April 14, 2007

Leyton Orient 1 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers picked up a point from Brisbane Road after coming from behind to equalise, thanks to a volley from Adam Lockwood in the 54th minute. The home side started the game well, and the relegation-threatened club went in front in the 36th minute when Rovers failed to clear a corner, with Gary Alexander forcing the ball into the net.
Rovers came back into the game, with a shot from Paul Green hitting the post before the equaliser in the second half. The Rovers injury list grew by one, with Sean Thornton receiving a 'dead leg', which forced his substitution in the 33rd minute, and makes him doubtful for next Saturday's home game against Brentford.
The result saw it become mathematically impossible for Rovers to reach the play-offs - but leaves Orient just two points above the relegation places, two of which have now been confirmed, with Rotherham joining Brentford in League Two next season.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted - the result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

April 15, 2007

The goals review

Former Rovers striker Richie Barker scored the goal that saw Hartlepool United promoted from League Two, scoring the only goal of the game as they won at Wycombe.
The former Rovers goal scoring legend that is (?) Andy Campbell scored for Halifax yeserday as they beat Aldershot 2-0, which gives them a chance of avoiding relegation from the Conference National - although they are still only a point ahead of the bottom four.
In the UniBond Premier Division, AFC Telford won their first match in 11 games, and are still in third place, although they have the top two (Witton Albion and Burscough) to play for their final two matches of the season. In yesterday's match, they beat Frickley Athletic 4-1, with former Rovers youth team player Callum Selby netting the consolation goal for Frickley.
Up in Scotland, Colin Cramb scored from the penalty spot for Stirling Albion, although they still went down to a 3-2 defeat at Ayr - a result that confirms Morton will be promoted as champions of the Scottish First Division.
Finally, news of two former Rovers goalkeepers. Firstly, Andy Warrington, now plying his trade at Bury in League Two, almost got on the score sheet yesterday. He went up for a last minute corner - his header crashed against the post to deny them a point in their home game against Swindon Town. Secondly, Alan Blayney came on as a second half substitute for Oldham Athletic in their League One game at home to Cheltenham - coming on when his side were already 2-0 down, and pulled off some great saves in the closing stages of the match, particularly to deny ex-Rover JJ Melligan in the closing minutes.

April 15, 2007

Danny goes back to Leicester

On loan striker Danny Cadamarteri has returned to Leicester City at the end of his month on loan at Rovers. Danny has been recalled by the Foxes, who are only two points ahead of the Championship relegation places, with new manager Nigel Worthington needing all the resources at his disposal to fight of the threat off the drop.

April 14, 2007

Leyton Orient v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers will be without defender Sean McDaid for this afternoon's game at Leyton Orient after suffering a reoccurrence of a knee injury that has kept him out of recent matches. The biggest selection headache is for the striking positions, with Paul Heffernan, Mark McCammon and Jason Price all now ruled out for the rest of the season. Sean O'Driscoll will probably select two from Danny Cadamarteri, Jonathan Forte, Bruce Dyer and Lewis Guy for the game - with Cadamarteri playing the last match of his month's loan this afternoon.
Youngsters Craig Nelthorpe and Liam Green have travelled down with the squad - Nelthorpe's suspension after being sent off for Gateshead on Monday does not begin until 14 days after the sending off.
L eyton Orient, hovering just above the relegation places, will be boosted by the return of Luke Guttridge, who has recovered from an ankle injury, and Efe Ecahanomi, who will be named in the squad for the first time since November 2005 after scoring a hat-trick in the reserves in midweek.
However, they will be without striker Gary Hooper (knee), Matt Lockwood (ankle) and Michael Simpson (knee) for today's match.

April 14, 2007

Bruno's season over

Former Rovers defender Darren Moore has been banned for four matches after being found guilty of violent conduct in Friday's 1-1 draw against Leicester City. There is no right of appeal and, unless Derby appear in the play-offs, Moore's season is now over. The referee did not see the offence at the time, but Moore, along with Leicester's Danny Tiatto, were charged on video evidence.

April 14, 2007

Bantams recall Muirhead

Ben Muirhead, who appeared for Rovers on loan from Manchester United during the 2002/03 season, has been recalled from his loan at Rochdale by current club Bradford City. The Bantams have exercised the 24-hour recall clause in the deal, and Muirhead will return to boost the Bradford City squad as they battle against relegaton from League One.

April 13, 2007

Heffernan - specialist verdict

Paul Heffernan has been told that he will not need surgery on his injuredy ankle. He visited a specialist yeesterday and had a number of tests on the ankle, and the club have been advised that he rest for two weeks to see if the injury settles down.
However, with only three weeks to go until the end of the season, it looks as though Rovers' leading goal scorer will play no further part this season.

April 13, 2007

Nelthorpe suspended

Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe, who has been playing for Gateshead in recent months, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in their game against Guiseley on Monday, and pwillresumably be suspsended this weekend.

April 13, 2007

Jones heads to Wales

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Graeme Jones has resigned as assistant manager at Hamilton Academical to become assistant manager at Swansea City. Jones teams up with new Swans' boss Roberto Martinez, who was appointed as Swansea manager at the end of February.
Jones only returned to Hamilton last October, only months after injury forced him to retire from playing.
Jones said: "I had not expected something like this to happen so soon after returning. There are so many good things happening at Accies on and off the park and I was very much enjoying being part of it."
Hamilton's chairman, Ronnie MacDonald, commented: "This was most unexpected. Swansea made an approach to us and matters developed from there. We thank Graeme very much for all his recent hard work and efforts and wish him all the best for the future."

April 13, 2007

Carlisle track Wheater

Middlesbrough defender David Wheater, who spent time on loan at Rovers last season, has returned to Boro following the expiry of his loan at Darlington. The defender was unable to stay at Darlington, as he had served the maximum time allowed under the loan system, of 93 days. Carlisle United are now reported to be tracking the centre half, but denied any specific interest, saying that he is just one of a number of potential transfer targets for next season.
Darlington boss Dave Penney has previously said that he would welcome Wheater back to the club, but thinks that after progressing well this season, he should be in with a chance of getting into Middlesbrough's side. Penney said: "I'd love to have him back here on loan next season, but if I was David Wheater I think I'd be trying to get in the Middlesbrough side. If that's not the case then I would probably want to try the Championship or League One football."
"David has been fantastic for us and I wish we could have kept him for the rest of the season. We'd like to thank him for his efforts because he has been great for us and he's certainly going to go on be a really good player. I hope he goes back and gets a sniff of a game at Middlesbrough."

April 12, 2007

Injury update

Following Rovers' defeat last weekend meaning that they have effectively been ruled out of any end of season play-offs, the club look as though they may take advantage of the situation to get outstanding injury problems resolved.
Skipper Graeme Lee has been struggling with an ankle injury for some time, whilst James Coppinger has continued to play, despite being affected by a hernia problem for much of the season. Both are due to see specialists today, and depending on the advice received, both could miss the remainder of the season.
Striker Paul Heffernan is also seeing a specialist today to have some tests on his injured ankle. Boss Sean O'Driscoll said: "Paul has come back from the injury really well and had been full of confidence. Had it not been for the previous injury, Paul may well have finished the game and it would have been touch and go for Saturday's game at Leyton Orient. As it Paul will miss the game and could be out for a couple of weeks."
"One of the worries that we have got is that if Paul doesn't have an operation and instead works to strengthen the joint is that if it goes again on the hard grounds during pre-season then we'd lose him for a crucial part of next season. If it is decided that Paul does neeed an operation to tighten up the ankle it is a pretty standard one and he would probably be out for between 6-8 weeks, though it can vary. If Paul does have an operation it will be be stronger and hopefully there would be no further problems with it."

April 12, 2007

Budtz set for Rovers return

Goalkeeper Jan Budtz will return to Doncaster Rovers later this month. The Danish keeper cannot extend his loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers past 93 days - meaning that he has to return on 28th April. During the time he has been at Wolves, he has made three appearances in their first team owing to the injury to first-choice keeper Matt Murray.

April 12, 2007

Gill's hat-trick on Kiwi debut

Former Rovers striker Robert Gill scored a hat-trick on Monday on his League debut for New Zealand club Gisborne City - but he still ended up on the losing side, as Wellington's Olympic side came away with a 4-3 victory.
Coach Kevin Fallon enthused over Gill's display, saying: " Robert was all class. It was worth the entry fee just to see his goals."
Also amongst the goals in recent days is veteran Neil Redfearn, who gave Stocksbridge Park Steels a 4th minute lead in their UniBond Division One match against Cammell Laird on Monday.

April 12, 2007

Voting results

April 11, 2007

Heffernan's season could be over

Striker Paul Heffernan looks like he may have played his last match of the 2006/07 season after being substituted on Monday. He jarred the same ankle that he suffered a ruptured ankle ligament which kept him out for seven matches recently. The latest injury came during a blocking tackle whilst trying to get a shot in on the Millwall goal, but Sean O'Driscoll was unsure how long Rovers' leading scorer will be out for.
"It is hard to say how long Paul will be out; he is walking about now," he said. "Do you gamble on trying to strengthen the joint, which doesn't now have a front ligament, during the summer and hope it will be fine, or do you get the ankle tightened up now and make sure that there are no other problems? That will be up to the specialist to decide. There are loads of footballers who haven't got that ligament so you don't want Paul to have surgery if he doesn't really need it."

April 11, 2007

Cut price tickets for Brentford game

Rovers chairman John Ryan has announced that prices will be cut for the next home game, against Brentford, on Saturday, 21st April. The day is being organised as a celebration of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win, and they are hoping that many of the people who travelled to Cardiff will come along and re-live the great occasion.
Admission prices for the match will be:
Adults £10
Concessions £5
Under-18's FREE (upon the production of identification).
Anyone that has already bought a ticket for this game can claim a refund from the ticket office - if doing so, remember to take your ticket with you! The refund offer will not apply to season ticket holders.
Pre-match entertainment will start at 2.15pm, with the club asking fans to arrive early.

April 11, 2007

Special celebration programme for Brentford

Doncaster Rovers have announced that they will be producing a special edition of the match day programme for the Brentford game on 21st April, with an eight-page supplement including many photographs from the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final in Cardiff.
The special edition will be on sale at the usual price of £2.50.

April 11, 2007

Reserves game off

This afternoon's reserve team game against Grimsby Town has been postponed. The match will now be played on Monday, 30th April at Blundell Park, with a 7pm kick-off.

April 11, 2007

Boss - "officials were poor"

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll criticised the performance of the match officials in Monday's game against Millwall, being especially disappointed with the second Millwall goal being allowed.
"Their second goal was miles offside, but I thought the officials were poor for both teams. I can't fault the effort and commitment from my players, but at the end of the day they took their chances and we didn't. We are great going forward, but we are an all-or-nothing side. We need to keep the ball and control the play better than we have been doing."

April 9, 2007

Rovers 1 Millwall 2

Rovers slumped to another home defeat at the hands of a useful looking Millwall side, despite taking a lead early in the first half thanks to James Coppinger. Rovers were playing well for the first half hour, playing more of a conventional 4-4-2 formation, and they were finding space all over the pitch. Some slack defending allowed Millwall to equalise in the 38th minute - and things were never quite the same again. Whereas in the first half hour, all the loose balls fell to a Rovers player - from thereon they went to Millwall players. The second half saw a number of refereeing decisions go controversially against Rovers, and once Heffernan went off with what worryingly looked to be a reoccurrence of his ankle ligament injury, Rovers never seriously looked like scoring, despite the industrious endeavour of Danny Cadamarteri. Rovers went behind in the 83rd minute after allowing space down the right wing, with the gigantic Hubertz firing home from ten yards in front of goal.
The result leaves Rovers eleven points behind sixth place with four games to go. Maybe not mathematically impossible, but highly unlikely that they'll make such a deficit up!

April 10, 2007

Yeovil Town tickets

Tickets for the away game at Yeovil Town on 28th April go on sale to season ticket holders today, and on general sale from next Monday (16th Apirl). Tickets bought in advance will be £2 cheaper than match day prices.
Tickets bought in advance are priced as follows:
Copse Road End Terrace (uncovered):
Adults £15, Senior Citizens/full time students £10, U-16's £5.
Yeovil College stand (covered) - will be sold only to senior citizens, families with children under 12 and disabled supporters:
Adults £17, Senior Citizens £14, U-16's £6
Tickets for disabled supporters should be ordered direct from Yeovil on 01935 847888, which are priced at:
Disabled £14, Wheelchair disabled £12, Carers free.
Away Rover tickets will be held until Friday, 20th April.

April 10, 2007

Orient prices

There are no tickets available in advance for Saturday's away game at Leyton Orient, but usual admission prices for their ground are:
Adults £18, Concessions £12, Under-16's £9.
Away fans are housed in the East Stand at Brisbane Road.

April 10, 2007

Supporters Club weekend trip to Weymouth

There are still a few places left on the big away trip to Weymouth, which takes in the last scheduled away match of the season at Yeovil. Following on from last season's successful two-night stay in Weymouth, the trip will be returning to the same hotel in this popular seaside venue, and has been extended to three nights to include a hop over the channel to enjoy an optional full day in Jersey.
The trip departs from the Keepmoat (with the usual pick ups en route) at 10.00 on Thursday 26 April, returning from Weymouth at 2.00 pm on Sunday 29 April. On the Friday, the trip to Jersey starts at 9.00 am from the ferry terminal and returns at 6.00 pm, arriving back in Weymouth at 9.30 pm. Return coach transport from the hotel to the Yeovil game is also provided.
The all-in price of £180 includes three night's bed, full English breakfast, and evening meal, and all excursions. For those not wanting to go to Jersey, the cost reduces to £160.
To book, please contact Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 (home), 01724 858881 (work), or 07740 453066 (mobile).
Those already booked are kindly reminded that payment of any outstanding balance is now due, and we would be grateful if you could make arrangements to pay any money to Paul Mayfield as soon as possible.

April 10, 2007

Voting results

On-loan striker Danny Cadamarteri was the clear winner of the latest "Man of the Match" vote, which was for the away game at Brighton. With a much reduced level of voting, reflecting the relatively low travelling support, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Danny Cadamarteri (52.94%)
2= Sean Thornton (17.64%)
2= Paul Heffernan (17.64%)
Thanks to everyone who took part - the voting for Monday's home game against Millwall will remain open until 5pm on Wednesday.

April 9, 2007

Rovers v Millwall

Neither team has revealed much team news relating to this afternoon's game at the Keepmoat Stadium, although Rovers are expected to include Paul Heffernan and James Coppinger despite minor knocks picked up on Saturday. Defender Adam Lockwood is likely to miss a second successive match with an ankle injury, with young Chelsea starlet Harry Worley in line to deputise.
Millwall have a concern over Marvin Elliott, who was substituted in the 90th minute of their game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Millwall have recalled 19-year old winger Marvin Williams from a loan at Torquay United following Darren Byfield's injury which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

April 9, 2007

Gates open early for "fans day"

Doncaster Rovers are aiming to celebrate the Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory of last weekend with some special events at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon.
Rovers have announced that the turnstiles will be open at 1pm, with an exhibition match between players from the Rovers' Centre of Excellence starting at around 1.15pm. A draw for two "lucky seats" in each stand will be made at 2pm, with the six winners haveing the chance to take the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on a tour of the stadium.
Nearer to kick-off, when more fans will be in the stadium, the trophy will be paraded just before the kick-off.

April 9, 2007

Resurgent Belles banish relegation fears

Doncaster Rovers Belles registered their third successive match without defeat to banish thoughts of relegation from the Womens' Premier League. After starting the season off well, a slump in form saw the team plummet towards the bottom of the table, but two wins and a draw in their last three games see them climb to the relative safety of eighth place, 11 points ahead of second-bottom Cardiff City, with five matches to go - including both matches against Cardiff.

April 8, 2007

Brighton 0 Rovers 2

Doncaster Rovers registered their first win in five League games yesterday, with a convincing 2-0 victory at the Withdean Stadium. Brighton have won only five of their 21 home games this season - if their home form had matched their away form, they would surely have been in with a chance of the play-offs!
Rovers gave the Brighton defence continual problems, with the combination of Heffernan and Cadamarteri looking particularly dangerous. Cadamarteri was denied twice before Rovers deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute when Lee headed home from a corner.
The lead was doubled two minutes into the second half wne a delightful through-ball from Heffernan gave Cadamarteri the chance to clip the ball past the advancing Brighton keeper.
The win keeps Rovers in with mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs, although they have nine points to make up with just five games to play.

April 8, 2007

Goals review

Starting in Scotland for a change, former Rovers striker scored his 13th goal of the season for Hamilton yesterday as the Accies beat a nine-man Livingston 3-0, with the gap between them and second placed St Johnstone now just four points in the Scottish First Division.
Ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire headed a goal for Dunfermline Athletic to defeat Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League - a win that moves the bottom club up to within four points of St Mirren.
Moving back into England, JJ Melligan scored Cheltenham's second goal as they won 2-0 at bottom club Brentford, giving Cheltenham a chance of avoiding the drop, opening up a three point gap over Chesterfield.
In the Conference, ex-youth team player Michael Rankine scored for Rushden & Diamonds, although they went down to a 3-2 home dfeat to bottom club Southport - the first time Rushden have lost with Mark Albrighton in their ranks!
Further down the league pyramid, ex-Rovers striker Andy Watson scored for Farsley Celtic in their 4-2 win over promotion hopefuls Hyde United, keeping Celtic's hopes of reaching the play-offs.
Finally, ex-Rovers midfielder Martin Foster was twice denied goals by superb saves by the Northwich goalkeeper in Oxford's 1-0 defeat - which meant that they can now not catch Dagenham & Redbridge - their day was further spoiled when ex-Rovers player Rufus Brevett was sent off just before half time for violent conduct.
May we offer our congratulations to Dagenham & Redbridge for achieving promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history.

April 8, 2007

Youth team 0 Darlington 3

The Rovers' youth team went down to a 3-0 home defeat against Darlington at Cantley Park yesterday. There are no further details available at the moment. They play their final game of the season next weekend, when they are at home to York City.

April 7, 2007

Brighton v Rovers

Rovers face Brighton today knowing that the Easter weekend matches will need to be won to maintain their lingering hopes of making it into the end of season play-offs for promotion from League One. Rovers go into the weekend in tenth place, ten points behind sixth placed Blackpool. To make it to the play-offs, Rovers will have to win virtually all of their remaining games, whilst hoping that clubs above them falter. Will the confidence gained by winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final last weekend result in an improved run of form, which has been variable of late?
Rovers' main injury concerns for this afternoon are Adam Lockwood and Sean McDaid, who picked up knocks in last Sunday's game. On-loan defender Harry Worley looks likely to be drafted back into the squad should either fail to be fit. With Jason Price missing for the rest of the season, on-loan Danny Cadermarteri looks likely to partner Paul Heffernan up front as Rovers look to improve their paltry goalscoring record of late.
Brighton go into the game on the back of four successive draws, with skipper Dean Hammond ruled out for the rest of the season. Nick Ward, Jake Robinson and Tommy Fraser are all likely to compete for the vacancy in central midfield. Apart from other long-term absentees (Carhlie Oatway (ankle), Paul Reid (knee) and Adam Hinshelwood (knee), the Seagulls have no other injury concerns, although boss Dean Wilkins has hinted that he may use a number of fringe players over the weekend matches.
Midfielder Nick Ward, a QPR team-mate of Rehman's, is back from international duty in Australia and will also come into contention.

April 7, 2007

Price injury update

Doncaster Rovers have reported that Jason Price's operation on his ruptured Achilles tendon on Wednesday evening was a success, with the tendon having been repaired. The ankle will be encased in a pot for around two weeks, before the pot is replaced by a "walking boot". After that, he will be assessed and a course of rehabilitation will be decided. Even so, the recovery period is likely to be several months.

April 7, 2007

Goal report

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Gregg Blundell scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot for Darlington last night to grab his side a point in their match against another of his former clubs, Chester City. Darlington still lie well in touch with the play-offs, just two points away from seventh place.

April 7, 2007

Macca steps up for spot kicks

Ex-Rovers winger Michael McIndoe looks likely to be appointed as the designated penalty taker for Wolverhampton Wanderers as boss Mick McCarthy looks for some success from the spot. Wolves have had just three penalties this season - and they've missed them all, with Michael Kightly missing the latest one against Southampton last weekend.
McCarthy's preferred option for spot-kick duties appears to be McIndoe, who has a good record with both Rovers and Barnsley.
“Maybe it is time to have a designated penalty taker so there is nobody round him and he can just concentrate on what he's got to do,” said McCarthy. There has been some banter between the lads this week about who will take the next one. Michael McIndoe has got a good record so we might have to see about him taking them.”

April 6, 2007

Season ticket prices 2007/08

Doncaster Rovers have announced the prices for season tickets for next season - the first full season at the Keepmoat Stadium.

-	Adults	Concessions	12 to 16	Under 11's
Category A	£420	£305	£305	£305
Category B	£360	£250	£60	£30
Category C	£280	£150	£60	£30

April 6, 2007

Ryan's aim

John Ryan is hoping that Rovers will achieve 6,000 season ticket holders for next season, as part of his drive to achieve an average attendance of 9,000, which is the 'break even point' of the club.
He stressed that the money received by the Trophy win last weekend, estimated to be in the region of £400,000, would offset the losses of around £1 million this season, although £250,000 of that has been for the improvement of facilities at the Cantley training complex.
The season ticket target would mean that Rovers would still need to attract 3,000 non-season ticket holders per match, although that figure does include away fans. With several local derbies again in prospect, Ryan is hopeful that this figure will be achievable.
He explained that the pricing structure has been made to encourage the younger supporters to follow their local team - with a £60 price band for under-16's available for categories B and C, with the £30 price for under 11's applying for the same areas of the ground.

April 6, 2007

Bus-top ride for Rovers

In recognition of their Johnstone's Trophy win last Sunday, Doncaster Council will be giving a civic reception to the Rovers on Sunday, 22nd April.
Rovers will travel on an open-topped bus from the Keepmoat Stadium to the Mansion House, where they will greet fans and enjoy a civic reception before returning to the stadium.
Rovers will leave the Keepmoat Stadium at 10.30am, taking a route of White Rose Way, Carr House Road, Bennetthorpe, South Parade, Wood Steret, Printing Office Street, Priory Place before arriving at the Mansion House at around 11am. They will leave the Mansion House for the return journey at around midday.

April 6, 2007

Hynes finally receives clearance

Former Rovers striker Peter Hynes has finally received international clearance and is set to make his debut for Derry City on Easter Monday in the Irish Premier Division clash with Cork City. Hynes was the last of ten eircom League players to have his case heard by FIFA. His debut for Derry had been delayed by a FIFA regulation that limits the number of teams a player can turn out for within a 12 month period.

April 6, 2007

Ticket office opening times

The Keepmoat Stadium will be open at the following times over the Easter weekend:
Today: 9am to 4pm
Saturday/Sunday - closed
Monday: 9am to 3pm

April 5, 2007

Brentford match prices slashed

To celebrate the Trophy win on Sunday, Doncaster Rovers are reducing the ticket prices for the Brentford match in a fortnight's time. The prices for this match will be:
Adults £10.00
Concessions £5.00
Under-18's: FREE
Anyone who has already bought a ticket is asked to take their ticket in to the ticket office for a refund of the difference in price. The above prices apply to all areas of the ground.
The above information has been posted on Brentford's official site and is expected to be posted on the Rovers site in due course.

April 5, 2007

Price has operation

Rovers striker Jason Price had an operation on his ruptured Achilles tendon yesterday evening. The Welshman is expected to be out of action for around nine months. Price suffered the injury during the second half of Sunday's match against Bristol Rovers after having only just returned after a month out with an Achilles problem.

April 5, 2007

Goals review

Former Rovers striker Colin Cramb ensured that Stirling Albion kept up the prssure on Scottish Second Division leaders Morton during the week by scoring the only goal of the game in their match against Cowdenbeath. The result keeps Stirling just four points behind Morton and puts Cramb in joint third place in the Second Division goal scorers.
In the Conference North, ex-Rover Steve Brodie scored for Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday as they fought out a 2-2 draw against Hinckley United.
Finally, we come to Mark Albrighton, who is playing for Conference side Rushden and Diamonds. They maintained their record of never having lost whilst the Sarge has been in their side, but he blotted his copybook by scoring an own goal in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Weymouth. Also scoring in that game is former Rovers youth team player Michael Rankine.

April 4, 2007

Brian Makepeace Testimonial Programmes

Due to popular demand, we have now reprinted a limited number of programmes from what was the last ever match at Belle Vue, on 28 December 2006. Due to running out on the day, these have since changed hands on eBay for as much as £15 each. However, anyone interested in purchasing copies can have them at the original cover price of £1.50 by contacting Andy Liney through the normal channels.
Due to the long delay in re-printing, I must apologise that I have lost the list of fans who had pre-ordered in anticipation of the re-print, and would ask that you please contact me again. (Andy Liney)

April 4, 2007

Voting results from Trophy Final

We received an unprecedented number of votes received for the "Man of the Match" for Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final, reflecting the increased number of Rovers fans in attendance. A total of ten players received nominatons, but the bulk of votes went to three of them - James O'Connor, Paul Heffernan and Neil Sullivan. In the end, the players receiving most votes are:
1 Paul Heffernan (27.01%)
2 James O'Connor (22.99%)
3 Neil Sullivan (21.84%)
4 Adam Lockwood (7.47%)
5 Paul Green, Graeme Lee (6.90%)
Thank you to the many people who took part. The next vote will open following Saturday's away game at Brighton

April 4, 2007

Brown returns to action

Former youth team player Adam Brown made a return to action yesterday afternoon when he successfully completed 45 minutes of the reserve team game against Scunthorpe United. Brown suffered a serious knee ligament injury early in the season, and has been out of action for over six months. Brown, still only 19, is now a first-year professional, but said: "It went okay; I was only ever going to play half a game. The knee felt alright but obviously I have still got a lot of work to do on my fitness levels as I have only been back in full training for just over a week.The conditions weren't ideal – it was very windy – but I thought that the lads played well and that I did alright."

April 4, 2007

Reserves 1 Scunthorpe 0

The Rovers' reserves registered their third win of the season yesterday afternoon when they recorded a narrow victory over local rivals Scunthorpe United. The Rovers goal was scored by Jon-Paul Pittman with a 20-yard strike. The Rovers team mainly comprised youth team players, apart from Pittman, Lewis Guy, Barry Richardson and Bruce Dyer.

April 3, 2007

The goals review

Looking back at the weekend's action, former Rovers midfielder JJ Melligan scored for Cheltenham Town in their 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient in League One. David Wheater headed home for Darlington in the 22nd minute, but they went down to a 2-1 defeat at Barnet, which leaves their play-off chances in the balance. Dave Penney's men were always up against it after controversially having Tommy Wright sent off after just 50 seconds, and going a goal behind after only three minutes. However, they remain just three points outside the play-off places with six games to go. Also in League Two, Leo Fortune-West scored for Shrewsbury in their 2-1 defeat at Swindon Town.
Former Rovers striker Dino Maamria, now back at Southport, scored twice in their 5-1 home win over Stafford Rangers in the Conference. Although the points are welcome, Southport remain deep in relegation trouble, with only St Albans under them in the league table.
Finally, veteran striker Wade Falana was again on the score sheet for Beckenham Town in their home game against Croydon, although his side went down to a 3-2 defeat in the Kent League.

April 3, 2007

Wheater set to return

David Wheater, who spent a month on loan at Belle Vue last season, is due to return to Middlesbrough next week at the end of his loan with Darlington. By all accounts, he has made great progress whilst at the Quakers, and local journalists expect that he will be given a run in the Middlesbrough team before the end of the season.
More former Rovers news at Darlington - defender Tim Ryan will miss the next month with a knee complaint, but should be able to return in time for the last match of the season.

April 3, 2007

Bus to Brighton

The Supporters Club will be running coaches to Saturday's away game at Brighton. They will depart from Retford at 7.15am, Bawtry 7.30am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 7.45am, Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 3 at 8.00.
If anyone would like to book a place on the coach,please telephone Len South on 01302 817347 or Kris (Brian the bus driver's wife) on 07971 589420. As it is the Easter weekend, the Supporters Club have asked that you book as early as possible, so they know how many coaches will be required.

April 1, 2007

Rovers 3 Bristol Rovers 2

April 2, 2007

Rovers win comes at a price

The victory in yesterday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Cardiff was tempered by the news that striker Jason Price may be out for six to nine months after having being diagnosed as rupturing his Achilles tendon. Price had only been passed fit just before the match after suffering from an Achilles injury which has kept him out of action for the last month, but it was clear that something serious had happened as he writhed on the ground in the 60th minute.

April 2, 2007

Ryan: "Today was a special day"

Rovers chairman John Ryan spoke of his pleasure after winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy yesterday afternoon. He said to the Free Press: "It's a proud day for me but I must have died a thousand deaths after being two goals in front. I've been the chairman for nine years now and we've had some hard times but today was a special day. All credit to Bristol Rovers. I thought they fought very hard and gave us a real scare."

April 2, 2007

Spike's reaction

Rovers skipper Graeme Lee, scorer of the goal to bring the silverware back to Doncaster, reflected on yesterday's game, saying: "It was brilliant - you can't ask for anymore. We got a great start which put us on such a high but it didn't allow us to settle down and they came back into the game. Thankfully we managed to pull ourselves together, we worked hard for each other and got back into the game.
"I think the referee gave them a bit of a lifeline. I don't think it was a penalty. I scored the winner and lifted the trophy - it doesn't get any better than that. It's one of the best moments of my career. To be part of the first Doncaster Rovers side to win a trophy is absolutely brilliant".

April 1, 2007

Rovers v Bristol Rovers

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was keeping quiet about the side he will put out for this afternoon's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at the Millennium Stadium, although he has told his players who will be involved. The delay in him making the decision was due to late fitness tests being given to Paul Heffernan, James Coppinger, Jason Price and Gareth Roberts, although we expect the majority of the players will be fit for selection. Jason Price is the biggest doubt.
Bristol Rovers have doubts over the fitness of Stuart Nicholson and Ryan Green. Nicholson, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, has a strained stomach muscile, and Green has been out for almost two months with an ankle injury.
Byron Anthony is likely to be included after playing for the reserves during the week.

April 1, 2007

O'Driscoll denies sacrificing promotion for JPT Trophy

April 1, 2007

Last Cardiff final

March 31, 2007

Rovers delay naming cup final side

Rovers manager Sean O'Drsicoll is yet to decide on who will be in the side for tomorrow's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final against Bristol Rovers, only a little over 24 hours before the big game. He has delayed his selection to give Paul Heffernan, Jason Price, James Coppinger and Gareth Roberts as much time as possible to recover from injuries. He is likely to tell the players who is in the starting eleven later today.
"I would have liked to have picked the team yesterday. That would have settled everybody down and give me the chance to work with the 16 players more intensively," said O'Driscoll.
"But in order to give everybody the best possible chance of being fit I've left it a day or so. If I am in a position to pick the team today I will do, but more likely it will be tomorrow."
All four trained this week, with Price being the biggest doubt.