December 15, 2006
Pitch inspection tomorrow
Doncaster Rovers have announced that the match officials will hold a pitch inspection tomorrow morning at 8.30am. The Belle Vue pitch surface is holding a lot of water, and with the fact that the pitch was already very wet on Tuesday evening for the Mansfield game, the match is only rated at 50/50 at the moment. We will let you know the outcome of the pitch inspection as soon as possible on Saturday morning.
December 15, 2006
Injury news
It looks as though Jonathan Forte will be fit for tomorrow's home game against Yeovil Town, despite limping off in Tuesday's game against Mansfield. Reports now suggest that it was only cramp, and he was said to have made a good recovery.
However, Jason Price looks unlikely to play after suffering a hamstring injury, although Sean O'Driscoll said that whether he plays would be a late decision. Also facing a late fitness test is James Coppinger, who picked up a knock in the later stages of Tuesday's game.
December 15, 2006
Big Mark wins voting
Mark McCammon was the clear winner of the voting for the "Man of the Match" in Tuesday's home game against Mansfield Town. With nine players receiving nominations, the leading recipients of your votes were:
1 Mark McCammon (38.46%)
2 Theo Streete (17.95%
3 James Coppinger (11.54%)
4 Paul Heffernan (10.26%)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. The next vote will open following Saturday's home game against Yeovil Town.
December 15, 2006
Yeovil - all ticket
We would like to remind you that tomorrow's home game against Yeovil Town is all-ticket, with no admission payable on the gate. In addition to this, tickets are only available as part of a two-match package, with tickets having to be bought for both the Yeovil and Nottingham Forest matches.
The ticket package prices, which cover both matches, are only available for standing areas of the ground, and are priced as follows:
Adults: £30
Concessions: £16 (proof of age/status required)
December 14, 2006
Rotherham game confirmed
The home game against Rotherham United has been rearranged for Tuesday, 30th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The change has been caused by Rovers being involved in the third round of the FA Cup on 6th January, the original date of the Rotherham game. There is a chance of the Rotherham game having to be further rescheduled, with the week of 30th January set aside for the next match in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
The home FA Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers has been confirmed for Saturday, 6th January, making it the second match Rovers will play in the new Keepmoat Stadium.
Admission prices for the Bolton match will be as follows:
Category A - Adults £21, Concessions/U11's £15
Category B - Adults £18, Concessions £12, U11's £5
Category C - Adults £15, Concessions £8, U11's £3
Due to the rearranged Rotherham fixture, the reserve team game against Grimsby which was due to be played on 30th January has now been postponed.
December 14, 2006
Huddersfield tickets

Tickets for the Huddersfield Town match on January 1st are now on sale from Belle Vue - there is a separate room where ticketing for the new stadium is currently being handled. Alternatively, you can order your tickets over the phone on 01302 535076.
December 14, 2006
Stadium opening day

The new Keepmoat Stadium will be holding an "Open Day" on Sunday, 17th December between 1pm and 4pm, with the Mayor, Martin Winter, due to open the stadium. This is a great opportunity to have a look around the new stadium, although large crowds are expected, so the organisers expect for long queues to build up. They have appealed for anyone wanting to visit to stagger their arrival times. There will be buses running from the Frenchgate Transport Interchange every ten minutes on services 72 and 75, and also a free "park and ride" running from the car park at Belle Vue.
December 13, 2006
Rovers 2 Mansfield 0
Doncaster Rovers progressed through to the third round of the FA Cup with a comfortable victory over Mansfield Town. A goal in each half, from Mark McCammon and Paul Heffernan, saw Rovers into the next round, with Mansfield never seriously threatening the Rovers goal. The visitors were restricted to some tame long-range shots which were little more than catching practice for Rovers keeper Ben Smith, in action again due to Leeds not giving Neil Sullivan permission to play in the FA Cup.
Rovers will now welcome Premiership club Bolton Wanderers for the second match at the Keepmoat Stadium on 6th January.
December 13, 2006
Rotherham game postponed
Due to Rovers' success in last night's FA Cup second round replay, the home game against Rotherham United, scheduled for Saturday, 6th January, will be postponed. With Rovers due to play Darlington in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on 9th January, and the following midweek allocated for FA Cup replays, Rotherham's first visit to the Keepmoat Stadium looks set to be delayed until at least February.
December 13, 2006
Voting results

The voting for Saturday's away game at Northampton Town produced a remarkably even distribution of results, with five players coming within 3% of each other. A good overall team performance is the verdict of the voting, with eleven players receiving nominations; the leading players emerging from the voting were:
1 Paul Heffernan, Brian Stock (15.79%)
3 Neil Sullivan, Adam Lockwood (13.16%)
5 Paul Green (10.53%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The voting for the Mansfield Town match is now open.

December 12, 2006
Rovers v Mansfield
Doncaster Rovers face Mansfield Town this evening in a second round FA Cup replay, with both teams knowing that the victors will be at home to Premiership club Bolton Wanderers early in the third round.
Rovres have a few injury concerns, with Steve Roberts and Sean McDaid definitely missing out due to injury, with James O'Connor continuing to be troubled by a heel injury, Brian Stock facing a late fitness test on a hamstring injury, and Adam Lockwood also faces a late test on a calf injury.
Goalkeeper Ben Smith will play tonight as Leeds United have refused permission for Neil Sullivan to play in the FA Cup.
Mansfield have no new injury concerns, with Stephen Dawson likely to be the only absentee.
December 12, 2006
Sean praises Sullivan
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has praised the efforts of Neil Sullivan, currently at the club on loan from Leeds United. Since arriving at the club, he has yet to concede a goal, with the improved defensive record playing a large part in Rovers' climb up to eighth place.
O'Driscoll said: "Neil Sullivan was keen to come and play for us. He's as fit as ever and has still got a great appetite for the game. Neil showed his class again (against Northampton) with a couple of great saves. He gives everyone a lot of security and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time."
December 12, 2006
McIndoe - the new Ronaldo?

Wolves legend Steve Bull believes that ex-Rovers winger Michael McIndoe could become a big hit at Molineux. Bull said: "I saw him at Molineux the other day and he was delighted to have signed for Wolves. He reminds me a bit of Cristiano Ronaldo in the way he moves. If he can get anywhere close to that standard, Wolves will have a very good player."

December 11, 2006
Goals review
We begin this week's review of goals scored by former Rovers players in League Two, where Gregg Blundell scored with a header which went in off the crossbar as Chester City chalked up their biggest win of the season by defeating Lincoln City 4-1.
Macclesfield may have taken until last week to record their first win in League Two, but now they've won two in a row! The latest victory came with a 2-1 win at Notts County, with Kevin McIntyre scoring their second goal from the penalty spot.
In the Conference North, Steve Brodie scored a last minute winner for Stalybridge as they won 2-1 at Redditch.
Finally, in the Scottish First Division, Richard Offiong scored for Hamilton as his side drew 1-1 at Queen of the South.
December 11, 2006
Huddersfield Town tickets
Tickets for the home game against Huddersfield Town on January 1st, Rovers' first game at the Keepmoat Stadium, go on sale at the Belle Vue ticket office this morning.
Ticket prices for the match will be:
Category A - Adults £21, Concessions £15, U11's £15
Category B - Adults £18, Concessions£12, U11's £5
Category C - Adults £15, Concessions£8, U11's £5
December 11, 2006
Brian Makepeace testimonial match
The final match at Belle Vue will take place on Thursday, 28th December when a testimonial match takes place for Brian Makepeace. One side taking part will comprise some former Rovers players, such as Mark Rankine, Lee Warren and Paul Barnes. The other side will be made up of supporters, who can pay £50 for the chance to play a minimum of 15 minutes in the match. All proceeds are being given to Brian Makepeace.
If you would like to play in the match, please collect a form from the Rovers office, or contact Paul Mayfield, Andy Liney, or email praven8@hotmail.com or tony-walton@btconnect.com.
December 9, 2006
Northampton 0 Rovers 2
Doncaster Rovers' recent impressive run of results continued this afternoon as their unbeaten run stretched to eight games, although the two goals both came in the last quarter of an hour following a period of continued pressure on the home defence. The Rovers goals were scored by Paul Heffernan - a header after the Northampton goalkeeper tipped away a cross from Stock, with the second scorec by Lewis Guy, who disposessed a Northampton defender before running through to strike past the keeper from the edge of the penatly area.
The victory takes Rovers up to eighth, their highest position in the table so far this season. On this kind of form, further closure on the play-off places is quite possible, with sixth placed Yeovil travelling to Belle Vue next Saturday.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part; the result will be revealed on Tuesday morning.
December 9, 2006
Northampton v Rovers team news
Rovers are likely to be unchanged for this afternoon's away game at Northampton Town, with Jason Price resuming light training after being substituted as a precautionary measure on Tuesday evening after experiencing a tight hamstring. James O'Connor has had a scan on his heel injury, which has not revealed any serious problem, although he may require a pain-killing injection before today's game.
Adam Lockwood will play, despite still suffering from a badly bruised elbow. Lewis Guy has trained after missing Tuesday's game at Brentford, and will be added to the squad.
Northampton will make late fitness checks on Eoin Jess and Ian Taylor before naming their side for this afternoon's match. Eoin Jess has missed training due to a hip injury, and Ian Taylor has also missed training with an Achilles tendon problem, although Taylor did train yesterday.
Nick Wright, on loan from Birmingham City, is set to make his home debut for the Cobblers after impressing in his debut against Chesterfield.
December 9, 2006
Rovers aim for third win in a row
Doncaster Rovers will be looking for a third successive victory in the League - a sequence that could put them in touch with the League One play-off places. Their current tenth place is the highest placing they have enjoyed since the second match of the season, when they were eighth, and are now only four points behind sixth placed Yeovil Town.
Whilst Rovers have never won at Sixfields, Northampton have the unenviable distinction of being League One's worst side at home; they have won just once. Despite that record, boss Sean O'Driscoll is taking nothing for granted. Referring to Northampton's home record. That's not something we football managers look at too much – I'll happily take any sort of result at Northampton. Out of two away games this week we were aiming to get at least four points and we've already got three. Our job was to get something at Brentford, which we did, and now we'll go to Northampton looking to pick up some more."
December 9, 2006
Ross looking for recall
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Ross McCormack is set for a surprise return to Motherwell's first team after a long absence due to a mystery virus. He has been out of action since August as doctors tried to find the cause of the problem, but finally his medication seems to have worked, and he made a successful return to take part in the last couple of reserve team games. Motherwell have an away fixture at Hearts this weekend.
December 9, 2006
Colin interests Fifers
Former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins is attracting the interest of Scottish Premiership club Dunfermline Athletic after impressing their scouts, who report him to be one of the top players in the Eircom League. Dunfermline are the bottom club in the SPL, with the defence having already conceded 31 goals in 17 games.
December 8, 2006
Injury news
Jason Price is doubtful to play in tomorrow's game at Northampton Town after experiencing some tightness to a hamstring during the game at Brentford on Tuesday, whihc led to his substitution after an hour. "The physio decided against giving Jason any treatment yesterday and just told him to rest it. We'll see how he is today when he comes in. Hopefully he'll be able to train, but you never quite know with hamstrings" said Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll.
Lewis Guy is likely to be fit to play however, as O'Driscoll said "Lewis was touch and go on Tuesday night, but because we had other options we didn't need to risk him and I decided to leave him out and give him a few days' extra rest and get the hamstring sorted."
Sean McDaid looks to be out for three months following his medial ligament injury against Accrington Stanley.
Centre-back Steve Roberts has seen a neurologist after suffering a few head injuries lately, and will rest for the next two weeks.
December 8, 2006
Brentford voting results
Right-back James O'Connor was the clear winner in the "Man of the Match" voting for Tuesday's game at Brentford, coming well ahead of the rest. A total of ten players received nominations, with the leading votes being cast as follows:
1 James O'Connor (43.90%)
2 Jason Price (17.07%)
3 Jonathan Forte (9.76%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next "Man of the Match" vote will open following Saturday's game at Northampton.
December 7, 2006
Car Parking & traveling to the Keepmoat Stadium
To comply with the Green Travel Plan national environmental initiative, the Stadium Management Company will encourage the allocation of all parking spaces to multi-occupancy vehicles carrying three or more people (dependant on vehicle size). For details of public transport timetables please visit South Yorkshire Travelwise.
If you wish to travel to us by car, we actively encourage you to consider car sharing.
A charge of £5 per car will be made to park in the stadium car parks and you will be directed to an available parking space by our stewards. Disabled car park spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance of a matchday/event.Yellow directional signs to the Keepmoat Stadium are in place on the approach roads and we recommend you listen to regular updates on TraxFM 107.1 .
Opening Ceremony – Sunday 17th December (Stadium opening time 1.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.)
An enhanced bus service provided by First Bus (Services 72 & 75) will be in operation. These routes will start and terminate at the Frenchgate Bus Interchange. A free ‘Park and Walk’ service will also be in operation from Doncaster Rovers former car park at Belle Vue. Stewards will direct you to a parking space in this area. Yellow directional signs will be in place and will provide the quickest route by foot to the Stadium.
Matchdays – 27th December, 1st January, 6th January and 20th January
An enhanced bus service provided by First Bus (Services 72 & 75) will be in operation. These routes will start and terminate at the Frenchgate Bus Interchange. A free ‘Park and Walk’ service will also be in operation from Doncaster Rovers former car park at Belle Vue. Yellow directional signs will be in place and will provide the quickest route by foot to the Stadium.
First Bus will be operating a shuttle bus service from Doncaster Racecourse (the members car park on Town Moor Avenue and Leger Way) for the matches on the 27th December, 1st January 2007, 6th January and 20th January.
The standard fare for the First Bus Services, including the shuttle service from the Racecourse, will be £1 (normal concessions, passes and permits will apply).
Timings for the Racecourse Park & Ride shuttle service will be between 1p.m. and 3p.m. from the Racecourse to the Keepmoat Stadium and returning to the Racecourse from the Keepmoat Stadium between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.The bus stops will be clearly marked by First Bus. Please have the appropriate fare ready before boarding the bus.
The normal daily First Bus 72 & 75 service will operate every 15 minutes between 5.25 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday) and every 30 minutes between 10.25 a.m. and 6.20 p.m. on Sundays.
Car Parking spaces are subject to availability.
Please allow extra time for your journey to the Keepmoat Stadium.
December 7, 2006
O'Driscoll expects new stadium to boost Rovers
Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll hopes that the new Keepmoat Stadium will help to lift Rovers into the Championship by attracting new players to the club. Rovers are gradually creeping up on the play-off places, which are now only four points ahead, and second place is only nine points away.
O'Driscoll said: "The new ground is great. It isn't going to solve all our problems but it is a step in the right direction. Belle Vue has had its time if we want to attract better players and better sponsors then it is the way forward. The town has got behind us as well so that's important. Doncaster is a big football town, they have had success in the past and we are trying to get them to the next level by taking the right steps. If you are trying to attract players and you have a brand new stadium then it has got to help. Doncaster is an area that is on the up and hopefully the football club can follow suit."
December 7, 2006
Ross set for return
Ross McCormack, who was on loan at Rovers last season, is close to a first team return for Motherwell after being sidelined in recent weeks due to a mystery virus. The 20-year old striker has not featured in the first team since August after going down with the condition, which has baffled club doctors. He played an hour of Tuesday's reserve team game against Aberdeen without any adverse reaction, and the club intend to continue with his rehabilitation to build his strength back up.
Motherwell boss Maurice Malpas said: "Ross has looked stronger this week but he needs more training. He will get a hard weekend of training and he will play in the reserve game next week. He looks as though he is getting stronger, his medication is obviously working. We will keep him under observation."
December 7, 2006
Newell charged
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Mike Newell, now manager at Luton Town, has been charged by the Football Association following his comments towards female match official Amy Raynor. Newell was publicly reprimanded by Luton, and has until 21st December to respond to the charge. If found guilty, he faces a fine and/or a touchline ban.
Newell's comments followed referee Andy D'Urso not awarding a penalty in their match against QPR in November, in which he commented: "It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems. This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots. She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that."
Luton disassociated themselves with Newell's comments and the former Everton player was prompted into assuring the board that there will be no repeat.
December 5, 2006
Brentford 0 Rovers 4
Rovers recorded their bigget win of the season by scoring four goals without reply this evening at Griffin Park. Former Brentford player Jason Price opened the scoring after 25 minutes, with three second half goals, by Jonathan Forte, James O'Connor and Paul Heffernan, completing the managerless Bees' misery.
The win remarkably lifts Rovers up to tenth place in the table, their highest position since the second match of the season, just four points adrift of the play-off places and six points away from second place.
The "Man of the Match" voting is open until 5pm this afternoon. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left.
December 6, 2006
Youth team 2 Derby County 4
Doncaster Rovers' youth team went down to a 4-2 defeat in the third round of the FA Youth Cup last night, although they did take the match into extra time. The match ended 2-2 after Rovers had twice come from behind to equalise, but Derby scored in the 100th and 110th minutes to put the tie beyond the youngsters.
December 6, 2006
Goals review
With a full League One and League Two fixture list last night there a number of goals scored by former Rovers players to report.
In League Two, Gregg Blundell scored a couple of second half goals for Chester to defeat struggling Boston United, with his side winning 3-1. Richie Barker scored after just three minutes for Mansfield as they won 2-0 at home to Swindon Town.
In Scotland, Colin Cramb scored on the stroke of half time for Stirling Albion as they closed the gap on leaders Morton to just a point in the Scottish Second Division with a 2-0 victory over Forfar Athletic.
Finally left over from the weekend, Wade Falana scored for his latest club, Beckenham, as they beat Milton Athletic in a Kent Senior Trophy match. Falana notched a hat-trick as they romped to a 7-0 victory over Milton Athletic, which lines them up for a quarter final tie at Sevenoaks.
December 6, 2006
Atkins turns down Gulls role

Former Rovers manager has left League Two club Torquay United after turning down their offer to become Director of Football. Atkins came in late last season to successfully guide them away from relegation to the Conference, but was replaced on 27th November with the arrival of former Czech international Lubos Kubik as manager. He was offered the new role by chairman Chris Roberts, but declined, saying: "The job is not for me in the present situation at the club. I wish the club, the players and the supporters all the best."
Atkins has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Brentford.
December 5, 2006
James wins voting
For a change, it was a close-run contest between several players for the "Man of the Match" from Saturday's game at Mansfield Town in the FA Cup. There were five players in with a chance of winning the vote, but with a total of nine players receiving nominations, the leading votes were allocated as follows:
1 James O'Connor (18.36%)
2 Adam Lockwood (16.32%)
3 Graeme Lee, Mark McCammon (14.28% each)
5 Jason Price (12.24%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next poll will open later this evening following the away match at Brentford.
December 5, 2006
Brentford v Rovers
Rovers are likely to select from an unchanged squad for this evening's game at Brentford, with Adam Lockwood having been passed fit to play despite reportedly having fractured his elbow in Saturday's game at Mansfield. Paul Green continues to be missing with a neck injury, and Steve Roberts will continue to be absent after suffering from a head injury recently. Other than that, the side is likely to be the same, with only the longer-term absentees otherwise missing.
Brentford have been hit by news that defensive lynchpin Adam Griffiths will miss today's match due to suspension, with Andy Frampton due to deputise. Also missing will be longer term casualties Callum Willock and Lloyd Owusu.
Brentford are currently without a manager following the recent departure of Leroy Rosenior.
December 5, 2006
Kids Christmas Party
Junior Rovers are to hold their Christmas party in the function suite at the Dome this Sunday, 10th December, with a 2pm start. All Junior Rovers members, along with their parents, are welcome to attend. It is free, and there is no need to pre-book, with the party due to go on until 5pm. Some of the Rovers squad are due to attend, and will be happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures. A snack buffet will be provided.
December 4, 2006
Revised bus times to Brentford
Due to anticipated traffic problems in London meaning a longer detour route, Supporters' Club buses to Brentford will leave half an hour earlier than advertised.
Times are now:
1.30 pm Retford
1.45 pm Bawtry
1.50 pm Hare & Tortoise
2.15 pm Belle Vue
Could those travelling let Paul Mayfield know that they have received this message, and re-confirm their booking. Paul's mobile is 07740 453066.
December 4, 2006
Northampton ticket information
Saturday's away game at Northampton Town is an all-ticket match, with tickets now on general sale.
Admission price are as follows:
South Stand (behind the goal): Adults £16.00, Senior Citizens/Students/U-16's £12.00, U-7's free
Alwyn Hargreaves Stand (side): Adults £18.00, Senior Citizens/students £11.50, U-16's (families only) £5.50, U-7's free
Please remember that tomorrow's away game at Brentford is also all-ticket - information for that match was posted yesterday.
December 4, 2006
Bolton await cup replay victors

The winners of next week's FA Cup replay between Doncaster Rovers and Mansfield Town have been drawn at home to Premiership club Bolton Wanderers, with the match due to be played on the weekend of 6th/7th January. Should Rovers remain in the competition after the replay, the home game against Rotherham United, scheduled for 6th January, will be postponed.
December 2, 2006
Mansfield 1 Rovers 1
Despite a poor performance, Doncaster Rovers are still in this season's FA Cup after picking up a last minute equaliser, scored by Brian Stock through a crowd of players in a packed Mansfield penalty area. Rovers were often second best to their League Two opponents, and went a goal down after Gareth Roberts needlessly handled the ball in the penalty area. Former Rover Ritchie Barker scored assuredly from the penalty spot. The draw means the two sides will replay the tie at Belle Vue on Tuesday, 12th December, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The draw for the third round will take place tomorrow afternoon.
The "Man of the Match" voting is now open. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left.
December 3, 2006
FA Cup goals review
On FA Cup day, there were a number of former Rovers players to score goals yesterday.
Adebayo Akinfenwa's goal eleven minutes from time helped his Swansea team-mates achieve a 3-1 victory at Darlington, who suffered their first defeat under Dave Penney's tenure.
Macclesfield may be yet to register their first win in League Two, but they are through to the third round of the FA Cup, with ex-Rover Kevin McIntyre scoring from the penalty spot in their 2-1 win over Hartlepool.
At Nene Park, Steve Burton scored Tamworth's first goal as they went on to a 2-1 victory over Rushden & Diamonds - ex-Rover John McGrath scored the winner 13 minutes from the end of the game.
Ex-Rovers striker Richie Barker scored from the penalty spot for Mansfield in their game against Rovers.
December 3, 2006
League goals review
In the only League Two fixture of the afternoon, Leo Fortune-West scored the second of Shrewsbury's three goals as they drew 3-3 at Accrington Stanley.
Dropping down a few levels, Jermaine McSporran scored for Abingdon in their 3-0 win at Brook House in the Southern League Division One (South & West).
Finally, whilst he didn't score yesterday, ex-Rover Michael McIndoe supplied the cross from which Jody Craddock scored the only goal of the game as Wolves won at Southend, who have now gone a club-record 17 league matches without a win, which also sees them adrift at the bottom of the Championship table.
December 3, 2006
Brentford ticket news
The away game at Brentford on Tuesday evening is all-ticket, with Rovers only receiving an allocation of 583 due to building work at Griffin Park. Tickets are now on general sale, with the prices being as follows:
Adults £19.00, Seniors/Students £13.00, Under-16's £5.00
December 2, 2006
Penney in Rovers return
Former Rovers boss Dave Penney will make a return to Doncaster early in the New Year following today's draw for the regional semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Rovers will host Darlington in the fixture which was drawn this morning, with the tie due to take place in the week commencing Monday, 8th January, making it the second or third match that Rovers will play at the new Keepmoat Stadium.
December 2, 2006
Mansfield v Rovers team news
Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has warned his players that they will have to concentrate if they are to keep their unbeaten run going this afternoon at Field Mill. Rovers face League Two Mansfield Town, with O'Driscoll saying: "We've had a good month, but I have told the players not to switch off after winning a few games we have to concentrate and carry on this run.The FA Cup is an attraction, were in it to win it not just to make up numbers, we've got a chance to play the big clubs if we progress. It is a derby and an FA Cup tie so I am expecting a full-blooded match."
"We are concentrating on this game and not thinking any further ahead. If we can't win it then we want to at least be in the third round hat."
Doncaster Rovers will certainly be without Sean McDaid after he suffered a medial ligament injury on Tuesday evening, but James O'Connor is likely to return even though he still seems to be suffering from a heel complaint. Midfielder Mark Wilson will be available after making his first appearance on Tuesday after international clearance was received.
Mansfield look likely to welcome back leading scorer Richie Barker for this afternoon's FA Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers. Barker was rested from their midweek match but is expected to return, but Stephen Dawson (back) and John Mullins are doubtful, and the Stags will make a late decision about their inclusion in today's squad.
December 2, 2006
Penney faces Rovers return in cup draw
Former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney is keeping his fingers crossed that Darlington will be drawn against Doncaster Rovers in the regional semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy that will be drawn this morning. With a 100% success record since he took over at Darlington, Penney is obviously keen to have a home tie to maximise their chances of progress.
The draw will be made live on Sky Sports late this morning.
December 2, 2006
Warrington set for Bury debut
Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington is due to make his debut for Bury this afternoon after arriving at the club just over a week ago on loan to regain some match fitnes. Warrington has been missing from the Rovers first team for over twelve months, but has been cleared to play in the FA Cup today by Rovers. Bury maanger Chris Casper said: "It was always going to be difficult to bring in an experienced goalkeeper at this stage of the season, because teams don't want their players cup-tied. It was a relief when we were told by Sean O'Driscoll (Rovers manager) that we could bring in someone like Andy. His vast experience, especially in cup competitions like Saturday, will be absolutely vital."
December 2, 2006
Draw this morning
The draw for the regional semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be made live on Sky Sports' Soccer AM programme later this morning. The remaining clubs in the northern half of the draw are: Rovers, Darlington, Chesterfield and Crewe Alexandra.