February 14, 2008

Bournemouth 0 Rovers 2

The Rovers' promotion challenge goes on, with a comfortable win at Dean Court meaning they stay eight points behind leaders Swansea City, but also four points ahead of third-placed Carlisle United.
Rovers got off to a great start on Tuesday as Jason Price struck in the first minute to head home a Gareth Roberts cross in from the left. Bournemouth received a set-back five minutes before the break when Shaun Cooper was sent off for a second bookable offence, but they held out until the 70th minute, when Price scored his second goal of the evening, firing home from 15 yards when put through with a great ball by Richie Wellens.

February 14, 2008

Ryan - appeal to fans

Doncaster Rovers' chairman John Ryan has appealed to all Rovers fans to go to Saturday's match in club colours, to make a spectacular sight of the Keepmoat Stadium being bathed in a sea of red and white. With all tickets sold, a new attendance record at the Keepmoat Stadium should be achieved, beating the 14,470 attained when Huddersfield Town were the visitors for the first match at the Keepmoat on 1st January 2007. Whether you bring a scarf, wear your Rovers shirt - it's all part of the great occasion as Rovers try to keep their fine recent league form going by achieving a 'double' over Leeds United.

February 14, 2008

Lee goes out on loan

Doncaster Rovers' club captain Graeme Lee has joined Hartlepool United on a one-month loan as he attempts to build up some match practice after being out of action for all season following neck and knee injuries. The move sees him return to his home town club, who currently lie in 17th place in the League One table.

February 14, 2008

Leeds match booze ban

South Yorkshire Police have announced that there will be no alcohol on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium to either home or away supporters for Saturday's visit of Leeds United. In addition, they have confirmed that all pubs in the town centre will remain closed until 4pm on Saturday. The police will be calling in back-up from North Yorkshire, with British Transport Police being on hand at Doncaster train station.
Supporters should remember that all tickets for the match have been sold, so there will be no tickets on sale on Saturday - and no replacements will be issued for any lost tickets.
Superintendant Richard Tweed said, “We would like to see this operation run smoothly and for all fans to have a safe and enjoyable day. South Yorkshire Police will be on hand to deal with anyone who may attempt to disrupt the peace."

February 14, 2008

Goals review

A quick look at former Rovers players scoring goals during the midweek matches this week begins at Darlington, where Ricky Ravenhil's close range strike on the stroke of half time was enough to give Dave Penney's men victory - their sixth win in eight games.
Also in the north-east, ex-Rovers loan striker Richie Barker scored two goals as Hartlepool United defeated bottom club Port Vale by a 3-2 scoreline.

February 12, 2008

Bournemouth v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers look likely to welcome skipper Adam Lockwood back to the side for this evening's game at Bournemouth. The defender missed Saturday's home win over Bristol Rovers with a groin strain, with Matt Mills being drafted into the side. Rovers have no new injury worries following Saturday's game, with James Hayter and Gordon Green remaining absent as they recover from operations.
Rovers go into the game knowing that they could equal a 60-year old club record of eleven successive unbeaten away games in today's match, as they strive to consolidate their place in the automatic promotion places.
Bournemouth, who were hit with a ten point penalty last week after going into administration, have injury concerns over Warren Cummings, who will face a late fitness test after taking a knock in Saturday's 4-1 win at Luton Town. Also on Bournemouth's long injury list are Neil Young (calf), Neil Morris (wrist), Ryan Garry (shin), Steve Foley (back) and Darren Anderton (hamstring).

February 12, 2008

Goals review

Apologies for the delay, but here is a brief run-down of former Doncaster Rovers players that we noticed scoring goals at the weekend.
We begin in League One, where Adebayo Akinfenwa stepped off the substitutes' bench to equalise for Northampton Town against Leeds United. It was his second goal in two games, but he will remain on the bench for the next couple of games as he is not considered as full fit after taking a long time to recover from a broken leg sustained against Swansea City in their match against Scunthorpe last season.
In the Blue Square North, Craig Nelthorpe opened the scoring for Halifax Town in their game at Rushden & Diamonds in the third minute - ex-Rover Andy Campbell scored their second in the 81st minute; the match ended 2-2.
Player/caretaker manager Neil Grayson scored for Stafford Rangers in their 2-1 home win over Weymouth, and Leo Fortune West scored York's second goal in their 2-0 win over Grays Athletic.
In the Blue Square North, Mark Hume scored Harrogate Town's second goal in their 2-0 home win over Stalybridge Celtic and Chris Beardsley continued his good scoring run for Kettering, netting one of their five goals in the 5-2 home win over Hinckley United to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
North of the border, Richard Offiong scored his first hat-trick for Hamilton in their 3-0 win over Dunfermline in the First Division, and Dene Shields scored one of Ross County's goals in their 6-1 victory over Alloa.

February 12, 2008

Leeds match sold out

The Keepmoat Stadium confirmed yesterday that Saturday's home game against Leeds United has now sold out, which will mean it will be the highest attendance seen at Rovers' new home. Please remember that the match kicks off at midday on police advice, with Rovers out to complete the double over the Elland Road outfit.

February 12, 2008

Stock wins the vote

Midfielder Brian Stock was the clear leader in the voting for your "man of the match" for his performance in Saturday's home game against Bristol Rovers. With twelve of the fourteen players receiving votes (no, we won't tell you who the unlucky two were), those receiving most votes were as follows:
1 Brian Stock (37.5%)
2 Matt Mills (13.54%)
3 Paul Green, Steve Roberts (10.41% each)
4 Neil Sullivan (9.375%)
Thank you to the many who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Bournemouth.

February 12, 2008

Youth team game changed

The youth team game against Rotherham United, that was scheduled for Saturday, 16th February, has been moved forward and will now be played on Friday, 15th February, with a 2pm kick-off.

February 9, 2008

Rovers 2 Bristol Rovers 0

The Rovers' promotion challenge goes on, with today's home win over Bristol Rovers - who had been on an 11-match unbeaten run - closing the gap with leaders Swansea City to eight points. The win was gained thanks to two second half penalties, with Brian Stock scoring the first spot kick, and Paul Heffernan scoring the second in added time at the end of the game. Rovers could have taken the lead when a James Coppinger shot was cleared off the line in the 6th minute, and Jason Price was also unlucky in the second half as his shot hit the post and bounced to safety. With other results going largely Rovers' way, third-placed Nottingham Forest are now four points behind Rovers, although they do have a game in hand.

February 9, 2008

Rovers v Bristol Rovers

New signings Stuart Elliott and Gareth Taylor are likely to be included in the squad for this afternoon's home game against Bristol Rovers, but neither is certain of starting the game, as Sean O'Driscoll will be reluctant to change a winning side. Defenders Gareth Roberts and Adam Lockwood are injury concerns - both have groin strains and will face a fitness test this morning. If they miss out, Graeme Lee may be inlcuded on the bench, even though he has only played one behind-closed-doors match since recovering from knee and neck injuries.
Rovers will definitely be without James Hayter, who is sidelined for a month following a hernia operation. They are boosted by the availability of striker Paul Heffernan and defender Matt Mills as they strive to keep in touch with leaders Swansea City.
Bristol Rovers go into today's game unbeaten in the last eleven games, with continued success in the FA Cup giving them a fourth round tie against Southampton next weekend.
However, they will be without defenders Steve Elliott (knee) and Ryan Green (Achilles), but Joe Jacobson will return to the squad today.

February 9, 2008

Nelly to extend Halifax stay

February 9, 2008

Jason gets new job

Former Rovers midfielder Jason Blunt has been appointed as chief scout for Northern Counties East club Glapwell. He will work with the management at the club to recruit senior players into the first team squad, with Operations Director, Kevin Gee, saying: "Jason has a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach and his networking and experiences will prove a major acquisition to a developing club like ourselves. It is very difficult sometimes getting out there to look at both the opposition and the recruitment of players once the season begins. So, we believe that Jason`s appointment will be invaluable as the club continues to develop."

January 8, 2008

Redfearn - next stop York

The long list of clubs associated with former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn grew by one yesterday when he was confirmed as the new youth team coach at Blue Square Premier club York City. The 42-year old will be working under manager Colin Walker, the former Rovers striker, and former Rovers youth team manager Eric Winstanley, who had been combining youth team duties with other coaching. Winstanley has now been appointed as head coach at the club.
Colin Walker said of Redfearn's appointment: "I'm delighted to have someone with Neil's experience on the staff. He gives us much needed support on the coaching side. He's got a wealth of experience and he's only just finished playing. I think he'll be a great role model for the kids."

January 8, 2008

Chelsea 3 Rovers Belles 4

Doncaster Rovers Belles bounced back from a disappointing FA Cup defeat against Cardiff to defeat Chelsea on Sunday, thanks to goals from Carla Cantrell, Liz Hansen (2) and Vicky Exley. Rovers Belles had gone behind early on, but roared back to a 3-1 lead by half time.
The result leaves Rovers Belles in 8th place in the Women's Premier League.

February 6, 2008

Taylor signs on

Gareth Taylor, who signed for Rovers on loan from Tranmere Rovers last Thursday - transfer deadline day - signed a permanent transfer yesterday morning, with his contract running until June 2009.
Taylor played in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Hull City yesterday and should be included in the squad for Saturday's home game against Bristol Rovers.

February 6, 2008

Price nominated

Doncaster Rovers striker Jason Price has been named in the Coca Cola League One's "Team of the Week" for his performance against Millwall. Price scored Rovers' first goal in their 3-0 victory at the New Den - it's the first time that he has been nominated in the "Team of the Week".

February 6, 2008

Wheater close to new deal

Former Rovers loan defender David Wheater has been offered a new contract by Middlebrough with Gareth Southgate eager to keep his services after impressive performances this season. The 20-year old is out of contract in the summer, and has had his form recognised by being called up to play in last night's England Under-21 international against Ireland.
Southgate said: "David wants to be here, he's made that clear, and it's just a case of finalising things. We're obviously very, very happy with what he's doing."

February 6, 2008

Rovers ground upgraded to international specifications

Doncaster Rovers' ground has been upgraded to meet international requirements, thanks to a government grant. No - not the Keepmoat Stadium, but Doncaster Rovers, Australian style, whose Anderson Park ground has been selected as a training ground for the Qatar team as they train for some World Cup qualifying matches. The qualifying group also comprises Australia, Iraq and China, with Qatar being ranked as the 'outsiders' in the group.
However, Qatar's maanger, Jorge Fossati, is not happy with arrangments during their stay in Melbourne. The Anderson Park ground is part of a public reserve, so Qatar are unable to train in private, with Fossati suspecting that other teams have spied as his team train.
Fossati said he had not been made aware the Doncaster ground was on a public reserve.
"This is not exactly my planning," he said. "I wanted to come early but maybe it's better to go to New Zealand (to prepare)."

February 5, 2008

Voting results

Jason Price may have been named in the Coca Cola Lague One "team of the week" for his performance on Saturday, but the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for the Millwall game was midfielder Paul Green, with his performance at the New Den being capped by a superb late goal. Green gained just over half of all the votes cast - with six players being nominated, those receiving most votes were:
1 Paul Green (51.35%)
2 James Coppinger (21.05%)
3 Jason Price (10.52%)
Thank you to everyone who voted. The next poll will open following Saturday's home game against Bristol Rovers.

February 5, 2008

Youth team 3 Scunthorpe United 1

The Rovers' youth team kept their unbeaten start to the year going on Saturday, with a 3-1 win over Scunthorpe United. Scunthorpe took the lead on half time as a mistimed clearance by Andrew Hawksworth went into his own net. It took until the 75th minute for Rovers to draw level through Waide Fairhurst - further goals from Andrew Boyce and a second from Fairhurst sealed the Rovers win.
Doncaster Rovers: Pratt, Hawksworth, Bowland, Griffiths, Boyce, Duffy, L.Nelthorpe, Shielis, Fairhurst, Fletcher, Henderson.
Substitutes: Hall (for Nelthorpe, 47), Fisher (for Fletcher, 70), Conkleton, Bibby, Biggs

February 5, 2008

Barbados make do without McCammon

Barbados will have to make do without Rovers striker Mark McCammon for their World Cup qualifying game against Dominica on Wednesday night. McCammon is described by the Barbados FA's website as being 'unavailable' - as is former Rovers striker Jonathan Forte, who had also been called up. McCammon had been in prolific form for Barbados in their Digicel Cup campaign last year, with the Barbados FA hoping that a sizeable number of players playing overseas would boost their chances of qualifying. They shouldn't have too much trouble in their match against Dominica, but a forthcoming qualifying match against the USA will be much more challenging.

February 5, 2008

Trophy review

A review of action from the FA Trophy matches at the weekend sees varying fortunes for former Doncaster Rovers players. John McGrath scored for Burton Albion in their 1-1 draw at home against Histon, with his shot taking a wicked deflection to beat the Histon keeper.
Former Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine scored a 90th minute goal to give Rushden & Diamonds a 2-0 victory at Halifax Town.
However, in the match between Crawley Town and Droylsden, which ended up in an 8-0 victory for Crawley, events were marred by an injury to ex-Rover Jon-Paul Pittman, who was taken away by ambulance following what seemed like an harmless aerial challenge. It had been feared that the young striker had a serious neck injury, and the game was suspended for nearly half an hour before he was carried from the pitch on a stretcher. Gladly, following two X-rays on his neck, Pittman was given the all-clear to go home. He will rest for a few days before returning to training by the end of the week.

February 4, 2008

Pacey moves again

Former Rovers youth team defender has moved to UniBond League Division One South leaders Retford United on a month's loan - only a few days after signing for Blue Square North club Alfreton Town from AFC Telford United. Alfreton boss Nicky Law has agreed to the move to enable Pacey to play more games to enable him to compete for a place when he returns to Alfreton at the end of his loan.

February 4, 2008

Lewer goes south

Alan Lewer, who was assistant manager at Doncaster Rovers when Steve Wignall was manager, has left Blue Square Premier club Cambridge United to join league rivals Weymouth to become their assistant maanger. Lewer joined Cambridge as Jimmy Quinn's assistant last summer, but is renewing his working relationship with Weymouth boss John Hollins. The two worked have worked together before, most recently at Crawley Town last season.

February 4, 2008

Belles out of the cup

Doncaster Rovers Belles are out of the Women's FA Cup after losing to Premier League rivals Cardiff last weekend. The two sides were locked at 2-2 at the end of the 90 minutes, with the Rovers Belles goals coming from Liz Hansen and Veronica Cantoro, but Cardiff's winner arrived in the 102nd minute. The Doncaster performance was desribed by boss John Buckley as a "Jekyll and Hyde performance", with a woeful display after the break.
Buckley said: "It's still hard to believe we lost. At half time you would not believe we could get beat. We played really well first half - but then we just sunk. I cannot understand how we can go from one extreme to the other. Cardiff were distinctly average and we should have had three or four by half time. But in the second half it looked like we had just dragged together a group of girls who had never played together in their lives. They just didn't communicate with each other."

February 3, 2008

Millwall 0 Rovers 3

A great performance by Rovers consolidated their position in second place in the League One table with this convincing win over relegation threatened Millwall. Rovers were always in control of the match, but it was still a relief when Jason Price opened the scoring three minutes before the break. Early in the second half, Millwall did try to get back into the game, but the game was settled with two superb strikes in the final nine minutes of the game. James Coppinger scored a rare goal in the 81st minute with a specualtive shot from the edge of the penalty area which flew over the goalkeeper and into the net. Better was to come in injury time with a spectacular volley by Paul Green which gave Rovers the victory margin that their performance deserved.

February 3, 2008

Goals check

Former Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa scored his first goal since moving to Northampton Town yesterday as they drew 1-1 against Swindon Town. Akinfenwa, who has only been used as a substitute as he regains match fitness after a long injury lay-off, headed home from a corner three minutes from time.
Also in League One, ex-Rovers loan striker Richie Barker scored for Hartlepool United from the penalty spot in their 4-0 crushing of Luton Town.
In League Two, Jack Lester scored for Chesterfield in their 1-1 home draw agaisnt Chester City. Also in the same division, Nick Fenton scored Grimsby's equalisser in their draw at Grimsby Town.
Finally, in the Blue Square North, Mark Hume scored the only goal of the game for Harrogate Town in the 89th minute as they beat Hucknall Town - a result that keeps Harrogate nicely positioned in third play in the table.

February 3, 2008

Hayter out for a month

Striker James Hayter will be out of action for around a month after a scan has revealed that he needs a double hernia operation. Hayter, currently Rovers' top scorer with ten goals this season, will undergo an operation to clear up the problem - but he will be out for around four weeks as a result.

February 3, 2008

Leo joins York

Ex-Rovers striker Leo Fortune West has signed for Blue Square Premier club York City on loan until the end of the season. However, under the terms of his loan, he will not be able to play for York when they play parent club Cambridge United. York boss Colin Walker has been quoted as saying that he had signed Fortune-West to add some experience to his York squad for the closing months of the season. York allowed ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley to complete a free transfer to Kettering last week.
Leo's debut for York was delayed, as they were involved in an FA Trophy match yesterday, and he is cup-tied, having already played for Cambridge in the competition.

 

February 2, 2008

Voting results

Paul Green was named as your "Man of the match" for his performance in Tuesday's home game against Hartlepool United, gaining around a third of all votes placed. There were a total of eight players receiving nominations for the 'man of the match', with those receiving the most votes being as follows:
1 Paul Green (32.99%)
2 James Coppinger (22.68%)
3 Richie Wellens (20.62%)
4= James O'Connor, Adam Lockwood (9.28%)
Thank you to everyone who took part, and we apologise for the delay in posting these results. The next vote will open following this afternoon's away game at Millwall.

February 2, 2008

Millwall v Rovers

Sean O'Driscoll will have a selection headache for this afternoon's game at Millwall - but, for a change, it's more likely as to be a problem of who to leave out, rather than injury/suspension causing a shortage. Midfielder Brian Stock is likely to be restored to the side after completing his one-match suspension on Tuesday, as will defender Steve Roberts, who served a one match ban after being sent off against Swansea City. New signing Stuart Elliott may come into contention for a place in the squad, but due to the fact that he was only signed on Thursday, we expect that the best Stuart can hope for will be a place on the bench.
Striker Paul Heffernan came through his return to first team action with no ill-effects on Tuesday and will be in the squad, although news from earlier in the week suggests that James Hayter was not included in the squad on Tuesday due to injury and is due to see a specialist to see if he will require surgery.
Millwall, who lie just above the relegation places, will be missing key midfielder Dave Brammer, who has twisted knee ligaments in their game against Cheltenham, and is set to be out of action for a month. Alan Dunne is likely to deputise, with new signing Marc Laird lilely to be included on the bench. Winger Dave Martin is also hoping for a recall to the side for this afternoon's game. Apart from the above, boss Kenny Jackett has a full squad to select from.

February 2, 2008

Elliott joins Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have signed out-of-favour Hull City midfielder Stuart Elliott in a loan deal that lasts until the end of the season. The Tigers have indicated to Elliott that he will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season, and it is expected that he will complete a free transfer to Rovers at that stage. The 29-year old, who is a full Northern Ireland international, is set to go straight into the squad for this afternoon's match at Millwall and will add some vital experience to the Rovers squad as they battle for promotion. Elliott has been given the number 25 shirt at Rovers.

February 2, 2008

Rovers sign Taylor

In a second signing on 'transfer deadline day', Doncaster Rovers completed a second loan signing, with Tranmere striker Gareth Taylor moving to the Keepmoat Stadium on loan until the end of the season. Taylor, 34, is a full Welsh international who joined Tranmere from Nottingham Forest in 2006. Like Stuart Elliott, Gareth's move might be initially on loan, but it is made with the expectation that it will become a permanent transfer in the summer. However, he will not be considered for selection for this afternoon's game and will meet his new team mates on Monday morning. Sean has been given a squad number of 10.

February 2, 2008

Dyer leaves

Rovers have confirmed that striker Bruce Dyer has left the club 'by mutual consent', leaving him free to find another club. The 32-year old has suffered from many injuries during his time at the club, and has only made one first team appearance - in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - this season. We would like to thank Bruce for his efforts during his time at Rovers and wish him all the best in his future career.