April 15, 2008

Mansfield 3 Youth Team 2

The Rovers youth team went down to a 3-2 defeat at Mansfield on Saturday, meaning that their three point lead at the top of the league table has disappeared, with second-placed Hull City winning their game at the weekend. Rovers have one game to go this season - Hull have two, so Rovers will have to win their final game and hope that Hull drop points.
Doncaster equalised on Saturday when Waide Fairhurst scroed from the penalty spot, and went in front early in the second half as Jason Hardy scored after Sheilis hit the post; Hardy knocking home the rebound. However, after a ten minute halt to play midway through the second half due to a hailstorm, it was all Mansfeild, and they capitalised on their possession with two late goals.
Rovers: Biggs, Hawksworth, Bowland, Griffiths, Boyce, Duffy, Sheilis, Hall, Hardy, Fairhurst, Henderson
Substitutes: Stoddart (for Henderson, 69), C.Fisher, Bibby, Conkleton, Fenney

April 15, 2008

Voting results

Paul Green registered yet another "Man of the Match" win for his performance against Swindon Town on Friday evening, gaining nearly half of all the votes cast. His haul means that he has cut down Richie Wellens' lead as "player of the season" even further, meaning there is now a chance that he could overtake his fellow midfielder by the end of the season.
A total of eleven players received votes, with those receiving most nominations being as follows:
1 Paul Green (48.75%)
2 Gareth Taylor (22.79%)
3 Sean McDaid (8.86%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following Saturday's away game at Leyton Orient.

April 15, 2008

Team of the week

Two Doncaster Rovers players were named in the League One "Team of the Week" following this weekend's matches. Midfielders Paul Green and Sean McDaid were named in the select eleven by the Press Assocation, with Green being acknowledged by the Rovers fans as being "man of the match" and McDaid scoring his first league goal for Rovers.

April 15, 2008

Season tickets update

April 14, 2008

McCormack on target as Well lose

Ex-Rovers striker Ross McCormack scored for Motherwell in their 4-1 defeat to Celtic, equalising after Stephen McManus had given Celtic an early lead. The pitch continues to attact criticism, which caused some recent games to be played away from Fir Park.
Also on target yesterday was Kevin McIntyre, who sent Shrewsbury on the way to a 3-0 home win over Wrexham, who seemed to be doomed to relegation to the Blue Square National.

April 14, 2008

Roberts one to escape criticism

Former Rovers striker Neil Roberts was one of the few players to escape the wrath of boss Brian Little following yesterday's 3-0 defeat at Shrewsbury. Little made five changes to his side in the hope that it would improve fortunes - but as it is, the Welsh club are nine points away from safety, with only four games to go. Little, who was only given a new two-year deal last week, is virtually resigned to relegation, saying: "We've said so much so many times, but this is really the end of the talking. I have to be ruthless and sort the team out, there's a huge rebuilding job and we might lose favourite faces."
Only Roberts, Marc Williams and Phil Bolland emerged from the game with any credit, and a large-scale rebuilding of the side looks certain during the summer.
Neil left Rovers in the summer of 2006 and has since made over fifty appearances for Wrexham, his hometown club.

April 14, 2008

Hawkins for Cork?

Cork City are reported to be in the running to sign Coventry City's former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins. Hawkins, who is set to leave the Sky Blues in the summer, has said that he was keen to continue playing, dismissing talk of taking over as manger at Galway, but Cork have expressed their interest if he decides to return to his homeland. Boss Alan Mathews said: "We would be interested if he decides to come home. I`m aware he`s been released but he is looking at his options in England."

April 12, 2008

Rovers 2 Swindon 0

The three points picked up against a disappointing Swindon Town side last night means that Doncaster Rovers are assured of at least a play-off place by the end of the season - 8th placed Brighton are now 16 points behind with only five games to play. It also reduces the points deficit on Carlisle to just three points, with the Cumbrians having promotion rivals Leeds to play today, followed by Southend United next week. Should Carlisle win today, they would be assured automatic promotion.
Rovers made five changes for the game against Swindon - Sam Hird replaced the suspended Matt Mills, but the rest of the changes were made by Sean O'Driscoll after he was critical of Rovers' performance at Huddersfield last weekend. Whilst they did not particularly dazzle, three points were picked up and it would have given the likes of Richie Wellens and James Coppinger chance to recharge their batteries ahead of a crucial few weeks for the club.
Rovers went ahead five minutes before half time when Sean McDaid was put through by Gareth Taylor to calmly slot the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner of the net. The second goal came from the penalty spot after Mark McCammon was brought down as he charged towards goal - the foul also earned Swindon skipper Hasney Aljofree a red card, which effectively ended Town's chances of salvaging anything from the game. Workmanlike on the whole - but Rovers picked up another three points and keeps the pressure on clubs around them.
Hats off to the South Stand Barmy Army for their performance last night, including one of the longest "Red Army" chants seen at Rovers in many a long year - a non-stop effort timed at around 18 minutes.

April 13, 2008

Weekend review

There weren't many former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend, but we begin in the Blue Square National, where relegated Stafford Rangers picked up a 2-1 away victory at Cambridge United, with Neil Grayson scoring the equaliser in the 9th minute. The win lifts Rangers off the bottom of the table, albeit only on goal difference ahead of Droylsden, whose home game against Ebbsfleet was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
North of the border, Richard Offiong scored one of three Hamilton goals as they kepet their lead at the top of the Division One table by winning 3-1 at Livingston.
Finally, congratulations go to former Rover Kenny Brannigan, who is now assistant manager at Queen of the South. His side won yesterday's Scottish FA Cup semi-final against Aberdeen 4-3. The First Division side will meet either the winner of next weekend's semi-final, with St Johnstone waiting to play the winner of the Partick Thistle v Rangers replay.

April 13, 2008

Brabin for Southport

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin has been appointed as manager at Blue Square North club Southport following the suprising decision to sack boss Peter Davenport. The move was a suprise since Southport remain on the fringes of the promotion play-offs, but disappointing home form since the New Year has seen the club slump from title contenders to play-off hopefuls. Yesterday saw Brabin's first game in charge - a 1-0 home defeat to leaders Kettering. They are now four points outside the play-off places, although they still have a game in hand on fifth placed Barrow.
The appointment of Brabin is until the end of the season, and is his first managerial appointment. He recently left as assistant manager at Welsh Premier club.
Vice-chairman Sam Shrouder said: “We thought long and hard about this and we’ve made a decision we believe is in the best interests of the club. Before Christmas we were challenging for the title but since then our form has fallen away and we’ve even dropped out of the play-off places. As one of only two full-time teams in the league it was made very clear to Peter that anything less than the play-offs this season would be unacceptable. It was a very disappointing performance on Saturday and we’ve not won at home in the league since Boxing Day. The view of the board was that a change was needed to give us a final push.”

April 12, 2008

Shrews wait on Rovers decision

Shrewsbury Town will wait upon a decision by Doncaster Rovers as to whether defender Graeme Lee can play in their game against bottom club Wrexham today. Lee had 20 stitches in his mouth after a collision which forced his substitution against Chesterfield, but could play today with a protective gumshield, should parent club Rovers give the go-ahead.

April 12, 2008

Rovers need scouts and coaches

With the Rovers' youth set-up due to be expanded next season, they are looking for more coaches with UEFA A and B licences to help train the youngters, who will range between the under-9's through to the under-18's. Anyone suitably qualified who would like to join should contact Paul Wilson, the youth team manager, on 01302 379368.

April 10, 2008

Season tickets 2008/09

Season ticket supporters have started to receive renewal details through the post as part of a season-ticket pack.
Season ticket prices quoted by supporters who have received the packs are as follows:

Category	Adult	Concession	12-16’s	Under 11's
A	£420	£305	£305	£305
B	£360	£250	£60	£30
C	£280	£150	£60	£30

Prices may rise after 31st May.
Additional prices for next season are as follows:
Car Park Pass £95, Season Ticket Recorded Delivery £3, Away Rover £50, Cup Direct £10

April 10, 2008

Footballer in court

Jamie Stuart has appeared in court charged with Grievous Bodily Harm in connection with an incident during a Grays Athletic v York City match in which former Rovers striker Chris Beardsley had his jaw broken. Stuart, who was playing for Grays Athletic in the match, on 22nd September 2007, denies the charge. The full trial will now begin on 7th July

April 10, 2008

Goals review

Ex-Rovers striker Neil Roberts scored for Wrexham from the penalty spot in their match against MK Dons on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately for him, the match finished as a 4-1 win for MK Dons, which took them to the top of the League Two table on goal difference, and leaves Wrexham in serious danger of relegation to the Blue Square National.
Also scoring on Tuesday was former youth team striker Michael Rankine, who netted for Rushden & Diamonds in their 2-1 home defeat to Cambridge United.

April 10, 2008

Leyton Orient ticket sales

Tickets for next Saturday's away game at Leyton Orient are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office at the following prices:
Adults £20
Senior Citizens (65+), U16s, Students*, Unemployed* and Ambulant disabled & carer: £13
* proof must be provided
Wheelchair disabled supporters should book direct with Leyton Orient on 0871 310 1883.

April 10, 2008

Heffernan pipped to award

Rovers striker Paul Heffernan was pipped at the post by Swansea striker Jason Scotland for the League One "Player of the Month" for March, with the Swans hitman scoring nine goals in eight league fixtures during the month.
Heffernan was nominated along with Brighton's Nicky Forster and Hal Robson-Kanu of Southend.

April 8, 2008

Ryan praises Rovers boss

Doncaster Rovers' chairman, John Ryan, praised manager Sean O'Driscoll for being decisive enougn to make two first half substitutions when it became evident that the starting eleven selected was not having the desired effect.
Ryan said: "The manager won us a point because he had the bottle to change things around at such an early stage. Huddersfield had the first half and could have been two or three up at half-time. We had been very disappointing. But we had the second and to be honest if we hadn't have had a man sent off I think that we would have won the game.
Sean O'Driscoll elected to start with the side that played against Leeds, commenting: "We had toyed with the idea of changing the team just to bring in some fresh legs but we probably felt that it would probably be unfair on the players who had played so well against Leeds."

April 8, 2008

Tonight's football

An intriguing set of fixtures scheduled for this evening could well have a great bearing on the eventual outcome of the chase for promotion to the Championship, with five of the top nine clubs being involved in the three fixtures. The top two play each other, with leaders Swansea visiting Carlisle United, ninth placed Brighton & Hove Albion travel to fifth place Southend United, leaving Nottingham Forest as the only club tonight to play a club outside the play-off places, with Bristol Rovers visiting the City Ground.
A victory for Swansea will confirm that they are promoted, whilst also meaning that Carlisle use up their game in hand on Rovers - although they still have a sizeable five point advantage in any case.

April 8, 2008

Green landslide in voting

For much of the voting for Saturday's "Man of the Match", it looked as though we were facing a 'first' in the six seasons that we have run the vote. It appeared that Rovers midfielder Paul Green could get every single vote cast - but in the end, two other players, Steve Roberts and Matt Mills, received votes. Even so, with one of the largest votes for an away game this season, reflecting the large number of Rovers fans at the Galpharm Stadium, Green ended up with a massive 95.83% of all votes cast - it certainly proves the opinion that the large travelling Rovers contingent had of his performance, which ended with a superb equalising goal six minutes from time.

April 8, 2008

Youth team 1 Darlington 2

Doncaster Rovers' youth team tasted a rare defeat on Saturday when they went down to a 2-1 home defeat against Darlington on Saturday. Despite that, Rovers still remain three points ahead of Hull City at the top of the Youth Alliance table, with only two games to play (although Hull do have a game in hand).
Rovers went behind in the fourth minute, and conceded a second goal early in the second half, gaining a late consolation goal by Jason Hardy just five minutes from the end of the game.
Rovers: Biggs, Hawksworth, Bowland, Griffiths, Boyce, Fisher, Bibby, Hall, Fairhurst, Hardy, Conkleton
Substitutes: Duffy (for Conkleton, 67 mins), Sheilis (for Bibby, 67 mins), Martin, Shepherd, Fenney

April 8, 2008

Lee in doubt

Rovers defender Graeme Lee is doubtful for Shrewsbury's game against Morecambe this evening after picking up a facial injury in Saturday's game against Chesterfield. Lee was substituted in the 73rd minute of that game, needing 20 stitches in his upper lip afterwards, with Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson saying on Saturday: "It was a bad smash to Graeme's mouth and his teeth and upper lip are in a bit of a mess. At the moment Graeme has to be rated as a doubt for the trip to Morecambe. One of the first things I did on Saturday evening was to recall Darran Kempson from his loan with Accrington to give us more options."

April 7, 2008

Orient tickets

Tickets for the away game at Leyton Orient on Saturday, 19th April will go on general sale this morning at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £20
Senior Citizens (65+), Under-16s, Students (with ID proof), Unemployed (with proof) and ambulant disabled with carer - all £13.
Wheelchair users should book direct with Leyton Orient's ticket office on 0871 310 1883.

April 7, 2008

Hawkins denies management move

Former Doncaster Rovers defender Colin Hawkins has distanced himself from rumours circulating in Ireland that he is being considered for the manager's job at Galway United, insisting that he wants to keep on playing.
Hawkins has just spent seven months out of action with an achilles tendon injury, and moved to Chesterfield on loan transfer deadline day after being told that his contract will not be renewed at Coventry City.
Of the chance to manage his hometown club, Hawkins said: "I would love to manage my hometown club. It would be a huge honour, but you're talking way down the line. I haven't heard anything from Galway recently in terms of them wanting me as a player, let alone as a manager so I don't see that as being a runner."
"The focus at the present is definitely on playing and I would be surprised if Galway went for someone with no experience, but that's their decision to make. I will have to see what is on the table in the summer before I decided what to do. Coming home might be a possibility."

April 6, 2008

Huddersfield 2 Rovers 2

Paul Green scored a vital late equaliser with just six minutes to go to salvage a point for Doncaster Rovers, who twice came from behind to claim another vital point along the promotion trail. The point means that Rovers remain in third place - five points behind Carlisle United, with just four games to play. It does, however, mean that Rovers need just one victory from their remaining games to be sure of a play-off place. Less is likely to be enough, since would mean that most clubs in the places below Rovers would have to pick up virtually maximum points to deny them a place in the end of season knock-out competition.
Rovers went behind in the 7th minute with a left-footed drive from Robbie Williams, which originated from a troublesome long throw. Rovers surprisingly made two first half substitutions, with O'Driscoll deciding to replace the strike force of Heffernan and Price with Gareth Taylor and Mark McCammon - evidently deciding that his original team selection was not working. Huddersfield, who fired their manager Andy Ritchie last week, battered Rovers in the first half, but they put in a much improved performance after the break.
Rovers equalised as Taylor converted Green's cross in the 52nd minute - but they were then dealt a blow when Mills was deservedly sent off for a push on Chris Brandon just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick, by Andy Holdsworth, bent around the Rovers wall and into the net to put Rovers 2-1 down.
Rovers refused to admit defeat, however, and a through ball from Coppinger enabled Paul Green to crack home a superb shot to give Rovers a point.

April 6, 2008

Goals review

We begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend, for a change, in Scotland, where Dene Shields scored the first of Ross County's four goals to confirm the Iron-Bru Second Division title in style over already relegated Berwick Rangers. The title was confirmed with nearest rivals Airdrie losing 2-1 at Brechin.
Back in England, in League Two, Kevin McIntyre scored his first goal for Shrewsbury Town - but the Shrews, who also included Rovers defender Graeme Lee in their side, went down to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Chesterfield, who included ex-Rovers players Colin Hawkins and Bruce Dyer in their line-up.
Also in League Two, defender Kevin Sandwith scored one of Chester's two goals as they drew 2-2 at Hereford United.
In the Blue Square National, Jon-Paul Pittman scored twice as Crawley Town thrashed York City 6-1 - the first match played by Crawley since their takeover by a property consortium earlier in the week.
Neil Grayson scored for Stafford Rangers in their 4-3 defeat at Northwich Victoria - a defeat that virtually confirms Rangers will be relegated - they are 18 points from safety with six games to play, also having a vastly inferior goal difference.
Finally, in the UniBond Premier Division, Robert Pell scored for Frickley Athletic in their 2-2 draw at Matlock Town.

April 6, 2008

Hawkins predicts glory for Spireites

Former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins believes that Chesterfield haveenough potential to reach the League Two play-offs after playing only a couple of games at the club. The Spireites, who defeated Shrewsbury 4-1 yesterday, are just one place outside the play-off places, two points behind 7th place Wycombe.
Hawkins is on loan at Saltergate after being told that his contract at Coventry City will not be renewed when it expires in the summer.

April 5, 2008

Huddersfield v Rovers

Rovers will be without skipper Adam Lockwood, who was carried off with an ankle injury during Tuesday's game against Leeds United. They will also be without long-term injury casualties Mark Wilson and Gordon Greer, who look likely to be missing for the rest of the season. Apart from Lockwood, the rest of the Rovers squad came through Tuesday's game unscathed, so Steve Roberts looks likely to continue in central defence alongside Matt Mills.
Stuart Elliott and Mark McCammon look set to be recalled to the squad for today's game as Rovers look to get their promotion campaign back on track at a ground where they have never won in the league.
Huddersfield have a number of injury problems, with Danny Cadamarteri, Phil Jevons, Luke Malcher and Matthew Young all out injured. They are expecting that midfielder Andy Holdsworth will return, with a recall also likely for Doncaster-born Danny Schofield.
The biggest news of the week from the Galpharm Stadium was the sacking of boss Andy Ritchie, following a 4-1 defeat at Oldham last weekend. Director of Football Development, Gerry Murphy, will take charge of the side today, but has been reported to have said that he does not want the job on a full-time basis. It is the second time that Murphy has been caretaker manager at the club - and has vowed that he will put his own stamp on the side, even if only in charge for a short time. Huddersfield have stated that they are intending to make an appointment before the end of the season - with ex-Brentford boss Martin Allen the current favourite.
Ritchie had described last weekend's defeat as "absolutely disgraceful and embarrassing. The players should be ashamed of themselves. We were lucky to get away with just four goals and I am so disappointed for the fans."

April 5, 2008

Rovers sign up two

Doncaster Rovers have offered professional contracts to youth team players Andrew Boyce and Waide Fairhurst after the pair have impressed consistently during the season.
Boyce, a defender, is currently out on loan at Worksop Town, signed his first pro-contract on Thursday, saying: "I'm over the moon – and it hasn't really sunk in at the moment. I think I will be sitting down this evening and it may hit me then. I was called in by the youth team manager and assistant manager (at Rovers) and they asked me how I felt I had done. I said that I thought that I had done alright but that I could always improve; to which they said – well, when you come back next year…And then it hit me."
Good news for Boyce and Fairhurst means that there is bad news for others in the youth team, who will not be kept on for next season. We understand that the following will be released: Valentino Shielis, Danny Bowland, Luke Duffy, Andrew Hawksworth, Liam Nelthorpe, Craig Fletcher, Jordan Lodge, Jason Hardy & Tom Griffiths
We wish all of them well in their future careers.

April 5, 2008

Lockwood update

Rovers have confirmed that Adam Lockwood has not broken any bones in his foot following his enforced substitution during Tuesday's match. He had an X-ray after the game, which did not show any break, and his wound has been stitched. However, there has been some infection in the wound, so he has stayed in hospital overnight being given antibiotics. Rovers expect that he will be out of action for three weeks, meaning that he could return just before the end of the league season.

April 5, 2008

Warrington in wage deferral to help Millers

Former Rovers goalkeeper Andy Warrington, along with the rest of the Rotherham United players, have agreed to a wage deferral as Rotherham United battle to survive as a financial crisis threatens the future of the club. Whilst the club look certain to finish the season, the administrator has warned that there is a very real possibility that the club will close forever on Sunday 4th May - the day after the final game of the season . Whilst there have been a number of expressions of interest in the club, none appear to be close to being accepted, with the Irish property company who appeared to have been interested now less likely to proceed.
Warrington, now 31, said: "We've all got mortgages to pay and families to look after, it is really hard. It hits home, we're not on massive amounts of money. If someone comes in and saves the club and the club continues that's what we're all hoping and praying for."
Warrington was named "man of the match" for his performance in last weekend's 5-1 defeat at Morecambe. Whilst the score line looks bad enough, all reports suggest it could have been far worse but for the heroics performed by the ex-Rovers custodian.

April 4, 2008

Rovers given boost in promotion bid

Doncaster Rovers have been given a huge boost in their promotion bid, with the news that Carlisle United manager John Ward has been given the dreaded "Manager of the Month" award for March. The Cumbrians picked up five wins and two draws during March, putting Ward ahead of contenders Sean O'Driscoll of Rvoers and Southend manager Steve Tilson.
With the award usually being followed by a dip in form, the news could not have come at a better time for Rovers, who will be going to Huddersfield on Saturday looking to close the gap on Carlisle, who entertain Yeovil Town on the same day.

April 4, 2008

Roberts KO threatens Wrexham's escape bid

Ex-Rovers striker Neil Roberts was the centre of an injury scare earlier this week after knocking himself unconscious during a training session on Monday. The Wrexham skipper fell awkwardly after colliding with Sam Aiston and Phil Bolland and had to be revived on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he was found to have mild concussion.
The striker declared himself fit for Tuesday's crunch match against Mansfield Town, and went on to play two thirds of the match before beign substituted.

April 4, 2008

Leeds Man of the Match

In an incredibly keenly fought contest, Richie Wellens emerged victorious from the "Man of the Match" for the home game against Leeds United on Tuesday. Three players were neck and neck all the way through the voting, with Wellens coming from behind to deny Paul Green - also meaning that Wellens slightly increases his lead as "Player of the Season", after seeing his lead reduced in recent weeks. The players receiving the most votes this week were:
1 Richie Wellens (25.40%)
2 Paul Green (23.81%)
3 James O'Connor (22.22%)
4 Gareth Roberts (12.70%)
A total of eight players received nominations this time. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - as always, all votes cast go forward to the "Player of the Season", which is compiled from all first team matches this season.

April 4, 2008

Youth Team 1 Bradford City 0

Doncaster Rovers' youth team kept up their bid to win the Youth Alliance by defeating Bradford City 1-0 at Cantley Park on Saturday. The result sees them move three points clear at the top of the table after Hull City lost. There are just three games to go until their season ends.
The Rovers goal was scored by the prolific Waide Fairhurst, who fired past the Bradford goalkeeper in the 13th minute of the match, and he went on to be a constant menace to the Bantams' defence.
Rovers: Biggs, Hawksworth, Chris Fisher, Griffiths, Boyce, Grace, Stoddart, Hall, Fairhurst, Hardy, Bowland
Substitutes: Henderson (for Stoddart, 69), Shielis (for Griffiths, 78), Charles Fisher (for Bowland, 83), Martin, Fenney

April 4, 2008

Forte makes international debut

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Jonathan Forte made his international debut when playing for Barbados in their World Cup qualifying match game against Dominica last Wednesday evening. Forte impressed throughout the match, with only some poor finishing and a couple of good saves denying him a goal on his debut.
The match, played in Bridgetown, ended in a 1-0 win for Barbados, who now go on to a second round meeting against the USA.
Forte, who scored the opening goal for Rovers in last season's Johnstone's Paint Trohy final against Bristol Rovers, was the youngest player in the Barbados squad, at the eage of 21.

April 4, 2008

Lockwood out of Terriers clash

Skipper Adam Lockwood will miss tomorrow's game at Huddersfield Town after picking up a nasty foot injury during Tuesday's home game against Leeds United. It appears that the stud of a boot pierced Lockwood's boot, resulting in a lot of blood escaping from the wound. Rovers sent him for an X-ray, but have not revealed the outcome of that scan. Four stitches have been inserted in the wound and he attended training on crutches on Wednesday morning.
A break would mean it would be the end of his season - if no fracture is shown, it is possible that Adam will be able to return to the side before the end of the season.
There were no other injuries reported from the Leeds game, leaving just Gordon Greer and Mark Wilson on the injured list.

April 2, 2008

Rovers 0 Leeds United 1

A goal scored direct from a free kick by Leeds' Alan Sheehan midway through the first half proved to be the only game in last night's home game against Leeds United. Rovers had the majority of the play, and had what appeared to be valid appeals for penalties turned down when Steve Roberts and Jason Price went down in the Leeds penalty area. Paul Heffernan also had a couple of good goalscoring opportunities, but he was denied by good saves by the Leeds goalkeeper. The defeat proved not to be as costly as it could have been, as second-placed Carlisle United also went down to a home defeat, losing 2-0 to Nottingham Forest.

April 1, 2008

Rovers v Leeds United

Doncaster Rovers go into this evening's game against Leeds United with no new injury worries and are set to name an unchanged team to the one that convincingly beat Nottingham Forest on Friday evening. Matthew Mills has a heel injury, but the central defender will have a pain-killing injection before the match. The only absentees are long-term injury casualties Gordon Greer and Mark Wilson.
Leeds have doubts about defender Rui Marques and midfielder David Prutton. Marques has a hamstring injury, whilst Prutton has had an X-ray on a foot injury picked up in Saturday's goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. Leeds boss Gary McAllister also hopes that midfielder Bradley Johnson will shake off a knock and be fit to play this evening.
Paul Huntington and Andrew Hughes may be recalled if the duo fail to pass fitness tests today, Andrew Hughes is available after completing a suspension, and Jonathan Douglas is now fully fit.

April 1, 2008

Goals review

A brief look back to former Rovers players scoring goals over the last few days begins at The New Lawn, where Adriano Rigoglioso scored from a free kick to help Forest Green Rovers to defeat Burton Albion 3-1 on Monday evening, boosting Rovers' chances of reaching the Blue Square Premier play-offs.
In Saturday's matches, Jon-Paul Pittman scored for Crawley in their 2-1 defeat at Grays Athletic, and Simon Weaver scored twice for Boston United in their 2-2 draw at Southport in the Blue Square North.

April 1, 2008

Voting results

It was a closely fought contest for the "Man of the Match" for Friday night's game against Nottingham Forest, but Paul Green eventually won by a narrow margin ahead of goal-scoring Gareth Roberts. A total of eleven players received nominations, with the most votes going as follows:
1 Paul Green (26.97%)
2 Gareth Roberts (25.84%)
3 Matthew Mills (16.85%)
4 Richie Wellens (7.87%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following this evening's home game against Leeds United.

April 1, 2008

Tonight's match

Please remember that this evening's match against Leeds United is all-ticket and no tickets will be on sale at the ticket office. Season ticket holders should remember that they will need ticket number 17 out of the season ticket book to gain admission this evening.