April 30, 2006

Donny Dog runs at Wetherby

April 30, 2006

Five given professional contracts

Four of the Rovers youth team have been awarded one year professional contracts; Rob Pacey, Liam Green, Adam Brown and Craig Nelthorpe. They are the lastest four of the successful youth team, and no doubt they will hope to follow the likes of Anthony Griffith and Paul Green into the Rovers first team squad.

April 30, 2006

Goal scorers

There are just two former Rovers players that we've noticed scoring goals this weekend.
Firstly, in the Nationwide Conference, Guy Ipoua scored Hereford's third goal in the last minute of the game as they won 3-1 at York City, a victory that confirms Hereford's participation in the play-offs for promotion to the Football League.
Former Rovers youth team player Scott Willis scored Leigh RMI's first goal after half an hour of their home game against Conference North leaders Northwich Victoria. Leigh went on to win the game 2-1, but they still look likely to be relegated from the Conference North, remaining next to the bottom of the table.

April 29, 2006

Rovers 1 Oldham 0

So the 2005/06 season will go to the final match to see if Rovers can reach the League One play-offs. It seemed unlikely a few matches ago, it still seems unlikely, but it is still possible. Rovers will need to win at Tranmere, with both Swansea and Nottingham Forest having to lose for Rovers to capture that sixth place. As it is, Rovers are guaranteed to finish no lower than last season's tenth place.
Today's game was good in patches - both teams seemed to play fairly tentatively for much of the game, with neither goalkeeper having to make many saves, but Rovers did apply some good periods of pressure during the game. The goal, when it came, arrived as a result of a foul throw by Oldham. The referee awarded the throw to Rovers, with the ball working its way down the right hand side to Coppinger, who cracked a great shot into the bottom left hand corner to give Rovers the lead. Unsurprisingly, bearing in mind their own chances of a play-off place also depended on a win today, Oldham pushed forward, but only once forced Blayney into making a save.
Will Rovers make it? Their fate depends on a win at Tranmere next week and othre results going their way - but at least Tranmere did assure themselves of League One football next season after winning 2-1 at relegation threatened MK Dons.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part.

April 29, 2006

Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers have no new injury concerns for this afternoon's home game against Oldham Athletic, and Dave Penney may well name the same team that defeated league leaders Southend United last weekend. This will mean that Anthony Griffith will make his home debut in place of the suspended Ricky Ravenhill. Should the side remain unchanged, it will mean a first home appearance of the season for winger Jermaine McSporran, despite the fact that Dave Penney has told McSporran that he will be released at the end of the season.
Rovers are unlikely to experiment with some of the younger players, since there is still a mathematical possibility of reaching the play-offs, although it will still take other results to go in their favour. In any case, Dave Penney has publicly stated that he wants to improve on last season's tenth place and 66 points - it means that at least four points from the last two games must be achieved.
Dave said: "We were still in with a shout going into the next to the last game last year and we could well find we are out of the reckoning again after Saturday even if we win. But we will be giving it all we've got and it would be nice to go to Tranmere in the last match with something still to play for."

April 29, 2006

Oldham team news

Oldham will be without defender Will Haining for this afternoon's match after he injured an ankle during training this week, with Chris Porter also a doubt for the game. Stefan Stam may return after knee and hamstring problems, and midfielder Richie Wellens is expected to recover from a dead-leg, although he has not trained all week. Former Rovers defender Chris Swailes will not play due to a heel injury, with Danny Hall also definitely missing today's game. Guy Branston is having treatment for a stiff neck, although he is expected to recover in time to play.
With South Yorkshire an unhappy hunting ground for Oldham boss Ronnie Moore, with six defeats in six trips to South Yorkshire in League One this season so far, the Latics will be up against it with the Oldham squad down to its bare bones.

April 29, 2006

Pre-season match arranged

The Free Press have announced that Doncaster Rovers have arranged a pre-season friendly fixture against Premiership side Middlesbrough. The match against the UEFA Cup finalists will take place at Belle Vue on Friday, 28th July, with a 7.30pm kick-off.

April 29, 2006

It's free for the cup final

Doncaster Rovers won the right to stage next Wednesday's Pontins Holidays League Cup final at home, and the match will kick off at 7pm. Rovers have announced that it will be free admission to everyone for this game, so why not go along for your last Belle Vue match of the season and see if the reserves can pick up another piece fo silverware?

April 28, 2006

Reserves drawn at home

Doncaster Rovers will face Carlisle United in the final of the Pontins Holidays League play-off final. Rovers won the right to play the match at Belle Vue, and the match will kick off at 7pm on Wednesday, 3rd May.
Congratulations to the reserve side - let's hope they go on and win a second piece of silverware, after already picking up the championship trophy for the Eastern Division.

April 28, 2006

Gill gets chance in New Zealand

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Robert Gill, currently playing for Ilkeston Town in the UniBond League, is to play in New Zealand during the summer. Gill has agreed to join for Gisborne City to strengthen their attack, which has been plagued by injury of late. Gill was brought to the attention of the Gisborne management by their English goalkeeper Danny Robinson, and he is set to join them when the English transfer window opens on June 1st.

April 28, 2006

Donny reach another final

Doncaster Rovers will be represented in the final of the BT Community Cup at the Millennium Stadium next month, following the success of Askern Spa School, who represented Rovers at the local finals at Millmoor on Wednesday.
The three national finals of the BT Community Cup will take place on the pitch prior to the Coca Cola Football League Play-off finals in May.

April 28, 2006

Cramb suspended

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb, who is strongly tipped to be named as the Scottish Third Division Player of the Year, has been suspended by his club, Stenhousemuir, amidst accusations of improper conduct.
Cramb has been accused of watching the Grand National during a game (he had been substituted early in the game due to injury), with the club's captain, Greig Denham, also accusing several players of drinking on the night before important games. With the club having seen a nine point lead at the top of the league table disappear - they are now three points behind leaders Cowdenbeath - Denham believes he knows where the problem lies: "There are certain members of the squad who haven't applied themselves correctly over the course of the season or in the manner expected from a professional. It's difficult for team morale when players know that certain others have been drinking on a Friday night. We've also had lads out drinking and people missing important games as they're away on their holidays. There is a problem when we have players lifting their arms to each other in the dressing room on a regular basis."
Cramb denies the accusations, but his case is not helped by the comments of his club manager, who said: "I was told Colin was in the Berwick club watching the racing and for me that was unacceptable. Whether he was injured or brassed-off, he should have been watching the game and supporting the guys."

April 27, 2006

Sheffield Wednesday 1 Rovers Reserves 4

Doncaster Rovers booked their place in the Pontins Holidays League play-off final after a comfortable win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough yesterday afternoon. They will now face either Carlisle United or Huddersfield Town in the final next Wednesday. The Rovers goals were scored by Craig Nelthorpe (2), Adam Brown and Adam Lee.
This achievement comes as a result of the reserves ending up as Pontins Holidays League (East) champions after defeating Sheffield United "B" team on Monday. Rovers were presented with their championship trophy at yesterday's game.
The Rovers side yesterday was: Jan Budtz, Ryan Handbury, Phil McGuire, Mark Albrighton, Liam Green, Adam Brown, Paul Green, Nicky Gray, Craig Nelthorpe Adam Lee, Ross McCormack.
Substitutes: Matt Noble (for Nelthorpe, 68), Jason Hardy (for Lee), Adam Green (for Albrighton, 79), Craig Sutton, Tonny Nielsen

April 27, 2006

Ryan's cash pledge

Whilst the play-offs are not totally out of the question for this season - although admittedly unlikely - Rovers chairman John Ryan has confirmed that he, along with Dave Penney, will be looking to further strengthen the squad during the summer. They have identified potential transfer targets, with Ryan saying: "I've had discussions with the manager about the players he feels he needs to take the next step and I'm prepared to push the boat out to get them."
Around half a dozen transfer targets are understood to be involved, with Ryan elaborating: "Some of them are real top quality and inevitably they will cost money. I'm not going to say how much we are prepared to spend but Dave knows that if he is desperate to sign some one in our price range the cash will be made available."
Penney has previously indicated that the majority of players he is looking to bring in are senior professionals with good track records, which, it is hoped, will eliminate the inconsistency that has marred Rovers 2005/06 season.

April 27, 2006

Tranmere ticket information

Tickets for next Saturday's away game at Tranmere Rovers will go on sale at the Belle Vue ticket office today - but to season ticket holders only. They will be sold strictly at the rate of one per person. They will then go on general sale on Saturday morning.
The ticket office is open 10am to 4pm on weekdays, and will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, and then again after the game.

April 25, 2006

Sheffield United 0 Rovers Reserves 3

Doncaster Rovers recorded a resounding 3-0 victory in last night's final reserve team league match of the season against Sheffield United "B", which was played at Worksop Town's ground. All of the goals were scored in the first half, with Ross McCormack scoring twice; the third came from Adam Brown.
The result means that Rovers will finish the reserve team league as champions, and they now qualify for the play-off stages, in which the winners of the three regional leagues, along with the best runner-up, face each other. Rovers will now play against Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals, with the match due to begin at Hillsborough on Wednesday (26th April) with a 2pm kick-off.

April 25, 2006

Coin trail

Aided by the auction of two framed signed photographs (of Jason Price and Sean Thornton), a total of £101 was raised towards the Coin Trail on the coaches to Saturday's away game at Southend. Further money raised from the sale of rain capes and "Sponsor a Goal" pledges, the total raised on the day was £179.50, meaning the total raised by the appeal, which is raising money towards the cost of running the youth team, stands at £49,896.02.

April 25, 2006

McIndoe in "team of the year"

Doncaster Rovers winger Michael McIndoe, currently on loan at Derby County, has been named in the "League One Team of the Year by the Professional Footballers Association. He earned his place in the side for his performances for Rovers, and no doubt for some of his performances in the Rovers' Carling Cup run. Michael scored 13 goals in 37 appearances for the club this season.
The full League One team named is: D Flahavan (Southend United), G Halford (Colchester United), S Sodje (Brentford), A Barrett (Southend United), G Roberts (Tranmere Rovers), N Danns (Colchester United), A Robinson (Swansea City), K Maher (Southend United), M McIndoe (Doncaster Rovers), L Trundle (Swansea City), B Sharp (Scunthorpe United).

April 25, 2006

Cramb in contention for award

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Colin Cramb is on the short list of nominations for the Scottish Third Division "Player of the Year". Cramb is currently second in the top scorers list for Division Three with 16 goals so far - with Stenhousemuir team mates Paul McGrillen and Ian Diack also joining him on 16 goals. The nominations for the award from the Scottish Third Division are: Colin Cramb (Stenhousemuir), Chris McGroaty (Berwick), Markus Paatelainen (Cowdenbeath) and Jordan Smith (East Stirling).

April 24, 2006

Penney glad to spoil party

Rovers manager Dave Penney yesterday spoke of his pleasure at recording a "double" over the champions-elect, Southend United. A win on Saturday would have given Southend not only promotion, but the championship of League One, but as it is they will have to wait for another week.
Dave said of Saturday's match: "I am glad we spoilt Southend's party plans and to get the double against them is quite an achievement. I only wish we could have done it more often against teams below us."

April 24, 2006

Goals review

We have just two former Rovers players that we've noticed scoring goals this weekend. Firstly, in League Two, Richie Barker scored for Mansfield in their 1-1 home draw against leaders Carlisle United.
Former Rover Neil Redfearn scored for Scarborough in their 2-1 home defeat against Cambridge United. The defeat sees Boro' remain deep in relegation trouble, and follows on from their 7-2 home defeat by Grays Athletic during the last week.

April 24, 2006

Rankine hangs up his boots

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Mark Rankine has terminated his contract with Tranmere Rovers after playing less than half of Rovers' games this season. The 36-year old played his last first team match in February, but has decided to call it a day.
Doncaster Rovers were Mark's first club, and he went on to make 160 League starts for Rovers before moving on to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1991. We wish Mark well for the future.

April 22, 2006

Southend 0 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers spoilt what was supposed to be a day of celebration for the supporters of Southend United by inflicting their fourth home defeat of the season on the prospective League One champions. A victory would have meant Southend would have won not only automatic promotion, but the championship - anything less and it would depend on other results going their way.
As it was the two sides played out a goalless first half, although Southend did have the upper hand.
The second half saw the decisive goal after just two minutes play. Lewis Guy caused trouble in the home penalty area before pulling the ball back for James Coppinger to rifle the ball home. Rovers could have gone further in front eight minutes later, but Lewis Guy's goal was disallowed. The closing quarter of the game saw the Rovers defence under pressure with Southend pouring forward in search of the equaliser, but the Rovers' defence held firm.
This result means Rovers have done the "double" over Southend, and keeps the prospect of beating last season's tenth place and 66 points alive. Not only that, but Rovers are four points behind sixth place (the bottom play-off place), with two games to go. It's still highly unlikely, but there's still a chance!
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted - we will let you know the result on Tuesday morning.

April 22, 2006

Rovers team news

Rovers manager Dave Penney will make at least two changes to the side for this afternoon's away game at Southend United. He has already stated that young midfielder Anthony Griffiths will start the game in central midfield alongside Sean Thornton, with Ricky Ravenhill banned for the closing matches of the season after being sent off in a recent reserve team fixture.
Also starting the game will be winger Jermaine McSporran - but Penney confirmed that Jermaine will leave the club in the summer, saying:
"Jermaine will be moving on in the summer, so it is an ideal time for him to put himself in the shop window and he is the type of player who will want to show people that he is fit and raring to go."
McSporran will play on the right wing, with James Coppinger switching back to the left thisa fternoon.
With injuries also limiting his choice of players for selection, Penney will definitely be without several players this afternoon, including Andy Warrington, Barry Richardson, Neil Roberts, Dave Mulligan, Paul Heffernan and Nick Fenton.
Rovers are still seeking to improve on last season's haul of 66 points and tenth place - which would mean they have to pick up more than six points from their remaining three games.

April 22, 2006

Southend team news

Southend will win promotion to the Championship this afteroon if they win their match against Doncaster Rovers. Less may well be sufficient, with second placed Colchester United presently six points behind with three games to go - and the league leaders have a 14 point advantage in goal difference.
The Blues will be without Spence Prior (knee), Efe Sodje (broken leg) and Bart Griemink (knee) for this afternoon's game, but Mitchell Cole is fit for selection despite limping out of their reserves game this week with an ankle problem.
However, Southend boss Steve Tilson is not taking anything for granted. "It will be a big game though because we got a hiding up at Doncaster earlier this season if I am brutally honest. They beat us convincingly, so it won't be easy, but hopefully we can get one back on them."
However, the 39-year old manager has been surprised that Rovers have not mounted a stronger promotion challenge this season. "Doncaster have put a bit of money in and brought some people in and they were one of five or six teams expected to be going for automatic promotion. It hasn't gone quite how though would have hoped for but they are still a decent side and we will remain cautious."
The home sections of Roots Hall look set to be packed to the rafters, with 10,500 tickets already sold for the match.

April 22, 2006

Banned Ravenhill has op

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill has taken advantage of his early finish to the season by checking into hospital to have an ankle operation. Ravenhill is banned for four matches after being sent off for the reserves recently, so Rovers have brought forward the date for his surgery, meaning he will have another three weeks to recover his fitness before the squad report back fro pre-season training in late June.

April 22, 2006

Gill dents Witton's promotion hopes

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Robert Gill scored two goals for Ilkeston Town in Thursday evening's game against play-off hopefuls Witton Albion in their UniBond Premier Division match. Gill scored in the 11th minute, and made the game safe in the 66th minute. The result leaves Witton nine points behind fifth placed North Ferriby with one game in hand and four to play - Ilkeston's win, on the other hand, more or less guarantees their Premier Division future for another season.

April 21, 2006

Reserves have title in their reach

Doncaster Rovers' reserve side have the Pontins Holidays League (East) title within their reach after yesterday's 1-0 home win over York City. Adam Brown scored the Rovers goal. They will win the title if they avoid defeat against second-placed Sheffield United (B) on Monday, and will consequently qualify for the play-offs, which will involve the champions of the Western, Central and Eastern leagues, and the best placed runner-up of the three divisions.
Rovers could also qualify should they lose on Monday, but that will then depend on various combinations of results from the Central Division. The only definite qualifiers for the play-offs are Carlisle United, from the Western Division.
Rovers team yesterday: Jan Budtz, Ian Snodin, Phil McGuire, Matt Noble, Gerard Alonso, Adam Brown, Nicky Gray, Michael Timlin, Liam Green, Craig Nelthorpe, Adam Lee
Substitutes: Craig Sutton (for Alonso, 58), Tonny Nielsen (for Lee, 87), Mickey Lewis

April 21, 2006

Southend v Rovers tickets

Tickets are available from the Rovers ticket office for tomorrow afternoon's game at Southend United, although the match is not all-ticket. However, prices will increase if bought at Southend tomorrow.
Advance ticket prices:
Adults £16.50, Senior Citizens £10.00, Juniors £8.00, Students £8.00 (proof of student status required)
Prices on the day:
Adults £18.00, Senior Citizens £12.00, Juniors £10.00, Students £10.00 (proof of student status required)

April 21, 2006

Fans urged to sit down!

Southend United have advised any Rovers fans travelling down to tomorrow's game that they have a "zero tolerance" regarding standing. Action will be taken against persistent offenders.

April 21, 2006

Fanzine need your contributions

The Popular STAND fanzine are asking for you to send in articles, pictures etc. for inclusion in the last issue of the season. Their deadline for contributions is this Saturday, so that the fanzine can be on sale for the final home game, against Oldham Athletic, next Saturday.
Please send any contributions to fanzine@inboxnews.co.uk

April 20, 2006

Griffiths returns to Rovers

Anthony Griffiths' loan spell at Oxford United has been terminated after Doncaster Rovers recalled him. Griffiths went to Oxford the day before a change of management at the club, and new boss, Jim Smith, selected him just once, as a substitute, during his month at the club. He has also made three reserve team appearances for Oxford.
Rovers boss Dave Penney hinted in recent programme notes that if Griffiths was not playing at Oxford, there was little point in him being on loan, and that he would be recalled at the end of the month on loan.

April 20, 2006

Voting results

James Coppinger was the clear winner in the "Man of the Match" voting for the home game against Walsall on Monday, finishing well ahead of second-placed Graeme Lee. With ten Rovers players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 James Coppinger (42.35%)
2 Graeme Lee (25.88%)
3 Sean Thornton (10.59%)
4 Steve Roberts (9.41%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next vote will open on Saturday evening following the away game at Southend United.

April 20, 2006

Goals review

Any chances that Scarborough may have kept of avoiding relegation from the Conference were dealt a hammer blow last night when they went down to a 7-2 home defeat against play-off probables, Grays Athletic. Scarborough, who named three former Rovers players in their starting eleven - player/boss Neil Redfearn, Jason Blunt and Simon Weaver, are now next to the bottom of the Conference table with just two games for them to play.
Simon Weaver headed Scarborough's second goal of the game after an hour of the match.

April 19, 2006

Rovers must do better

Dave Penney admitted yesterday that his players must produce a much improved performance on Saturday if they are to come out of the Southend match with any credit. With the Shrimpers looking virtually certain to be League One champions this season - that could be confirmed as early as this Saturday if all results go in their favour - Rovers will need to be at their best.
Penney said: "We are away against the top club Southend on Saturday and are going to have to play a lot better than we are if we hope to take anything from the match. We were pleased to get the three points against Walsall, but I was not happy at all about the performance."

April 19, 2006

Reserves 2 Lincoln 2

Rovers went behind inside the first twenty minutes of last night's home reserve team game against Lincoln City, but equalised with a superb thirty-yard strike by Jermaine McSporran. Lincoln regained the lead just two minutes after Rovers' equaliser, with Lee Frecklington scoring his second goal of the game as he fired the ball past a straded Jan Budtz in the Rovers goal.
Rovers equalised from the penalty spot, with the spot kick awarded as McSporran was brought down in the Lincoln penalty area. Paul Green scored from the penalty - but it was ordered to be retaken after a Rovers player was deemed guilty of encroaching into the area. Green re-took the kick and gave the goalkeeper no chance of saving his shot to make it 2-2. Both sides had chances to win the game, with Adam Green doing well to deny Birch with a last ditch tackle. Rovers then hit the post twice in the closing stages, with Adam Brown's shot hitting the woodword - McSporran was then denied with a good save by Duffy, and finally, Craig Nelthorpe crashed a shot against the post as the visitors were holding on fro the final whistle.
The draw leaves Rovers in second place in the Pontins Holiday League, just one point behind leaders Sheffield United, and with two games to play.
Rovers: Jan Budtz, Phil McGuire, Mark Albrighton, Adam Green, Liam Green, Ian Snodin, Paul Green, Nicky Gray, Craig Nelthorpe, Jermaine McSporran, Adam Brown
Substiutes: Matty Noble, Craig Sutton, Gerard Alonso, Tonny Nielsen

April 19, 2006

Dave denies Magilton link

Rovers manager Dave Penney has dismissed the rumours which have been circulating in the press which allege that Rovers have enquired about Ipswich midfielder Jim Magilton. The veteran midfielder will be out of contract at Portman Road at the end of the season, and Rovers were the latest club to be linked with a move for the player.
Penney commented: “I don't know where Joe's got this story from. Jim and me are good friends - we played together at Oxford - but we haven't offered contracts to anyone apart from Kevin Horlock.”

April 18, 2006

MOTM results

There were three main contenders for the top place in the "Man of the Match" voting for the away game at Bradford City on Saturday. A total of eight Rovers players received nominations, with the top three being:
1 Ross McCormack (35.14%)
2 Mark Albrighton (27.03%)
3 Sean Thornton (21.62%)
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The vote for the home game against Walsall will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday - see below.

April 18, 2006

Coin trail update

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative report that the prospect of the "Coin Trail" reaching the £50,000 mark grows ever closer. A total of £317.31 was raised yesterday, with £181.50 being collected in the Viking Bar, and £135.81 in the ground, meaning that the new total now stands at £49.716.52.

April 18, 2006

Goals review

Our review of goals by former Rovers players yesterday is, by necessity, fairly short. In the Nationwide North, Neil Grayson was on the score list yet a gain as he scored in the 73rd minute, with Stafford Rangers continuing to keep the pressure on leaders Northwich Victoria with a 3-0 win over Lancaster City.
In the UniBond Premier Division, Andy Hayward scored for Ossett Town as they won 3-1 at home to Gateshead.

On a slightly different tack, results yesterday confirmed that Crewe, Millwall and Brighton & Hove Albion were all relegated from the Championship. No promotion issues from League Two have yet been decided, although Carlisle United could be promoted on Saturday - they are seven points ahead of third placed Leyton Orient with only three games to go. Carlisle's remaining matches are against Mansfield (away), Torquay (home), Rochdale (away) and Stockport (away).

April 17, 2006

Rovers 1 Walsall 0

Doncaster Rovers tantalisingly kept their remote play-off chances alive this afternoon by picking up three points in a poor game at Belle Vue. The only goal of the game came just before half time when a free kick was won just short of the Walsall penalty area. The kick was taken by James Coppinger, who fired the ball around the right hand side of the defensive wall and into the bottom right corner. Apart from that there were few chances of adding to the scoreline by either side, although a desperate charge forward in added time at the end of the second half saw Walsall threaten to snatch a most undeserved equaliser. Rovers were by no means at their best today - but Walsall showed exactly why they are threatened with relegation - today's game put them right at the bottom of the league table.
If you would like to vote for the "Man of the match", please click on the logo to the left.

April 17, 2006

Rovers team news

With the remaining glimmer of hope of reaching the play-off places all but gone, Rovers are expected to make changes to their side for this afternoon's home game against relegation-threatened Walsall.
Rovers have reported no new injury concerns following Saturday's away defeat at Bradford City, but with Kevin Horlock now understood to have played the last game of his loan spell at the club, at least one change will be made. We expect that youngsters Adam Brown and Craig Nelthorpe will be added to the squad for todays' game, although they are very likely to have to settle for places on the substitutes bench.
Even though there may be the temptation to shuffle the pack a little, Dave Penney again reiterated on Saturday that his side will be still trying to pick up as many points as possible, saying: "We finished the game well and hopefully that will give us some momentum to carry on and get as many points as we can and finish as highly as we can."

April 17, 2006

Walsall team news

Walsall have a number of players returning from injury for this afternoon's match against Doncaster Rovers at Belle Vue. Kevin James is reported to have recovered from a hamstring injury, Michael Standing (thigh) and Grant Smith has recovered from a groin injury, and both are set to be added to the squad for today's game. Remaining doubtful are Anthony Gerrard (knee ligament damage).
Walsall also report that a number of players not involved on Saturday will be hoping for a place in the squad, including Mads Timm, Mark Wright and Daryl Taylor, who has returned from being on loan at Hereford United.
Definitely missing the game will be Darren Wrack and Alex Nicholls.

April 17, 2006

Hull City 1 Youth Team 3

The Doncaster Rovers' youth team confirmed that they will finish in fourth place in the North & Midlands East Conference on Saturday when they defeated third-placed Hull City by a fine 3-1 scoreline. With just one more game to go, only Bradford City can draw level on points should they win and Rovers lose their final game of the season, but a superior goal difference of eight goals should be sufficient to retain fourth place even so.
No details are currently available on the scorers of the Rovers goals.

April 16, 2006

Magilton for Rovers?

The East Anglia newspaper "Evening Star" has reported that Doncaster Rovers have turned their attention to another Ipswich Town player, following their failure to persuade Kevin Horlock to sign a two year contract at Rovers. Although the story from Rovers is that the Horlock deal is not dead, but merely that he wishes to wait until the end of the season to weigh up the options available to him, Rovers are not going to wait for that decision befroe targetting other players.
The "Evening Star" has reported that Rovers have indicated an interest in 36-year old Ipswich club captain Jim Magilton. Matilton, who has played over 250 times for Ipswich, has played the bulk of the remainder of a career that spans over 600 first team games for Southampton and Oxford United.
Ipswich manager Joe Royle is reported as saying: “Kevin won't be staying for a third month at Doncaster and they have been unable to agree terms for a permanent deal, but they are aware of Jim's availability after this season ends and have confirmed their interest in him.”
In confirming the exit of Magilton at the end of the season, Royle commented that he will make his final appearance for the side against Derby County on Saturday. “Jim understands completely and took the news like the true professional he is. He will have his chance to say his farewells - and for the fans to pay tribute - next week.”

April 16, 2006

Redfearn pulls Boro away from bottom

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn scored the first important goal of the game for Scarborough as they battle against relegation from the Conference. Redfearn scored from the penalty spot in the 34th minute in a 3-0 win over Burton Albion - a result that lifts Scarborough one place off the bottom, and leaving a glimmer of a chance of avoiding the drop.
The only other former Rovers player on the score sheet this weekend appears to be Barry Miller - he headed Ilkeston Town's equaliser against Lincoln United in their 2-2 draw in the UniBond Premier Division.