October 31, 2006

Hartlepool v Rovers

Rovers travel to Hartlepool this evening for a second round match in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Sean McDaid will miss out th game after bruising a foot which forced his substitution during Saturday's game at Bristol City, and it looks as though Ben Smith, who has impressed whilst deputising in goal, will continue as on-loan keeper John Filan is still struggling with the after-effects of a "dead-leg". Bruce Dyer is also doubtful with a groin injury.
The rules of the competition dictate that at least six of the side must be first team regulars, although O'Driscoll is likely to take the opportunity to give some of other players in his squad the chance to impress.
Hartlepool are likely to be missing Ali Gibb with a thigh injury, but Darren Williams and Eifon Williams (calf and hamstring) may return after recovering from their respective injuries.

October 31, 2006

Sit down at Hartlepool

Hartlepool have issued the following statement regarding this evening's game, which reads as follows:
"As you are aware, the problem of persistently standing in seated areas is under close scrutiny by the Football Licensing Authority who obviously has power to implement considerable sanctions which will affect away as well as home clubs. Hartlepool United Football Club takes this and safety issues very seriously consequently we will no hesitate to implement the guidelines. If necessary we will evict offending fans from the ground."

October 31, 2006

Lewer leaves Crawley

Former Rovers asssitant manager Alan Lewer has left Conference National club Crawley Town, where he was also assistant manager, along with Crawley boss John Hollins, the ex-Chelsea, Swansea and Rochdale manager. Their last match in charge was in Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat against Lewes. The club were hit with a ten point deduction after entering into administration, which was clawed back in four games. They now are second-bottom with twelve points from 17 games.

October 31, 2006

Jason wins voting

Despite only playing half of the match, Jason Price has been voted as the "Man of the Match" for his performance in Saturday's away game at Bristol City, winning just over one in every three votes cast. The rest of the votes, which saw virtually everyone else that played receiving a nomination, were spread very evenly,
The players receiving most votes were as follows:
1 Jason Price (34.62%)
2 Steve Roberts (11.54%)
2 Brian Stock (11.54%)
2 Paul Green (11.54%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next voting will open following this evening's away game in the Johnstone's Paints Trophy.

October 30, 2006

Penney named as Quakers boss

Former Doncaster Rovers manager has been named as the new manager at League Two club Darlington. He succeeds David Hodgson, who was sacked on 4th October after an internal investigation at the club. We understand that caretaker boss Martin Gray will be named as his assistant.

October 30, 2006

Albert Broadbent

We are sorry to have to inform you that former Doncaster Rovers inside-forward Albert Broadbent died on Monday at the age of 72. His funeral is being held at the City Road Crematorium in Sheffield at 1.15pm on Tuesday, 31st October, and the family have said that anyone who knew Albert, or any fans who want to pay their respects, are more than welcome to attend.
Albert first played for his home town team of Dudley Town before signing for Notts County in March 1952. Three years later, he signed for Sheffield Wednesday before moving on to Rotherham United, then signing for the Rovers in June 1959. He then made exactly a hundred appearances between 1959 and 1961 before moving on for a season at Lincoln City. He then became only the second player in the club's history to return to Doncaster Rovers when he returned in January 1963, and went on to make another 106 appearances for the club. In his two spells at the club, he scored 40 goals.
After leaving Rovers for the second time in October 1965, Albert moved on to Bradford Park Avenue, then Hartlepool United before finishing off his career at Scarborough. He was described in the Rovers handbook as being a "clever and thoughtful player".
We would like to pass on our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family at this sad time.

October 30, 2006

McSporran signs

Former Rovers winger Jermaine McSporran has signed for Southern League Division One (South & West) club Abingdon United after being recently released by Banbury United, where he had signed as short-term cover for injured striker Andy Baird. McSporran was due to make his debut for Abingdon on Saturday in their home game against leaders Taunton Town.
"It's a big coup for us," said Abingdon boss Andy Slater. "He has nine or ten years playing as a professional. Our squad is very inexperienced and he will be good for us. He's an experienced lad and this will give us the impetus to kick on."

October 28, 2006

Bristol City 1 Rovers 0

Despite a battling second half performance, Doncaster Rovers went down to a first half strike by Carey eight minutes before the break. Rovers made just one change to the side for this match, with Gareth Roberts being recalled to the side after an absence forced by injury. Ben Smith retained his place in the side as John Filan had not sufficiently recovered from a "dead leg" sustained against Chesterfield.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part; the result will be announced on Tuesday morning.

October 29, 2006

Goals review

Our review of former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals yesterday begins in League Two, where Mansfield Town spoiled Paul Inces's first game as Macclesfield manager by registering a 3-2 victory at Moss Rose. Richie Barker scored two goals for Mansfield; Dave Morley scored an 80th minute volley but then gave away a last minute penalty which saw League Two's bottom club go down to defeat. Macclesfield now have just five points, and are seven points adrift of closest rivals Boston United.
Also in League Two, Ben Futcher scored Peterborough's first goal in their 2-2 draw with Grimsby.
Dropping into the non-league scend, Steve Brodie scored Stalybridge Celtic's first goal in their 3-2 home win over Vauxhall Motors.
North of the border, Richard Offiong scored his fourth goal of the season for Hamilton as they were 3-1 victors over Gretna in the Scottish First Division. In the Second Division, Colin Cramb scored his eighth goal of the season, and Dene Shields his fourth, as Stirling Albion won 3-1 at Raith Rovers.

October 29, 2006

Redfearn reaches 999

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn played the 999th game yesterday in Bradford Park Avenue's goalless draw at home to Rossendale United in the UniBond First Division. He is expected to make his 1,000th appearance on Saturday, when Avenue host Soliull Borough in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy.

October 29, 2006

FA Youth Cup draw

Doncaster Rovers have been drawn at home to Rochdale in the first round of the FA Youth Cup. The match is to be played on Wednesday, 8th November, with a 7pm kick-off.

October 28, 2006

FA Cup Draw

Doncaster Rovers have been drawn away to Brentford in the first round of the FA Cup. First round matches are due to be played on Saturday, 11th November.

October 28, 2006

Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers look likely to welcome Gareth Roberts, James Coppinger, Mark McCammon and Jonathan Forte for this afternoon's game at Bristol City after missing recent matches, although James O'Connor will probably miss out with a groin strain .
Goalkeeper John Filan looks to be a major doubt after picking up a dead-leg in the last home game against Chesterfield. Young keeper Ben Smith, who impressed enough on Tuesday when making his debut to be voted as the "man of the match", will continue in goal should Filan be ruled out.
Since returning to the Football League, Rovers have drawn on both of their visits to Ashton Gate, and with Bristol doing well in third place, another tough match could be on the cards again.

October 28, 2006

Bristol City team news

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson will include striker Barry Corr in his squad for this afternoon's game after signing him on a month's loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Corr has been brought in following injuries to strikers Showunmi and Brooker, who have knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Jamie McAllister will return after completing a one match suspension, but defender Bradley Orr will miss today's game with an ankle injury. Former Yeovil goalkeeper Chris Weale is still not match fit, so Adriano Basso will continue in goal this afternoon.

October 27, 2006

Wycombe voting results

Ben Smith, who made his first team debut for Rovers in the Carling Cup game at Wycombe on Tuesday, has emerged as the clear winner of the lastest "Man of the Match" voting, receiving two out of every three votes cast. There were seven players who received nominations, with those receiving the highest number of votes being as follows:
1 Ben Smith (68.42%)
2 Lewis Guy (10.52%)
3 Jonathan Forte (7.89%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following tomorrow's away game at Bristol City.

October 27, 2006

Leo stays for more

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West has had his loan at Torquay United extended for a second month, to continue providing cover for the injured Micky Evans. The 35-year old striker has not scored so far in his five games, but Gulls boss Ian Atkins said: "It's taken him a week or two, but he's settled in now. It's showing in his play and I'm glad he's staying."

October 27, 2006

Junior Rovers party

Although Rovers have a Johnstone's Paint Trophy match at Hartlepool next Tuesday (31st October), the Junior Rovers Halloween Party at the Doncaster Dome will go ahead as scheduled.
Tickets are now available from Belle Vue ticket office for the party, which is completely free for all Junior Rovers members and costs just £2 for non-members who want to skate.

October 27, 2006

Nelthorpe to be cup-tied

Doncaster Rovers have agreed that winger Craig Nelthorpe can play in Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match for Kidderminster Harriers against Droylsden. The decision will mean that Nelthorpe will not be able to play for Rovers in the competition this season.

October 26, 2006

Blayney to see specialist

Rovers goalkeeper Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney continues to be troubled by an elbow injury which has kept him out of the side for over a month. He is now being sent to a rheumatologist to try and find the source of the problem, which seems to cause the elbow to react if he is involved in any kind of contact work.

October 26, 2006

Dickens for Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have added physio John Dickens to the physio department following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the week. Dickens was one of three to leave the club after the departure of Paul Sturrock last Thursday. Dickens has reportedly joined Rovers to augment the medical staff, which has been stretched by the addition of the many junior teams.
He has previously worked with Sean O'Driscoll at Bournemouth, and commented: "I have worked with Sean before and I'm greatly looking forward to this exciting opportunity.". Dickens is due to take up his new post on Monday.

October 26, 2006

Bristol City info

Rovers' away game at Bristol City on Saturday is not all ticket, but discounted tickets can be ordered from the Bristol City ticket office. A 5% booking fee will be charged on all advance orders.
Prices for tickets bought in advance (not including booking fee) are:
Adults £17.00, Senior Citizens/Students £13.00, Under-16's £1
Prices at the turnstiles are: Adults £19.00, Senior Citizens/Students £13.00, Under-16's £1.

October 24, 2006

Wycombe 2 Rovers 2 (3-2 on penalties)

Doncaster Rovers crashed out of the Carling Cup this evening at the hands of League Two's Wycombe Wanderers, despite playing for 45 minutes with an extra man, with Wycombe's goal scorer, Oakes, being shown a straight red card in the 74th minute. Even with a man short, Wycombe took the game to Rovers, and despite going 2-1 down when Lee scored for Rovers seven minutes into extra time, the home side still hit back to equalise four minutes from the end to force the game into penalties. This time, the penalty shoot-out didn't go Rovers' way, giving the home side victory by three penalties to two.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed, and the result will be announced on Friday morning.

October 25, 2006

VSC offer Doncaster Rovers email address

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative are offering you the chance to have your own unique e-mail address with the same main suffix as Doncaster Rovers official website and Doncaster Rovers' official e-mail addresses. You could have an email address of your.name@doncasterroversfc.net - or any other prefix as long as it's still available, such as No.1Fan@doncasterroversfc.net.
All proceeds raised by the VSC from this venture will go towards the Rovers' Youth Team.
Alll you need to do is visit www.doncasterroversfc.net and follow the simple instructions, and it will cost you only £3 per annum. You will be able to access your mail either using your existing e-mail client (such as Outlook Express) or by using webmail (useful if you are away from your home computer). You can also have mail to this email address redirected to an existing email address totally free of charge.
Full set-up instructions are given on www.doncasterroversfc.net - why not visit www.doncasterroversfc.net NOW to take advantage of this unique must-have opportunity!!

October 25, 2006

Redfearn keeps on scoring

No sooner has ex-Rover Neil Redfearn broken through the 200-goal barrier, than along comes another goal - this time he scored Bradford Park Avenue's first goal as they came from behind in their home FA Trophy replay against North Ferriby United. The winner, scored by Simon Park, came deep into injury time at the end of the match to put them into the second qualifying round. They will face either Bedworth United or Solihull Borough, who replay their match this evening.
Redfearn is now only a handful of games from making 1,000 first team appearances in his career.

October 25, 2006

Rotherham 2 Youth Team 1

Doncaster Rovers' youth team went down to a 2-1 defeat against their counterparts at Rotherham United on Saturday, with the match being played at Rotherham's training ground at Hooton Roberts. Rovers went behind in the 19th minute with a fierce shot by Yates from twelve yards giving Guilliatt little chance of saving the shot, but equalised through Andrew Boyce's header in the 29th minute. The winning goal for Rotherham came in the 51st minute as a result of a weak header back to the goalkeeper, giving Yates a simple task of rounding the goalkeeper to score from close range. The defeat could have been worse, but a late penalty for Rotherham was twice saved by Guilliatt.
Rovers: Michael Guilliatt, Andrew Hawksworth, Gerard Alonso, Tom Griffiths, Andrew Boyce, Matt Noble, Craig Sutton, Jack Muldoon, Alex Harrison, Wade Fairhurst, Jordan Lodge
Substitutes: Craig Fletcher (for Harrison, 54), Luke Duffy, Danny Bowland, Danny Barker, Josh Lowcock

October 25, 2006

Penney - Darlington or not?

Dave Penney's prospects of becoming Darlington's new manager were uncertain yesterday after the club confirmed that discussions had taken place - only for Penney to deny that there had been any contact. Penney has been linked to vacancies at Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday, but reports on Saturday suggested that he had had an interview with Darlington.
However, other reports suggest that Martin Gray, the caretaker manager, is the preferred option of the first team squad at Darlington.
Penney has confirmed that he has had interviews with a number of clubs, but says that Darlington are not one of them.

October 24, 2006

Coin trail update

The Viking Supporters' Co-operative's "Coin Trail" raised a further £252.29 in the Viking Bar and £115.28 in the ground at Saturday's home game against Chesterfield. The Coin Trail now stands at £54,633,79, with the money being raised towards the youth team.

October 24, 2006

Wycombe v Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers continue to have a number of injury concerns ahead of this evening's Carling Cup third round game at Wycombe Wanderers. Goalkeeper John Filan is doubtful at the moment after picking up a "dead leg" in the Chesterfield game, which prevented him from taking goal kicks during the match. Lewis Guy also suffered a dead-leg, but is expected to be fit to play, but Bruce Dyer, who received a kick to the back of the knee, is the major concern for Sean O'Driscoll.
Better news for Rovers emerged after James Coppinger successfully did a full training session yesterday, and it is hoped that he will play some part in this evening's game.
Whilst confident of victory, O'Driscoll confirmed that his players have practiced penalties. "We've done penalty practices in case it does go all the way, but that is under a non pressure situation, I'm confident that if it comes down to extra time and penalties the players will compose themselves as they did against Derby in the last round."
Wycombe are likely to be missing veteran striker Tommy Mooney after he limped off with a knee injury in Wycombe's match against Peterborough on Saturday, and Aston Villa have refused permission for loan signing Stephen O'Halloran to play. Fulham have allowed on-loan goalkeeper Ricardo Batista to play in the match.
The two sides have met only twice before, in the 1993/94 season, with Wycombe winning 3-0 at Belle Vue and 1-0 at Adams Park.

October 24, 2006

Clough signs Carden

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Carden has sigend for Conference National side Burton Albion following his release by Peterborough last week. Carden, who was released from his contract with The Posh, initially signed for UniBond side Burscough, but has joined Burton on loan until January, when the move will be made permanent. He made his Brewers debut in Burton's victory at Halifax on Saturday.

October 24, 2006

O'Driscoll pleased with discipline

After admitting that the football on Saturday wasn't "the prettiest", Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was pleased with the discipline of his players in Saturday's match against Chesterfield, which gave Rovers their first home win under his managership. After experiencing the way that Chesterfield play earlier in the season when his Bournemouth side went down to a 3-0 defeat, the Rovers boss knew that the Spireites would pack the midfield to swamp Rovers, so they tried to get the ball behind their back four and utilise the pace of the strikers.
He said: "I thought that our discipline was excellent and we kept going even when the crowd – and you can understand the fans' reaction – got frustrated. But if we were going to win the game, then that was the way that we were going to do it. The players are learning to adapt which is credit to them. The fact that they did the right things at the right time pleased me ever so much."

October 24, 2006

Skipper wins voting

Rovers skipper Graeme Lee was the clear winner of Saturday's "Man of the Match" voting, receiving over half of all the votes cast. Ten Rovers players received nominations, with the leading votes being cast as follows:
1 Graeme Lee (58.46%)
2 Jonathan Forte (10.77%)
3 Brian Stock (6.15%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Wycombe Wanderers in the Carling Cup.

October 23, 2006

Streete stays on

Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that Derby County defender Theo Streete has extended his loan for a further month. He initially came to Rovers to train with the club, but the injury situation led boss Sean O'Driscoll to take him an intiial month's loan.

October 23, 2006

Wycombe tickets

Tickets are now on sale for tomorrow's Carling Cup game at Wycombe Wanderers. Whilst the match is not all-ticket, you can obtain a discount if you buy a ticket in advance, or if you show your Rovers season ticket at the turnstile on the day.

.	Season Ticket Holders	Advance Price	Matchday Price
Adults	£14	£15	£17
Senior Citizens	£11	£12	£14
Students with ID	£10	£11	£13
Juniors U16	£7	£8	£10

October 23, 2006

McSporran released

Former Doncaster Rovers winger Jermaine McSporran has been released by Southern League Premier Division club Banbury United after playing just five matches. McSporran was brought in as cover for the injured Andy Baird, but Baird has made a quicker than expected recovery.
Banbury boss Kevin Brock said: "It is a blow to lose someone of his quality. Jermaine did well for us and we would have liked to have kept him, but we have got two very good strikers in Andy Baird and Howard Forinton and we couldn't afford another one. We have to be sensible here."

October 23, 2006

Junior Rovers half term events

Junior Rovers are offering their members the chance to go up to the Cantley Park training ground on Thursday between 11am and 2pm, where they will be able to see the first team squad train, to meet the players and get their autographs. The event takes place on Thursday, but it is restricted to a maximum of 30 Junior Rovers members (plus accompanying adults).
If you would like to book a place, plesase contact Community Projects Manager Chris Partridge on 01302 379 325 or community.projects@doncasterroversfc.co.uk. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. They are hoping to run another visit during the Christmas school holidays.
Despite the Carling Cup game at Wycombe tomorrow evening, the Junior Rovers Halloween party goes ahead at the Dome between 6.30pm and 9.30pm The party is being held in the "Icecaps" skating rink - you must get a ticket in advance from the Belle Vue ticket office to attend. Members should bring some proof of identity.

October 21, 2006

Rovers 1 Chesterfield 0

In a game of few real goal scoring chances, Rovers recorded their third win of the week, with Jonathan Forte's goal being enough to give Sean O'Driscoll his first three point haul from a home game. The Rovers goal came from a ball over the top of the Chesterfield back line, which landed midway between the defenders and goalkeeper. Jonathan Forte and the keeper raced to the loose ball, the keeper arriving just before the Rovers striker. The ball cannoned into Forte's chest, and the ball ran loose, giving him the simple task of side-footing the ball home from ten yards.
The win suddenly makes it look a lot better for Rovers - they ended the day in 13th place, just four points behind the play-off places.
The "Man of the match" voting has now closed. Thanks to everyone who took part; the result will be annoucned on Tuesday morning.

October 22, 2006

Around the goals

For a change, there are a number of former Doncaster Rovers players who scored goals yesterday.
In the Championship, Chris Brown scored a late goal for Sunderland as they won 2-0 at home to Barnsley, who have now slumped to 21st place in the table, just three points above bottom club Hull City.
League Two saw former Rovers striker Richie Barker score twice as Mansfield defeated Wrexham 3-0 at Field Mill. The Conference National saw Neil Grayson score two goals in the last twenty minutes of their game at Exeter to guide Stafford Rangers to a 2-1 victory.
In the Conference North, Mark Hume scored a consolation goal for Stalybridge Celtic, who went down 2-1 at Kettering, and Duane Darby scored Nuneaton's second goal as the defeated struggling Barrow 3-0.
It was FA Trophy day yesterday,and former Rovers forward Jamie Barnwell scored for Bridlington Town in their match at home to Stamford to make it 2-2. However, two goals conceded in the second half put Bridlington out of the competition.
In the UniBond League One, Jamie Squires had the misfortune to put through his own goal, which proved to be enough for his side, Bamber Bridge, to go down to defeat against Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Another ex-Rover to score an own goal was Farsley Celtic's Martin Pemberton, as his side went down 3-0 to Workington.
Finally, in Scotland, Colin Cramb scored (at the right end of the pitch) for Stirling as his side were victorious by a 2-1 score line over Brechin to maintain their second place in the Scottish Second Division.

October 22, 2006

Wilson gets Bantams trial

Former Rovers midfielder Mark Wilson has been given a trial at Bradford City as he hopes to make a return to playing in England after a spell in the United States. Wilson went to America after being released by Middlesbrough in the summer, which ended a five year stay at the Riverside.

October 22, 2006

Finlay to Southport

Ex-Rovers centre half Gary Finlay has been appointed in a coaching and scouting role at Conference club Southport following the departure of John Durnin. Finlay has most recently been manager at UniBond club Lancaster City.

October 21, 2006

Rovers v Chesterfield

Defender Gareth Roberts is expected to return to the Rovers squad for this afternoon's game after proving his fitness in the reserves game against Hull City during the week. Still missing will be James Coppinger and James O'Connor due to injury; Jonathan Forte and Mark McCammon missed Tuesday's match at Huddersfield with chest infections, but are expected to be available for selection today.
James O'Connor resumed training yesterday after recovering from a neck injury which has affeted him in recent weeks, and Brian Stock is also likely to return after returning from Preston for another month's loan.
Chesterfield will have leading scorer Caleb Folan returning after suspension, with the Spireites having a full squad to select from, apart from Paul Shaw, who has a knee injury. Gareth Davies may be in line for his first appearance since April afer recovering from a persistent pelvic problem.

October 21, 2006

Stock return confirmed

Doncaster Rovers have extended Brian Stock's loan for a second month after briefly returning to Deepdale during the week following the expiry of his initial loan period, hence his omission from Tuesday's game at Huddersfield.

October 21, 2006

Chesterfield prices

This afternoon's game is not all ticket, with admission prices being as follows:
Seating: Adults £18.00, Concessions £12.00
Standing: Adults £15.00, Concessions £8.00

October 21, 2006

Roberts to have ankle op

Former Rovers striker Neil Roberts has had surgery on an ankle injury which has kept him out of the Wrexham side since early September. Roberts returned on Saturday for the MK Dons match, but the injury flared up again, and the Wrexham captain has been advised to have surgery to remove some debris around the joint. The operation means that Neil will be missing from the Wrexham side for four to six weeks.

October 21, 2006

Dean in frame for Worksop job

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Dean Barrick has been linked with a possible return to management at Conference North club Worksop Town, although caretaker boss Ian Bowling will strengthen his claim for the job if he can extend Worksop's unbeaten run to six games this afternoon.
Barrick has been out of the game after leaving Hucknall Town last season.

October 20, 2006

Penney one of Quakers contenders

Darlington have confirmed that former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney is one of the four on a short-list to be interviewed as a replacement for David Hodgson, who was sacked by the club recently. One other confirmed contender is Darlington's youth team coach Martin Gray, with the Northern Echo naming ex-Darlington striker Craig Hignett and former Middlesbrough manager Lennie Lawrence as "strong contenders"
Ex-Forest boss Gary Megson is understood to have turned down an interview, with controversial Boston manager Steve Evans being definitely out of the frame.
Penney has been mentioned in connection with several managerial jobs recently, including the vacancy at Millwall and a post in S6 that became available yesterday.

October 20, 2006

Rovers duo score

Stalybridge Celtic emerged victorious over Nuneaton Borough in a Nationwide North mid-table match on Tuesday night. Celtic emerged victorious by a 4-3 scoreline, with ex-Rover being on target for Nuneaton as they went 2-0 up in the first half. Stalybridge's equaliser midway through the second half came from a Mark Hume header, but Nuneaton went back in front as Darby scored his second goal of the evening. Two late goals from Stalybridge gave them victory.

October 20, 2006

Voting results

Lewis Guy won the "Man of the Match" voting for Tuesday evening's match at Huddersfield Town as he won just over a third of all votes cast. With a lower number of votes cast reflecting the lower attendance at the game, the seven players nominated saw the following receiving the most votes:
1 Lewis Guy (34.48%)
2 Jason Price (24.14%)
3 Antony Griffith (17.24%)
Thank you to everyone who voted - the next poll will open following tomorrow's home game against Chesterfield.

October 20, 2006

Carden leaves Posh

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Paul Carden has left Peterborough United by "mutual consent", with Director of Football, Barry Fry, saying: "Because of personal reasons, this cancellation has been agreed by both parties. Paul got married in the summer and his partner is up north - but he then had a double hernia operation, and things just haven't worked out for him."
Carden has made 51 appearances for Posh since moving from Chester in the summer of 2005. Due to the transfer window regulations, he will not be able to sign for another club until January. Chester and Accrington are understood to be monitoring the situation.

October 19, 2006

Paints Trophy Draw

Doncaster Rovers have been drawn away at League Two club Hartlepool United in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, with the match scheduled to be played on Tuesday, 31st October (kick-off 7.45pm). The competition has reverted to the usual Northern and Southern sections, with the full draw being:
Scunthorpe v Port Vale, Mansfield v Grimsby, Accrington v Blackpool, Tranmere v Darlington, Oldham v Chesterfield, Chester v Stockport,
Rochdale v Crewe, Hartlepool v Doncaster
Southern section: Shrewsbury v Yeovil, Cheltenham v Barnet, Peterborough v Swansea, Wycombe v Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient v Bristol City, Brighton v Milton Keynes Dons, Millwall v Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest v Brentford
All matches are to be played in the week starting 30th October.

October 19, 2006

Hull 2 Reserves 1

Rovers' reserves went down to a 2-1 defeat at Hull City last night in their Pontin's Holidays League match played at North Ferriby. Rovers took the lead after twenty minutes when Gareth Roberts fired in a superb shot from 30 yards. Hull equalised fifteen minutes later from the penatly spot, and Hull's winning goal came four minutes from time.
Rovers: Smith, Noble, Roberts G, Boyce, Pacey, Fairhurst, Sutton, Green L, di Piedi, Mullarkey, Thomas
Substitutes: Alonso, Hawksworth, Lodge, Richardson

October 19, 2006

Rigo returns

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Adriano Rigoglioso has returned to Morecambe after completing a month's loan at Forest Green Rovers. He had scored three goals in the five games he played for Forest Green, but has been recalled owing to Morecambe's squad being depleted by injuries and suspensions.

October 19, 2006

Ingham for Grantham

Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Gary Ingham has signed for UniBond Premier League strugglers Grantham Town, one of four playres to sign for the club this week. Boss Gary Marrow said: “Gary is a quality keeper. I have played with and managed him and he is one of the best keepers in this league. He didn’t play on Tuesday as it would not have been right to play him against Frickley so soon after signing him.” Ingham has most recently been playing for Frickley Athletic.

October 17, 2006

Huddersfield 1 Rovers 2

A late goal by Lewis Guy sealed victory for Rovers after the Johnstone's Paint Tropy first round match at the Galpharm Stadium seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out. Jason Price had given Rovers the lead just short of half an hour's play of the first half, but a poor goal to concede allowed Andy Booth to equalise for Huddersfield. Rovers then had other chances to win the game, but in the end, a great goal by Guy put Rovers through to the second round.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has voted; the result will be confirmed on Friday morning.

October 18, 2006

Ricky, the penalty hero

Ex-Rovers midfielder Ricky Ravenhill was the hero for Grimsby Town last night, with his spot kick proving decisive in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Lincoln City. The tie was goalless at full time, with Grimsby emerging victorious 5-3 on penalties.
Nottingham Forest, playing in the southern section of the Trophy last night, won 2-1 at Gillingham, with ex-Rover Jack Lester giving Forest the lead after just seven minutes.
Finally, in a rearranged match in Scotland, Richard Offiong scored twice for Hamilton as his side won 3-1 at home to Clyde. The match had been rearranged after Hamilton's Ross McCabe suffered an almost fatal injury on the pitch.

October 18, 2006

Second round draw

The draw for the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will take place at 11am this morning. The competition will revert to the usual North and South sections for the remainder of the competition.

October 18, 2006

Bayo out for three weeks

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will spend three weeks on the sidelines after suffering a stress fracture in his left shin. He is expected to be in line for a playing return in Swansea's home match against Bournemouth on November 3rd.
The reason for the stress fracture, according to the Swans' physio, Richard Evans, was "his upper body strength applying too much pressure to the lower."

October 18, 2006

Rovers goal legend returns on Saturday

Peter Kitchen, one of Rovers' greatest-ever players, will be returning to Belle Vue on Saturday, and will be in the Rovers Return before and after the game to sign copies of his new biography, "The Goal Gourmet", written by Neil Kaufman. Peter will be in the bar from around 12.30pm until 2pm, and then from 5.15pm until about 6.30pm.
Copies of the book will also be on sale at the bar on Saturday, at the price of £11.95.

October 17, 2006

Huddersfield v Rovers team news

Doncaster Rovers could welcome back defender Gareth Roberts and striker Mark McCammon for tonight's Johnstone's Paints Trophy game at Huddersfield Town. There will be several players that will continue to be missing from the side; Kevin Horlock (knee), James Coppinger (groin) and Andy Warrington (ankle), with James O'Connor, who has been struggling with a muscle strain recently, also likely to be rested.
Huddersfield will be without leading goal scorer Gary Taylor-Fletcher, who was injured on Saturday and will be out for up to six weeks, but they are likely to welcome back Adnan Ahmed for his first appearance of the season after recovering from a broken metatarsal. Danny Adams will return after completing his suspension, and Aaron Hardy is standing by to play if Tom Clarke does not recover from a knee injury.

October 17, 2006

Rovers take more Stock

Rovers have extended the loan of midfielder Brian Stock from Preston North End, with the central midfielder signed to stay at Rovers until 1st January. Talks have opened with a view to signing Stock on a full transfer, with John Ryan commenting that "encouraging progress" has been made. He said: "There is plenty of time; we can't sign anyone on a permanent deal until the January transfer window."
Stock signed for Preston for £125,000 in January, but has struggled to win a place in their first eleven.

October 17, 2006

Voting results

Striker Lewis Guy was the clear winner in the "Man of the Match" voting for Saturday's away game at Cheltenham Town. Lewis gained over one in three of all votes cast; with eleven players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Lewis Guy (36.84%)
2 Bruce Dyer (12.28%)
3 Sean McDaid (10.53%)
Thank you to everyone who voted; the next vote will open later this evening following the away game at Huddersfield Town.

October 16, 2006

Youth team 1 Hartlepool 2

The Rovers youth team went down to a 2-1 defeat at Cantley Park, according to Hartlepool United's official web site.
Rovers went in front in the first half, but the equaliser was scored just after the break, with Joe Race scoring. A second Hartlepool goal followed when Young scored with a diving header after the Rovers keeper had been put under pressure.
The Hartlepool site do not report on the Rovers goal scorer, or the Rovers side - we will update when we learn more.

October 16, 2006

Huddersfield v Rovers

Tickets for family tickets for tomorrow's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match at Huddersfield can be obtained from the Belle Vue ticket office. Students can obtain tickets from the ticket office for only £1, but please remember to take along proof of student status.
All other admission will be payable on the turnstiles, with prices being:
Adults £10.00, Senior Citizens £5.00, U-16's free.

October 14, 2006

Cheltenham 0 Rovers 2