firms in the frame to secure the contract to build the new Community Stadium. The four companies competing for the £32 million contract are Mowlem, Sir Robert McAlpine, Shepherd, and Laing O'Rourke.
McAlpine's are currently involved in building Doncaster's new transport interchange and Arsenal's new stadium at Ashburton Grove, and Laing O'Rourke is currently building a new stadium for Coventry City.
Building is still scheduled to start early next year, and is scheduled for completion towards the end of the 2005-06 season.

A new book, "First Time Champions", which has the topic of the 1934/35 season, when Rovers won their first-ever Third Division (North) Championship, is due out shortly. Due to be issued on 7th December (the day of the Bristol City game), the book tells the full story of the season, with photos, player profiles, and statistics from a closely fought campaign.
Advance orders are currently being taken - if you order by Saturday, 27th November, you can have your name printed in the book as a subscriber - it could be a great Christmas present for a Rovers fan! Subscribers will also receive a small free gift to complement the book.
If you would like to order the book, send a cheque or postal order for £11.20 (to include postage & packing) to:
Rovers book offer, 4 Millfield Court, Barnby Dun, Doncaster, DN3 1LX
The book, priced £9.95, will be available from 7th December at the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club shop, Paper House newsagents in the town centre, and the ASDA Superstore on Bawtry Road.

We would like to remind you that tomorrow's away game at Luton Town is all-ticket for away supporters. Tickets will be on sale until noon at the Rovers ticket office, with all unsold tickets being returned to Luton Town. It is possible that the unsold tickets will be on sale tomorrow afternoon, but Luton have not yet announced a decision on this. Rovers are reported to have sold over 750 tickets for the game.
Admission prices for the game are:
Adults: £17.50, Concessions: £10.50.

The forthcoming away FA Cup tie at Exeter City on Saturday, 4th December, is NOT all-ticket.
Admission to the ground will be as follows:
Seating: Adults £14.00, Concessions £8.50
Standing: Adults £11.00, Concessions £6.00
The Supporters Club will be running coaches to the game, which will leave as follows:
Retford 7.00 am., Bawtry 7.15, Hare & Tortoise 7.20, Punches 7.25, Belle Vue 7.30 and Doncaster Royal Infirmary 7.15am.
The fares will be:
Members £18.00, Seniors £17.00, Under 16's £15.00
Non members £20.00, Under 16's £18.00

Rovers drew 1-1 with Leeds United in a "behind closed doors" game played at Leeds on Tuesday. Former youth team player Jon Maloney scored the Rovers goal, and Leeds United's side contained a numbre of "experienced campaigners". The 19-year old made his first team debut towards the end of last season, but has not featured so far this season. Dave Penney is in no rush to introduce him to first team football, saying "He's in the first-team squad but is still learning his trade. He's got a bit to do yet and we'll bring him on slowly."

Former Rovers centre half Gary Finlay has been appointed as first team manager at UniBond Premier Division Witton Albion, as successor to John Davison. Finlay has been playing for Welsh Premier League side Total Network Solutions, but had previously enjoyed a successful three year tenure as boss at Aberystwyth Town, guiding them into European competition, and enjoying their best league season for 25 years.Witton chairman Mike Worthington said: "We are all very excited about Gary's appointment. His enthusiasm and determination to succeed impressed the board, and he had clearly done a great deal of homework. Now we can get on with achieving our objective of a play-off place this season."
Finley confirmed that he was looking forward to the challenge ahead: "We need to move the club forward together, and if we can do that there is no reason why the supporters cannot look forward, starting with Saturday's trip to Gateshead."

Former Rovers striker Neil Grayson saved Stafford Rangers' blushes on Tuesday when they were lucky to escape with a draw after twice trailing to struggling Barrow. He grabbed their equaliser in the 58th minute to make it 1-1, and then the second equaliser five minutes from time to make it 2-2. He did also have a chance a minute later to get the winner, but his header went straight at the goalkeeper.
Former Rovers players scoring at the weekend were few and far between, but most notable of the old-boys finding the net was striker Brian Deane, who weighed in with an impressive four goals (including a first half hat-trick) in Leeds United's 6-1 demolition of Queens Park Rangers.

Dave Penney has warned his players that they must stop conceding soft goals if they are to make the end of season play-offs. Despite registering a welcome 3-1 win over Stockport on Saturday, Peney was unhappy with the way that his side dealt with Stockport's attack. "We were great going forward, but we looked a bit jaded at times and the way we allowed them to equalise was disappointing," he said. "We need to stop conceding goals like that because it could have gone either way after they had scored."

The Retford Branch of the Rovers Supporters Club are holding a race night at the new Viking Sports Bar on Thursday evening, with a 7.30pm start.

With the news that today's reserve team game against Darlington has been postponed owing to Darlington's involvement in an FA Cup replay, the Rovers reserves side played a practice game against Leeds United yesterday afternoon. No news has been released about the score of the game.

A new book, "First Time Champions", which has the topic of the 1934/35 season, when Rovers won their first-ever Third Division (North) Championship, is due out shortly. Due to be issued on 7th December (the day of the Bristol City game), the book tells the full story of the season, with photos, player profiles, and statistics from a closely fought campaign.
Advance orders are currently being taken - if you order by Saturday, 27th November, you can have your name printed in the book as a subscriber - it could be a great Christmas present for a Rovers fan! Subscribers will also receive a small free gift to complement the book.
If you would like to order the book, send a cheque or postal order for £11.20 (to include postage & packing) to:
Rovers book offer, 4 Millfield Court, Barnby Dun, Doncaster, DN3 1LX
The book, priced £9.95, will be available from 7th December at the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club shop, Paper House newsagents in the town centre, and the ASDA Superstore on Bawtry Road.

Former Rovers striker Richie Barker looks to be one of two more players who may be leaving the club as the club look to reduce the wage bill. With the Millers reportedly losing £25,000 a week, chairman Ken Booth reluctant to put large sums in, and a failed takeover bid by Earth Mortgages, Chris Sedgwick left the club for Preston in a £300,000 transfer last week.
Strikers Richie Barker and Paul Warne have been granted permission to talk to Mansfield Town, with the news making their battle against relegation appear even harder. The club have yet to win a league match this season, and are already 11 points adrift of safety.

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn, now assistant player/manager at Scarborough, has spoken of his desire to get another chance at football management. He told Radio York: "I never really got given a proper crack at Halifax Town and the bits I did I had reasonable success. That obviously whets your appetite to go and have a proper go at it."
However, he then went on to quash rumours that he is interested in the managerial position at struggling Conference side York City. With 9 goals in 18 games so far this season, he said: "I am more than happy at Boro. I haven't spoken to York and I don't intend to. We are in or around the play-offs and they are down near the bottom, so why would I be interested in going there?"

Rovers winger James Coppinger strolled to a comfortable victory for his performance in Saturday's home game against Stockport County. James received almost half of the votes cast - with only one game so far this season having received (marginally) more votes. Michael McIndoe came second, with just over 15% of the votes, and Neil Roberts in third place. With nine Rovers players receiving nominations, after discounting attempted multiple voting, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 James Coppinger (47.19%)
2 Michael McIndoe (15.73%)
3 Neil Roberts (11.24%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will begin on Saturday evening, following the away match at Luton Town.

As far as we are aware, there are still tickets on sale for Saturday's away game at Luton Town. Please note that, since the matter is unclear on the official web site, it is all ticket for Rovers fans. It is still possible that Luton may decide to sell any unsold/returned tickets on the day, although no announcement has currently been made.

The reserve team game against Darlington that is scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed, and will now be played on Wednesday, 1st December (kick-off 2pm).

Coca Cola are filimng a new football advert at Belle Vue at the Bristol City game - one of five grounds that they are using. They are looking for some Rovers fans to be in the advert, and the film company are holding "casting sessions" tomorrow evening (Wednesday, 24th November) between 5.30pm and 9pm in the new Viking Sports Bar. They are particularly looking for families and people of different ages, including children. All selected fans will receive £50 fro appearing in the advert. Please note that successful candidates must be available for around two hours before the Bristol City match.

Dave Penney spoke of his hope that the confidence of striker Gregg Blundell will mean that he will now find the net on a regular basis after seeing him score twice in Saturday's 3-1 win over bottom club Stockport County. The brace in the game now takes Blundell to five for the season - with plenty of time to equal the 20 he scored last season. Penney said: "I was delighted that Gregg scored a couple of goals because he hasn't had much luck this season and it should help his confidence."

The Rovers' Supporters Club are running buses to the Luton Town game on Saturday. Coaches will leave as follows:
Retford 8.30 am, Bawtry 8.45, Hare & Tortoise 8.50, Punches 8.55, Belle Vue 9.00 and Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.50am.
North Doncaster Branch have a coach which leaves from Carcroft Village Club 10.10am, Bentley Pavillion 10.20, Don Valley (Jossey Lane) 10.25 and Woodlands (opp. Cooplands) 10.30am.
Fares:
Members: Adults £11.00, Seniors £10.00, Under 16's £9.00
Non-members: £13.00, Under 16's £11.00
To book a place, or for details, please contact: Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154) (Main Branch and Retford). For North Doncaster Bus Times Contact Warren Hanson on 01302-337303 or Mobile: 07787926809.

Former Rovers goalkeeper Paul Crichton has signed for Nationwide Conference club Accrington Stanley, after being released from Leigh RMI. Leigh released Crichton as part of a cost-cutting series of measures. The club have reduced the playing budget, which was already the smallest in the Conference, still further, leading to manager Phil Starbuck resigning.
Crichton was due to meet up with his new team mates on Friday in London, ahead of Accrington's game at Barnet.
Crichton has also appeared for York City, Stafford Rangers and Northwich Victoria this season after being released by Norwich City in the summer.

The forthcoming away FA Cup tie at Exeter City, on Saturday 4th December, will NOT be all-ticket, with admission being payable on the gate.
Exeter City have advised that admission prices will be as follows:
Seating: Adults: £14.00, Concessions: £8.50
Standing: Adults: £11.00, Concessions: £6.00

The Popular Stand fanzine is asking Rovers fans to help compile a list of the top 125 Rovers Greats,wtih votes accepted for anyone who has been connected with the club since its formation in 1879. They are asking you to nominate 30 people (in no particular order), including comments if you wish. They will then be ranked according to the number of nominations received. Please remember that this is not for an "all-star team", or for your favourite players, with players, managers, fans, behind the scenes staff etc. all being eligible for your votes.
The Popular Stand fanzine are also running a competition, which will give the winner a free year's subscription to the fanzine. When you send in your nominations, they are asking you to indicate which one of your nominations will finish in top spot.
Send your entries to fanzine@inboxnews.co.uk as soon as possible.

Rovers piled on the agony for bottom club Stockport County this afternoon as they inflicted a convincing defeat on them. After scoring early on in the first half through Gregg Blundell, the rest of the half somehow remained goalless, despite numerous chances falling to Rovers to add to their score. Stockport came out for the second half looking much more determined and organised, and equalised with a Warren Feeney goal - a soft goal for Rovers to concede. A shot from around 40 yards by Tim Ryan in the 65th minute took a deflection to give Rovers the lead again, and a great run down the left by McIndoe within two minutes was crossed to give the unmarked Blundell the easy tap-in to make it 3-1. A bitterly cold afternoon, but the result warmed the spirits!
The voting for the "Man of the match" has now closed - thank you to everyone who took part. The result will be announced on Tuesday morning. Please note that the attempts at multiple voting that were made today have been discounted from the voting.

Rovers striker Guy Ipoua has been added to the Doncaster Rovers squad for today's home game against Stockport County after completing his one-month loan at Mansfield Town. Whilst Gregg Blundell and Michael McIndoe picked up knocks in the FA Cup match last weekend, and missed some training sessions, both trained on Thursday and were passed fit to play. Midfielder John Doolan has now completed his three match ban after being sent off against Peterborough, and is also included in the Rovers squad. The only players not available for today's match are Leo Fortune-West and Steve Foster, who are both recovering from injury.
Stockport are hit by injury and suspensions, with boss Sammy McIlroy without striker Ricky Lambert and Jon Daly who are both serving suspensions. Winger Andy Welsh is on trials at Sunderland and is unlikely to play, and Luke Beckett left the club this week to join Sheffield United in a £50,000 move. Mark Robertson (hamstring) and Lee Cartwright (toe) are doubtful for the game, and wil face late fitness tests.

A new book, which has the topic of the 1934/35 season, when Rovers won their first-ever Third Division (North) Championship, is due out shortly. Due to be issued on 7th December (the day of the Bristol City game), the book tells the full story of the season, with photos, player profiles, and statistics from a closely fought campaign.
Advance orders are currently being taken - if you order by Saturday, 27th November, you can have your name printed in the book as a subscriber - it could be a great Christmas present for a Rovers fan! Subscribers will also receive a small free gift to complement the book.
If you would like to order the book, send a cheque or postal order for £11.20 (to include postage & packing) to:
Rovers book offer, 4 Millfield Court, Barnby Dun, Doncaster, DN3 1LX
The book, priced £9.95, will be available from 7th December at the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club shop, Paper House newsagents in the town centre, and the ASDA Superstore on Bawtry Road.

Rovers have announced that they are putting half-season tickets on sale, which will cover all home league matches for the second half of the season. Prices for these tickets are as follows:
Seating: Adults: £160, Concessions: £87.50
Standing: Adults: £135, Concessions: £60
They are now on sale from the Rovers ticket office at Belle Vue.
As with full season ticket holders, anyone buying a half-season ticket will receive preference for any all-ticket away matches for the rest of the season.

The BBC are asking for nominations and votes for the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Sports Personality of the Year. Last year Doncaster Rovers were the only team in the region to gain promotion with their rise fronm the Conference. This year they were the only team to win a divisional title. It is based on this theory that we would like to put forward the names of both Dave Penney and Mickey Walker. These men have acheived more than anyone else in the region during this calendar year. Last year's prize was shared by Keith Alexander and Jamie Peacock of the Bradford Bulls.
To vote either write to ;
BBC Sports Personality, Broadcasting Centre, 2 St Peter's Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH
or vote by email to: sporthero@bbc.co.uk

Rovers skipper Steve Foster returned to light training yesterday,after a two month absence with an ankle injury. Whilst he has been able to maintain some fitness in the gym, Steve began running yesterday, which is the first step to returning to full match fitness. As long as things go well, Rovers are hoping that he will be able to make a playing return in about two weeks time.

On-loan goalkeeper Michael Ingham is likely to return to the Rovers squad for tomorrow's home game against Stockport County after missing the FA Cup game due to injury. However, Ben Jackson and Nic Priet will be unavailable with calf and foot injuries respectively. Better news comes with Mark Albrighton having fully recovered from a knee injury, and will be in tomorrow's squad.
Steve Foster and Leo Fortune-West are the only long term absentees, so we expect Rovers to name a virtually unchanged team from the one that played in the FA Cup at Tiverton last week.
Stockport County arrive at Belle Vue for their first league encounter since April 1991 (when Danny Bergara was County's manager), looking for their first league win since a 1-0 victory back in October 1969.
Mark Robertson (hamstring) and Lee Cartwright (toe) are doubtful for the game, with Ricky Lambert and Jon Daly missing the game due to suspension. County will also be without Luke Beckett, who completed a transfer to Sheffield United earlier this week. They are hoping to name an unchanged side from the one that defeated Huddersfield in the cup last week.

The Yorkshire Post have reported that Chris Foy, the referee who was reported by Rovers chairman John Ryan following his performance at Hartlepool United a fortnight ago, is to hold "clear the air" discussions with Rovers officials today. The move was engineered by their employers, the "Professional Game Match Officials Limited" in a bid to improve the relationship between clubs and match officials.
Referee's chief, Jim Ashworth, said "We have written to the chairmen of Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley outlining the action we are prepared to take. The referees will visit each club to discuss specific incidents that these clubs are unhappy about."
Dave Penney and Mickey Walker are due to meet Foy and referee's assessor David Allison at Belle Vue today, when video footage of the Hartlepool game will be analysed.
In a separate move, Barnsley officials will meet with referee Martin Atkinson in a similar set of discussions, with Barnsley boss Paul Hart being incensed by the failure of Atkinson to send off John Doolan for an early challenge on Stephen McFail when Rovers visited Oakwell recently.

Rovers boss Dave Penney is expecting a tough test for his side when bottom club visit Doncaster for tomorrow's League One game, with a 3-1 win for Stockport over Huddersfield in last week's FA Cup clash likely to give the visitors extra confidence. Despite County being bottom of the league table, Penney said: "You never expect three points, it's a tough division we've come up into. We've been doing well at home but Stockport have just beaten Huddersfield in the cup so they're on a high."

Andy Warrington has been handed a challenge to regain his place in the Rovers side after being surprisingly dropped for the last league game against Hartlepool United. Warrington lost his place to on-loan keeper Michael Ingham, and it is uncertain as to which keeper will start tomorrow afternoon.
Dave Penney said: "It is up to Andy now to prove that he is good enough to get back in the side. I just felt that it was the right time to make the change because he has not quite been on top of his game in recent weeks. We have spoken about the situation and touched on one or two areas of his game which I think can be improved."
Northern Ireland under-21 international Ingham is looking to earn a permanent move to Belle Vue after six seasons at Sunderland without playing a league match.

It emerged yesterday that Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West is not likely to return to first team action for around three months. Leo had surgery on a long-standing knee problem earlier this month, and has been on crutches for the last two weeks. The operation has been a success, and he has been able to maintain his general fitness by doing work in the gym. Rovers are keen not to rush him back, so that he makes a complete and long-term recovery.

The second of the two vouchers that will be needed to apply for tickets to the home game against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 19th December will be given out at Saturday's home game against Stockport. The first one was available at the last home game (against Peterborough). Tickets will go on sale to voucher holders from Monday 29th November to Friday 3rd December - applications can be sent in by post beforehand, but will not be processed until 29th November.
Tickets will go on general sale on 6th December, with a maximum of two tickets per person - and a proof of address will be needed when purchasing tickets.
Season ticket holders, of course, have automatic admission to all home league games.
The ticket office opening hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

The Yorkshire Post has reported that Rovers chairman John Ryan has decided against ideas to invite Earth Mortgages duo Mike Worthington and Darren Millington onto the Rovers board. After Worthington and Millington pulled out of their proposal to buy Rotherham United, Ryan said: "I am not interested in selling Doncaster Rovers to them or anyone else. But I do ask everyone if they are interested in putting more money into the club. There has been a lot of conjecture....but it is now dead in the water. As the club's main sponsors, they are still interested in working with the club and I value their support."

Rovers striker Gregg Blundell believes that his new strike partner, Neil Roberts, is making him a better player. "I have been totally impressed with his performance since he has arrived. The way he talks me through games is improving me as a player. He is exactly the kind of striker I need to be playing with because he brings me into the game so much."

Rovers winger James Coppinger is unsurprisingly looking forward to Rovers' second round FA Cup tie at Exeter City - as it marks the first opportunity for him to return to St James' Park since he became a Rovers player. After scoring 13 goals in two seasons at Exeter, James is yet to score this season, but believes this game marks an ideal opportunity. He said: "I need to start scoring a few more goals myself now."

The Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club are running coaches to the next away game, at Luton Town on Saturday, 27th November.
Coaches depart from Retford at 8.30am, Bawtry 8.45, Hare & Tortoise 8.50, Punches 8.55, Belle Vue 9.00, and Doncaster Royal Infirmary 8.50am.
The fare will be: Members £11.00, Seniors £10.00, Under 16's £9.00
Non-members £13.00, Under 16's £11.00
For further details, or to book a place on the coach, please contact: Len South (01302 817347), Paul Mayfield (01427 880154) (Main Branch and Retford). For North Doncaster Bus Times, contact Warren Hanson on 01302-337303 or Mobile: 07787926809

The total of the "Coin Trail" appeal that the Viking Supporters' Co-operative are running crept up a little further on Saturday, with a further £63.81 being raised, taking the total to a great £22,508.83.
As you may have noticed in the match day programme, the "Sponsor a Goal" appeal has also been relaunched this season "due to popular demand", with pledges received so far earning the appeal £38.50 for every goal that Rovers score in the League this season, meaning the value of pledges given is over £800 already. If anyone would like to add to either appeal, please contact Andy Liney on 01777 703757, on email at andy.liney@virgin.net or on match days in the Viking Sports Bar. If you pledge to the "Sponsor a goal" appeal, you will also have your name in the match day programme for the remainder of the season.

Despite picking up a point on Sunday against Fulham in a goalless draw, Doncaster Rovers Belles remain at the bottom of the Women's Premier League table. That point came seven days after Rovers Belles had been eliminated from the Women's Premier League Cup, when they lost 2-1 at home to Birmingham City, with Michelle Walsh scoring the Doncaster goal.

Rovers confirmed yesterday afternoon that Francis Tierney and John McGrath had been put on the transfer list due to a lack of first team opportunities. McGrath has recently returned from two months on loan at Shrewsbury Town, and Tierney has not featured in the first team squad so far this season after undergoing three knee operations last season.
We would like to thank both players for their efforts whilst at Rovers, and hope they find new clubs in the near future.

Doncaster Rovers' youth side fought out a goalless draw with Grimsby Town on Saturday at Cantley Park, with chances at a premium. However the best chance came as a Grimsby Town player was sent off five minutes from time as a Rovers player was clean through on goal. Grimsby had the better chances overall, and were unlucky not to snatch a winner in the closing minutes when they hit the post.

Former Rovers central defender Simon Weaver has had his loan spell at Macclesfield Town extended for a further month. Weaver played for Rovers twice during the 1996/97 season whilst on loan from Sheffield Wednesday.