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 |
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| August
29, 2007 |
Plymouth
2 Rovers 0 |
 |
Plymouth
Argyle eased into the second round of the Carling Cup after dominating
possession in last night's match, making it the first time in 15 years
that they have made the third round stage. It also ended Rovers' good
run of form in this competition, which has seen them face Aston Villa,
Arsenal and Manchester City in the last couple of years. Rovers went behind to a 15th minute goal by in-form striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who pounced on a loose ball when Neil Sullivan failed to keep hold of David Norris' shot. Yet to start a Championship game this season, it was Ebanks-Blake's seventh goal in his last ten games. Despite dominating the first half, the home teamfailed to break through until stoppage time at the end of the second half, with Luke Summerfield's stunning 35-yard free kick giving the result a more representative look. James Hayter had a chance in the early stages of the game, but any pressure was sporadic, although they did pick up a bit in the closing minutes of the first half with Woods, Wellens and Hayter trying to pull Rovers back into the game. A triple subsitution at half time made an improvement to Rovers' fortunes, with O'Connor and McDaid being used as wing-backs as Rovers employed a back three of Mills, Greer and Lockwood. Substitute McCammon began to give Rovers' attack more potency by winning the aerial battle - but it was the home side that again continued to threaten. The "Man of the Match" voting is now open - if you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left. |
| August
29, 2007 |
Thornton
off |
 |
Former
Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton was controversially sent off in the second
half of Leyton Orient's Carling Cup tie at Cardiff City last night. He
was given a second yellow card for handball, with the O's having to rely
on ex-Rovers keeper Stuart Nelson to keep them inthe game. The Championship
side, featuring Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, dominated the game, although
they had to wait until the 90th minute to break through Orient's rearguard
with a goal from Peter Whittingham. |
| August
29, 2007 |
Oji
signs for the O's |
 |
Leyton
Orient have signed young Birmingham defender Sam Oji on a month's loan.
He went into their squad for last night's Carling Cup tie against Cardiff
City, but was an unused substitute. Sam has had previous League experience
during loan spells at Rovers and Bristol Rovers during the last couple
of years, but has only made one senior appearance for Birmingham. |
| August
28, 2007 |
Plymouth
v Rovers |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers travel to Plymouth today for this evening's second round Carling
Cup tie. They will be looking to make progress in a competition that has
seen them meet Premiership opposition for the last two seasons, but it
will take an upturn in form for them to get past Championship side Plymouth
Argyle. Having said that, Argyle go into the match on the back of a 3-2
defeat against Barnsley, and have picked up a win and a draw in their
other two league games. Rovers will make at least one change for today's game, with James Coppinger missing out with an ankle injury sustained in the second half of Saturday's home defeat against Bournemouth. Apart from that, Sean O'Driscoll has no new injury concerns, but will be looking for a great improvement in form this evening. Mark McCammon, Lewis Guy, Sean McDaid and Paul Green will be amongst those looking to be recalled this evening. Plymouth boss Ian Holloway will give a late fitness test to Dutch defender Marcel Seip ahead of tonight's game. Seip has been suffering from an ankle injury, but played part of Saturday's game. In-form striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake may get a start after scoring three goals in two substitute appearances. Holloway experimented with a combination of first team regulars and youth team players for their first round game against Wycombe, but is expected to name a stronger side today. |
| August
28, 2007 |
Voting
results |
 |
With
a much reduced number of votes received for the latest "Man of the
Match" poll, a total of twelve players received nominations, probably
reflecting the nature of the match. Those players receiving the most votes
were: 1 James Coppinger (23.08%) 2 Martin Woods (17.95%) 3 Gordon Greer (15.38%) 4 James Hayter (12.82%) Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open later this evening following the away game at Plymouth. |
| August
28, 2007 |
Goals
review |
 |
Two
ex-Rovers players scored goals in the Bank Holiday fixtures yesterday.
Jon-Paul Pittman scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute against
Aldershot Town, but blotted his copybook by getting sent off for a second
bookable offence 20 minutes from time. At the Shay, Andy Campbell netted a hat-trick, the last one a 71st minute penalty, for Halifax Town in their game against Droylsden, a result which lifts Halifax into 15th place. |
| August
27, 2007 |
Rovers
hold Soccer Festival |
.jpg){kind=small} |
The
Rovers in the Community are holding a "Soccer Festival" on Thursday,
31st August, with World Cup winning striker Geoff Hurst due to kick of
the proceedings. The event will take place at Hall Cross Lower School,
Bessacarr between 9.30am and 3.30pm, but any children wanting to take
part mustbok in advance by contacting roversinthe community@doncasterroversfc.co.uk
or by phoning 01302 764663. |
| August
27, 2007 |
Lee
moves back to Brigg |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers defender/midfielder Lee Warren has joined UniBond First
Division side Brigg Town. This marks his second spell at the club - he
played for Stocksbridge Park Steels last season as one of a number of
non-league clubs he has played for since leaving Rovers. The bulk of Warren's
Football League career was played at Hull City (141 games) and Rovers
(191 games) - he joined Barrow after leaving Belle Vue in 2000. |
| August
25, 2007 |
Rovers
1 Bournemouth 2 |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers put on what will hopefully prove to be their worst performance
of the entire season this afternoon with a lacklustre display against
a Bournemouth side who had clearly done their homework before the game.
Denied space down the wings, Rovers lacked ideas as far as attack-minded
play was concerned, but they also looked highly susceptible when the visitors
attacked, with a worrying tendency to back off until within shooting range.
And yet the game started relatively well, with Gordon Green heading home
from a corner in the 24th minute. Bournemouth were level within four minutes
- after the visitors had the better of the play, and when half time arrived,
the hope amongst Rovers fans was that the half-time team talk would spur
Rovers into a bit more action. However, if anyone's half time pep talk
was effective, it was Bournemouth's, as they went in front within 20 seconds
of the restart. Rovers did have the majority of the possession in the
second half, but failed to land a shot on targed as Bournemouth packed
theri defence. The resutl leaves Rovers with just one point from the opening
three games, languishing in 20th place in the League One table. The "Man of the match" voting is now open - if you would like to place a vote, please click on the logo to the left. |
| August
26, 2007 |
Goals
review |
 |
In
our look around former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday, we begin
in League One. JJ Melligan scored Leyton Orient's first goal on their
way to a 2-0 victory at Crewe, which sees them go top of the table, the
only club in the division to have maximum points. In the Blue Square Premier, Tristram Whitman scored Farsley Celtic's first goal in their 2-2 home draw against Salisbury, and ex-youth team striker Michael Rankine scored Rushden's first goal in their 3-2 defeat at Torquay United. In the UniBond Premier Division, former Rovers loan player Andy Hayward scored for North Ferriby in their 2-2 draw against Leek Town. Finally, in Scotland, Richard Offiong maintained his superb start to the season with another two goals yesterday for Hamilton. The Accies won 2-0 at Morton, maintaining their lead at the top of the Scottish First Division. |
| August
26, 2007 |
Gill
to move on |
 |
After
gaining a reputation as a prolific goal scorer in New Zealand's Central
Premier League, former Rovers striler Robert Gill is to move on to Waikoto
FC at the end of the winter season Waikoto play in the New Zealand Football
Championship, with their season beginning in mid-October and running through
the forthcoming summer. |
| August
24, 2007 |
Rovers
v Bournemouth |
| |
Doncaster Rovers
may name an unchanged squad for tomorrow afternoon's home game against
Bournemouth, with no new injury concerns to be considered. However,
new loan signing Matthew Mills is avaialble for selection after his
move was confirmed earlier this week, and is likely to be added to those
under consideration. |
| August
25, 2007 |
Akinfenwa
treated at Yeovil |
 |
Striker
Adebayo Akinfenwa is being treated by Yeovil Town's physio Jim Joyce as
he continues to recover from his broken leg. The 25-year old former Rovers
striker was going to join Swindon in the summer, but the move was called
off when Swindon had concerns over the recovery period. The Yeovil physio commented: "He is around six weeks away from joining in with any proper training sessions. He is due to travel to Lilleshall for further treatment and rehabilitation." |
| August
25, 2007 |
Cramb
hits four |
 |
Ex-Rovers
striker Colin Cramb scored four goals in Stirling Albion's 5-1 win over
Dumbarton in the Stirlingshire Cup - his first goals of the season after
missing the opening matches due to suspsension. Also on target during the week was a striker from Rovers' early Conference days - Jamie Barnwell headed home Hall Road Rangers' second goal in their Wilkinson Sword Trophy game against Borowash Victoria. The match ended 2-2, with Hall Road Rangers going through on penalties after Victoria converted only two out of their four spot kicks. |
| August
24, 2007 |
Rovers
0 Chesterfield 1 |
| |
Doncaster Rovers
went down to a 1-0 defeat in a "reserve training game" against
Chesterfield on Tuesday. The only goal of the game came in the last
minute, with Cameron Fearon scoring the goal for the Spireites. Rovers
are reported to have had the majority of possession and chances, but
the Chesterfield keeper, Michael Jordan, was in fine form to thwart
all Rovers' attempts. |
| August
24, 2007 |
Smith
signs new deal |
 |
Goalkeeper Ben Smith
has signed a twelve month extension to his contract, which will keep
him at Doncaster Rovers until the summer of 2009. Smith initially joined
on non-contract terms last August, but earned a longer deal after impressing
with his performances. |
| August
23, 2007 |
Update
of Andy's new role |
 |
It
seems that some people have been under the wrong impression of Andy Liney's
new role following his appointment as a full director of Doncaster Rovers
FC. The Viking Supporters' Co-operative's web site is carrying a full
explanation, by Andy, of his new role, which should avoid any misunderstandings.
Please click on the logo to the left to read the full statement. |
| August
22, 2007 |
Voting
results |
 |
James
Hayter won the "Man of the Match" vote for his performance in
Saturday's away game at Hartlepool United, coming home ahead of the other
nine players who received nominations. The players to receive the most
votes were: 1 James Hayter (30.95%) 2 Richie Wellens (23.81%) 3 = Gordon Greer & James Coppinger (9.52% each). Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote in the poll. The next vote will open after Saturday's home game agaisnt Bournemouth. We would like to apologise for the delay in posting the results, as well as the lack of a news update yesterday. |
| August
22, 2007 |
Congratulations,
Andy! |
 |
Andy
Liney, who resigned as chairman and the Supporters Director of the Viking
Supporters' Co-operative at their Annual General meeting at the beginning
of the month, has been appointed as a director of Doncaster Rovers. His appointment comes as recognition for the incredible amount of work he has done for the club since being on the board as the fans' representative, which has greatly benefitted the club. Andy also played a big part in the discussions concerning the building of the new stadium. On hearing the news, Andy said: "I'm honoured that John Ryan saw fit to offer me this extraordinary opportunity. When I took a seat on the Board as supporter's director, I had no personal motive other than to see Doncaster Rovers moving forward. I believe that the working relationship I have with John Ryan is one that is first class and as such has been a big help to achieving things for the benefit of the club and the fans." We would like to add our congratulations to Andy, with the appointment being well deserved in recognition of his contribution to the club over several years. |
| August
22, 2007 |
Carling
Cup tickets on sale today |
| |
Tickets
for Rovers' away Carling Cup tie at Plymouth Argyle will go on sale at
the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office this morning, with tickets being priced
at £15 for adults and £5 for over 65's and under-23's. Disabled
supporters should contact Plymouth Argyle direct on 0845 338 7232 to buy
tickets. The match is to be played on Tuesday, 28th August, with a 7.45pm
kick-off. |
| August
22, 2007 |
Leo's
hat-trick |
 |
Leo
Fortune-West scored a hat-trick for Cambridge United last night as they
thrashed Farsley Celtic 5-1 to go top of the Blue Square Premier. Another
former Rover, Mark Albrighton, skippering the side for the evening, headed
home Cambridge's fifth goal of the evening - ex-Rovers striker Tristram
Whitman was an unused substitute for Farsley Celtic. |
| August
22, 2007 |
Ross
in Scotland call-up |
 |
Former
Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack played in last night's Scotland Under-21
match against the Czech Republic, which was won by the Scots 1-0. McCormack,
who played for Rovers whilst on loan from Glasgow Rangers a couple of
seasons ago, is reported to have had a few shots on target as part of
a three-man attack. |
| August
20, 2007 |
Ingham
signs for Bulls |
 |
Former
Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Michael Ingham has signed for League Two club
Hereford United on an initial month's contract. Ingham was at Wrexham
last season, but was released at the end of the season and has since been
without a club. Hereford moved to sign Ingham after Chris Weale was recalled
from his loan by Bristol City. Earlier in the summer, Hereford gave a trial to ex-Rovers loan player Adam Collin, but Collin returned to Workington Reds a fortnight ago, despite playing well in the pre-season games. |
| August
20, 2007 |
Streete
turns out for Solihull |
 |
It
appears that Theo Streete, who was on loan from Derby County at Doncaster
Rovers during last season, has signed for Solihull Moors, who play in
the Blue Square North (formerly the Conference North). However, he was
injured during last Tuesday's 4-0 defeat against AFC Telford last Tuesday.
Whilst the victory margin is said to flatter Telford, fortune certainly
does not appear to have been on Solihull's side. In addition to Streete's
goal, Telford's second goal also had an element of fortune about it; in
addition to a player appearing to be offside, the shot hit a divot of
turf to sent the ball past a helpless Matthew Ghent (another player who
was briefly on Rovers' books during January 2002). The fourth goal was scored by ex-Rover Rob Pacey, who moved to Telford during the summer after being released by Rovers. |
| August
19, 2007 |
Hartlepool
2 Rovers 1 |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers came away from Victoria Park pointless, despite playing the last
seven minutes of the game against ten men. Hartlepool had pushed Rovers
back for much of the game, gaining a lot of possession in the first half.
It looked as though Rovers would reach half time without conceding, giving
them time to regroup, but moments before the break Godwin Antwi headed
home, with the ball going in off the underneath of the crossbar. Rovers improved after the break and equalised in the 71st minute, with James Hayter's superb diving header from James Copppinger's cross in from the right. They went behind, however, ten minutes later when Mark Wilson chopped down James Brown in the penalty area, with ex-Rovers loanee Richie Barker blasting home the spot kick. Hartlepool were reduced to ten men when defender Robbie Elliott was sent off for a second bookable offence, but despite Rovers pressure, the equaliser would not come. |
| August
19, 2007 |
Goals
review |
| |
We
start our review of goals scored by former Rovers players in Wales for
a change, where two ex-Rovers players were on the score sheet. Jimmy Kelly
scored Rhyl's first goal as they won 2-1 at home to Carmarthen in the
Welsh Premier League. Player/manager Gareth Owen's penalty in the 65th
minute earned Airbus UK a 1-1 draw at home to Aberystwyth. In Scotland, the goal machine that is Richard Offiong was on target again - his 17th minute goal against Queen of the South in the Scottish First Division proved to be the winner, meaning that Hamilton are now top of the table, being the only team to have maximum points after three games. In England, besides Richie Barker's penatly for Hartlepool against Rovers, the only ex-Rover we could find scoring yesterday was another former loan player, Jack Lester. He scored Chesterfield's equaliser in their 1-1 home draw against Stockport County in League Two. |
| August
19, 2007 |
Youth
team 1 Boston United 1 |
| |
The
Rovers' youth side had to come from behind to earn a point against Boston
United at Cantley Park yesterday. The Rovers goal was scored by Rob Hall
in the 72nd minute. |
| August
19, 2007 |
Griffith
at Shay for whole season |
 |
The
Halifax Courier has reported that Rovers youngster Antony Griffith will
remain at Halifax Town for the whole season, instead of until just January
as had been originally intended. With Griffith having dropped down the pecking order at Rovers with the arrival of the likes of Woods and Wellens in the summer, the Rovers midfielder is keen to play first team games."I just wanted to get it nailed down and play some games," he said. "I am 20 now and it has been hard at Doncaster just watching them play when I want to be playing myself." Red tape prevented Antony from making his debut on Tuesday, he was an unused substitute in yesterday's goalless draw against Histon in the Conference, but sees his time at the club postively. "I want it to be a learning experience," he said. "I want to become a better player. It is not just a case of getting out and playing games, I want to progress in my career. Playing under different managers you can pick up different things." |
| August
18, 2007 |
Hartlepool
v Rovers |
| |
James
Coppinger looks likely to be fit to play in this afternoon's away match
at Hartlepool United, despite being substituted due to a knee injury on
Tuesday. However, he has returned to full training and is likely to take
his place in an unchanged team for today's game, meaning the likes of
Mark McCammon and Lewis Guy will have to settle for a place on the substitutes'
bench. Rovers have still not confirmed whether Manchester City's Matthew Mills has signed on a six month loan, but Mills is unavilable for today's game in any case as he serves the last of a three match suspension. The performance of former Rovers keeper Jan Budtz in Hartlepool's win at Scunthorpe on Tuesday gives Pools manager Danny Wilson a selection problem for today, with Arran Lee-Barret having played well in last Saturday's league game. However, defender Ali Gibb bebins a three match suspension today after being sent off on Tuesday. Pools boss Danny Wilson thinks his side are in for a tough test today. "We have been given a tough opening week but I think Doncaster could be the toughest yet. I rate them very highly. I have watched them a couple of times and they have a lot of quality. We will really have to be on our mettle if we want to get the three points. They are a good footballing side, they get the ball down and they have tremendous movement. But we have got the ability and if we show the same team spirit as we did at Scunthorpe, there's no reason we can't get the result." Sean O'Driscoll is certainly confident ahead of today's game, saying that the tactics employed in the opening two games will be carried forward to Victoria Park. He said: "It is Hartlepool's first home game since winning promotion and they will be looking to do well in front of their own supporters. They have started the season well - though they probably played better when losing at Luton than they did when beating Scunthorpe. But they are a good side and Danny has made some good signings. They also like to play good football on what should be a nice pitch. I have been pleased with how we have played in our first two games and although we might change the way we play today because we are away from home, the gameplan and the tactics will remain the same." |
| August
18, 2007 |
Carling
Cup details confirmed |
| |
The
Carling Cup secound round tie away at Plymouth Argyle has been confirmed
for Tuesday, 28th August, with the match kicking off at 7.45pm. Tickets
will be available in the near future from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket
office at £15 for adults and £5 for concessions. The North Branch of the Supporters Club will be running coaches to the match at £20 for members and £25 for non-members, and leaving at the following times: Stick and Tape 10.15am, Woodlands Shops 10.20am, Don Valley 10.25am, Sun Inn 10.30am, Morrisons 10.35am, Ward Brothers 10.45am, Keepmoat Stadium 11.00am To book a place on the coach, please ring Dan Roberts on 07796765623 or 01302 787127. The main branch of the Supporters Club will also be taking coaches to the game - details will be announced as soon as possible. |
| August
18, 2007 |
Wheater
gets England call-up |
 |
Former
Rovers loan player David Wheater has been rewarded for an impressive start
to the season by being called up into the England Under-21 squad for their
fixture against Romania next Tuesday. Wheater has responded in impressive
style to the opportunity given in the Middlesborough team due to injuries
to Jonathan Woodgate, Emanuel Pogatetz, Robert Huth and Matthew Bates,
playing in Boro's opening Premiership games this season. |
| August
17, 2007 |
Richie's
the man |
 |
Rovers
midfielder Richie Wellens was the clear winner of the "Man of the
Match" voting for his performance in Tuesday's game against Lincoln
City. Wellens followed up his third place in the Millwall voting by capturing
almost half of all the votes cast. There were ten players receiving nominations,
with the leading votes cast as follows: 1 Richie Wellens (43.24%) 2 James Coppinger (13.51%) 3 Martin Woods (8.11%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - it was one of the highest levels of voting we have ever experienced for a midweek game. The next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Hartlepool United. |
| August
17, 2007 |
Rovers
face long trip in cup draw |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers have been handed the longest journey they could possibly have been
given for the second round of the Carling Cup, which was made after last
night's televised match between Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday. Rovers
will travel to Plymouth Argyle for the second round tie, which will be
played in the week beginning Monday, 27th August. The match at Plymouth
will certainly be a good test of how Rovers would cope if promotion is
achived at the end of the season - by the performances so far this season,
there is no reason why fans should not travel down with high hopes of
reaching the third round. The full draw for the second round is: Southend United v Watford, Nottingham Forest v Leicester City, Wigan Athletic v Hull City, Birmingham City v Hereford United, Carlisle United v Coventry City, Bristol Rovers v West Ham United, Derby County v Blackpool, Portsmouth v Leeds United, Burnley v Oldham Athletic, Peterborough v West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough v Northampton Town, Luton Town v Sunderland, Rochdale v Norwich City, Cardiff City v Leyton Orient, MK Dons v Sheffield United, Swansea City v Reading, Shrewsbury Town v Fulham, Wolves v Morcambe, Sheffield Wednesday v Hartlepool United, Wrexham v Aston Villa, Charlton v Stockport, Bristol City v Manchester City, Newcastle United v Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle v Doncaster Rovers |
| August
17, 2007 |
Rovers
to sign Mills? |
 |
Several
news reports yesterday suggested that Rovers are about to sign Manchester
City defender Matthew Mills on a six-month loan. Mills played for City
in their pre-season game at the Keepmoat Stadium, but with the influx
of new signings following Sven Goran Eriksson's arrival, his opportunities
in the first team will be greatly limited this season. It will be the
second time that Mills has worked with O'Driscoll, having previously been
on loan at Bournemouth whilst he was a Southampton player. If all went according to play, he was due to travel up to Doncaster yesterday and may be included in the Rovers squad for tomorrow's game against Hartlepool United. |
| August
16, 2007 |
Boss
plays down cup run |
 |
Rovers
boss Sean O'Driscoll has stressed that the priorty for his team this season
is promotion to the Championship, despite Rovers cruising through to the
second round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening. The draw for the second
round will be made following this evening's game, with Rovers in with
the prospect of another attractive draw - possibly against Premiership
opposition, as all Premiership clubs apart from those competing in Europe,
enter at the second round stage. O'Driscoll said: "I was particularly pleased that Paul Heffernan got a goal because he is a proven goal-scorer. He could have had four goals on Saturday and he had two or three chances tonight before he scored tonight with one of the softest goals that you can imagine." "Lewis (Guy) has probably been as good as we have seen him in pre-season so he is disappointed not to play and the way that he is playing is going to make it more and more difficult for me to leave him out. Mark McCammon is still short of match fitness after being out with a dislocated shoulder, but he gives us something different when we need him." |
| August
16, 2007 |
Vikettes
Academy |
| |
The
South Yorkshire Police Doncaster South Neighbourhood team, working in
partnership with Doncaster Rovers and the Vikettes have set up a pilot
Vikettes Academy. Girls aged between 13 and 16 living within the South
Neighbourhood Area can take part in these free taster sessions. The Academy
will run over an eight week period and will culminate with a 'live' performance,
where the students will be able to showcase their skills and talents. The first session will be held on Tuesday 11 September 2007 at Rossington Miners Welfare Club from 5pm - 6pm. There is a limit of 40 people per session, so anyone that wishes to book a place should do so by calling Richard Bailey on 01302 764663. The second session will be held at Wilby Carr Community Centre, Goodison Boulevard, Cantley on Thursday 13 September 2007 between 5pm - 6pm. 30 dancers is the limit, so book your place quickly! |