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| March
15, 2008 |
Brighton
1 Rovers 0 |
 |
If you're going
to lose a match, it is vital that you don't lose ground on your promotion
rivals. So it proved to be this weekend, with all of the top four failing
to win, meaning that despite defeat at the Withdean Stadium, Rovers
are still in second place, albeit only on goal difference ahead of Carlisle
United, who also have a game in hand. In-form Brighton scored in the
second half - Neil Sullivan saved Forster's penalty kick, which was
won when Brian Stock brought him down, but unfortunatley for Rovers,
Forster was on hand to fire home the rebound. |
| March
15, 2008 |
Brighton
v Rovers |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers will give fitness tests to a number of players ahead of this afternoon's
away game at Brighton & Hove Albion. Jason Price, who has missed the last couple of games with an ankle injury, is due to have an anti-inflammatory injection, and Rovers will assess his fitness ahead of the kick-off. Steve Roberts may return after missing the last two games with a foot injury and illness, but was due to have a precautionary X-ray on his foot before Sean O'Driscoll can name him in the side. Adam Lockwood and Paul Green have both been carrying knocks in recent games, so with the return of Graeme Lee, he may take the opportunity to rest one of them this afternoon. Also doubtful is Richie Wellens, who has a slight adductor strain, with Rovers set to make a late decision on his availability. Midfielder Mark Wilson will definitely miss out today after suffering a groin injury that may keep him out for several matches. Brighton may be down in 11th place, but they have games in hand over teams above them, and could climb into a play-off place if those matches are won. They have no new injury concerns and are expected to name the same side that won at Walsall on Tuesday. |
| March
15, 2008 |
Rovers
can catch Swansea |
 |
Rovers
midfielder James Coppinger has admitted that the Rovers players are focussed
on catching up with leaders Swansea City, despite the Welsh side still
holding a substantial lead over Rovers, with a game in hand. But Rovers
have cut down the Swans' lead by five points in the last two games - more
of the same in the next two and things could start to get interesting. Rovers are six points behind with ten games to go - but the Welsh club have some tough matches ahead, including two matches with Bristol City, and a mouthwatering match against Carlisle United on 8th April. Coppinger said: "I think we have to be looking up the table and not down. We're not going to get carried away - there are 10 games to go. But you look at their run-in and it's really difficult; a lot of difficult away games. When you are top of the league there is always people waiting for you to lose or drop points and that's what we are doing. Hopefully we can catch them." |
| March
15, 2008 |
Brabin
leaves early |
 |
Former
Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin, who has been assistant manager to Ken McKenna
at Welsh Premier League champions TNS, has left the club "by mutual
consent" along with McKenna. The club recently announced that the
manager would leave at the end of the season, but they have decided to
make the managerial change early to give the new management the chance
to work with the players ahead of the summer break. During his time at the club, McKenna has won a hat-trick of Welsh Premier titles and has led the club into European competition seven times. However, their poor run of form sees then "only" in second place behind leaders Llanelli. McKenna and Brabin were reported to be connected with thh managerial vacancy at Chester City earlier this month, but Chester have appointed Simon Davies, another former TNS player, as manager until the end of the season. |
| March
14, 2008 |
Injury
update |
 |
Rovers
midfielder Mark Wilson will miss out on this weekend's game against Brighton
& Hove Albion after suffering a groin injury in Tuesday's match against
Gillingham. Wilson was booked in for a scan on the injury yesterday, with
physio John Dickens hoping that it is is a tendon inflamation, rather
than a tear, which would keep the player out for a longer period. Defender Steve Roberts returned to training after recovering from a bruised foot and a virus, and should be available for the Brighton game. Better news comes with Jason Price having resumed full training after missing out on the last couple of games with an ankle injury. He is expected to be included in the squad that travels to Brighton. James O'Connor is progressing well and will step up his training programme to include some ball work, meaning he is on schedule in his recovery from a hernia operation. Lewis Guy returned to training on Monday after recovering from glandular fever, but will not be considered for first team duty this weekend. However, he is expected to be back playing soon afterwards. |
| March
14, 2008 |
Voting
results |
 |
Defender
Matt Mills emerged as your "Man of the Match" for his performance
in Tuesday's home game against Gillingham, even after discounting a blatant
mass vote in his favour by one person, who submitted around 20 votes within
a two minute period. Mills came ahead of the seven other players to receive
nominations, with the top three being as follows: 1 Matt Mills (39.66%) 2 Paul Green (17.24%) 3 Sean McDaid (12.07%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. The next "Man of the Match" voting will open following tomorrow afternoon's away game at Brighton & Hove Albion. |
| March
14, 2008 |
Lee
returns |
 |
Rovers
defender Graeme Lee has returned to Doncaster Rovers at the end of his
month's loan at Hartlepool United. Lee went to Hartlepool to get some
first team match practice and made three appearances for Danny Wilson's
side. Hartlepool signed Lee to cover for injuries, but with Sam Collins
having completed a suspsension, and Ben Clark approaching full fitness,
Wilson has elected not to extend Lee's stay at Victoria Park. His return
may be fortuitous for Rovers, who have a number of injury concerns ahead
of tomorrow's game at Brighton, so Lee looks set to be added to the players
due to travel to the south coast. |
| March
13, 2008 |
Brighton
v Rovers ticket & travel info |
.jpg){kind=small} |
Tickets
for Saturday's away game at Brighton & Hove Albion will be on sale
until midday on Friday - the latest figures on the Keepmoat Stadium site
indicate that 380 tickets have been sold so far. Tickets are for the uncovered West Stand, with prices as follows: Adults £22.50, Senior Citizens £14.50, Under-16's £13.00, Students £16.00, Under 10's (accompanied by adult) £1.00, Ambulant disabled £16.50 (carer free) Wheelchair disabled supporters should contact Brighton's ticket office direct on 01273 776992. This fixture is all-ticket, and no tickets will be sold on the day of the game. Ths Supporters Club are running coaches to the game, leaving as follows: Retford - 7.00am, Harworth Pit Gates - 7.05am, Bawtry - 7.15am, Rossington Styrrup - 7.15am, Hare & Tortoise - 7.20am, Infirmary - 7.30am, Keepmoat Car Park 3 - 7.45am Fares: Members £20, OAP's £18, U16's £16 Non-Members £22, U16’s £20 To book a place on the coach, please phone Len South – 01302 817347 or Paul Mayfield – 01427 880154 (mobile 077404 53066) |
| March
13, 2008 |
Boss
praises players |
 |
Rovers
manager Sean O'Driscoll praised his players following Tuesday night's
victory over Gillingham, during which the relegation-threatened side battled
all the way. O'Driscoll commented: "I think that's two home games which were must-win games and we've come through with flying colours. They were difficult games, both teams have tried to stop us playing. It's difficult, we need to win these games, but we won't go out all guns blazing because you are scared of giving a goal away and getting caught on the counter-attack." |
| March
13, 2008 |
PFA
update on Marples' future |
 |
The
deputy chief executive of the PFA, Mick McGure, has clarified a few details
after news emerged last week that former Doncaster Rovers defender Simon
Marples had been placed on "gardening leave" by Chester City
after refusing to be a substitute in a recent game. McGuire explained: "It was not an agreement between the club, the PFA and the player as stated on the (Chester City) website. The club offered the player the opportunity not to turn in to training. The PFA advised and made it clear that if he accepted their offer, his contract must be protected. The player decided to accept it because it seemed he had no part to play in the club's future plans. The PFA will now oversee that his contract is honoured." Marples' contract at Chester City runs until the end of this season. |
| March
12, 2008 |
Rovers
2 Gillingham 1 |
| |
It
wasn't pretty, but Rovers picked up another three points last night in
a wind-affected game against League One strugglers Gillingham, who certainly
didn't look like relegation candidates. Rovers struck in the fourth minute when James Coppinger latched on to a superb through ball from Richie Wellens, going round the goalkeeper to side-foot the ball home. Rovers could have gone further in front in the 28th minute when a Brian Stock shot from 20 yards hit the right post before rebounding across the goalmouth and out for a goal kick. The lead was doubled from the penalty spot two minutes after half time when Adam Bygrave needlessly handled the ball, with Paul Heffernan confidently firing home the spot kick to mean he has now scored in the last three matches. Gillingham pulled a goal back in the 56th minute when Sullivan fumbled the ball from a corner kick, allowing Crofts to head home, but after that Rovers could have increased their lead, with more of the scoring chances tending to come their way. |
| March
12, 2008 |
Nelly
recalled |
 |
Rovers
winger Craig Nelthorpe has been recalled form his loan spell at Halifax
Town. The 20-year old, who has been at The Shay for two months, scored
twice in seven games, but has not featured in their last two games. |
| March
12, 2008 |
Goals
time |
 |
There
are three former Rovers players that scored goals in last night's matches
- Jon-Paul Pittman scored for Crawley in their 3-2 away win at Altrincham
in the Blue Square Premier (formerly the Conference), and ex-youth team
striker Michael Rankine scored for Rushden in their 3-0 away win at Ebbsfleet
United. Also, former Rover Andy Watson was sent off for Farsley Celtic
in their goalless draw at Weymouth. Finally, in the Scottish First Division, Richard Offiong scored a 39th minute equaliser for Hamilton in their 1-1 draw at Dunfermline. |
| March
11, 2008 |
Rovers
v Gillingham |
| |
With
most of the promotion challengers at home this evening, Rovers' home game
against relegation threatened Gillingham is another "must win"
game to ensure that Rovers remain in an automatic promotion place by the
end of the day. Rovers are set to add Jason Price and Steve Roberts to the squad after missing out on Saturday due to injury and illness respectively. Lewis Guy has resumed training after recovering from glandular fever, but will not be considered for today's game Apart from that, we expect the rest of the squad to be the same as was used on Saturday against Port Vale. Gillingham go into today's game having conceded four goals in each of their last three away games. The latest defeat sees the Gills in the bottom four, although only one point away from safety. Gillingham are set to replace Ian Cox with Reading loanee Adam Bygrave following their defeat at Hartlepool on Saturday, and Sean Clohessy and Simon Royce may well return after suspension and illness respectively. |
| March
11, 2008 |
Leeds
match |
 |
Paul
Green was the runaway winner of the latest "Man of the Match"
voting for his performance in Saturday's game against Port Vale, which
strengthens his current second place in the "Player of the Season"
behind leader Richie Wellens. There were eight players receiving nominations
for Saturday's match, with those receiving most votes being as follows: 1 Paul Green (64.52%) 2 Paul Heffernan (16.13%) 3 Richie Wellens (8.06%) Thank you to everyone who voted - the next vote will open following this evening's match against Gillingham. |
| March
11, 2008 |
Voucher
reminder |
| |
We
remind supporters again that they must NOT use ticket number 17 from their
season ticket book for this evening's game, as ticket 17 will be required
for the Leeds United game. You should use ticket number 19 today. |
| March
11, 2008 |
Another
goal scorer |
 |
One
former Rovers player scoring at the weekend that we didn't notice yesterday
was Jamie Barnwell, who scored one of Hall Road Rangers' five goals as
they won 5-0 away at Rossington Main on Saturday. |
| March
10, 2008 |
Goals
review |
 |
We
begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend in
the Championship, where two goals from Chris Brown eased Preston's relegation
worries as they beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at the Valley. Brown moved
to Preston from Norwich City during the January transfer window. In League One, ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa scored twice to enable Northampton Town to dent Walsall's promotion hopes in a 2-0 victory at Sixfields. The latest brace means that Akinfenwa has scored six goals in six games since getting his chance in the Northampton side following his lengthy injury layoff. We then drop into non-league football - Jon-Paul Pittman scored a stoppage time equaliser to give Crawley Town a 1-1 home draw against Salisbury in the Blue Square Premier. Going down a level, and we see Neil Grayson scoring Stafford Rangers' second goal in their 2-2 draw at Woking. Finally, former Rovers striker Tristram Whitman scored twice for Bradford Park Avenue in their 3-0 home win over Lancaster City in the UniBond Division One (North). It was Whitman's first game for Bradford after joining on loan this week. |
| March
10, 2008 |
O'Driscoll
- may add loan players |
| |
Rovers
boss Sean O'Driscoll has not ruled out adding some loan players to his
promotion-chasing squad before the loan 'window' closes at the end of
the month. He told the Doncaster Star: “I don’t think that you can ever have a big enough squad. Managers up and down the country will always say that they could do with another couple of players whatever time of the season. But unless you can bring them in and they are your players, and you can do with them what you want, you have to play loan players." “At this moment in time it would be really unfair on anybody in the squad if we suddenly brought in a loan player and thereby denied them the chance to play. We are asking players all the time to take responsibility and when the crunch has come everybody has stood up to be counted, so we’ve got to reward them for doing what we asked." “But we are aware that the loan period ends at the end of the month and we don’t want to be caught short. If somebody comes up on the horizon that we think is a quality player, and he is available, then we’d have to sit down and decide what we were going to do.” |
| March
8, 2008 |
Rovers
2 Port Vale 1 |
| |
Two
goals in the first 17 minutes seemed to suggest that Rovers would be on
the way to an easy victory, but Rovers seemed to slightly ease off after
the second goal, which resulted in them conceding a soft goal midway through
the half. Whilst Port Vale struggled to land shots on target, the Rovers
were not imposing themselves on the game as much as anticipated, although
at times during the second half, it did seem as if they could increase
the lead. However, a win's a win at this stage of the season, with the
three points keeping Rovers marginally ahead of Carlisle, who also won
today. Other results this afternoon makes it appear as though it's between
Rovers and Carlisle for the second automatic promotion place - there is
now a seven point gap underneath Carlisle, with Nottingham Forest drawing
and Walsall and Tranmere losing. The "Man of the Match" voting is now open. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left. |
| March
8, 2008 |
Rovers
v Port Vale |
| |
Following
Swansea's surprise defeat last night at the hands of Millwall, Doncaster
Rovers have the opportunity to reduce the Swans' 11 point lead if they
can defeat bottom club Port Vale at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon. After four away games in a row, Rovers are back at home for the first time since 9th February, and will be hoping for a bumper crowd to cheer them on. We don't expect any further changes to the side that won at Tranmere last Saturday, with Paul Heffernan leading the attack alongside Mark McCammon - although new signings Gareth Taylor and Stuart Elliott, who both have yet to appear at the Keepmoat, must be hoping to be given a chance to show the home fans what they can do. James Hayter is now fully fit and may be added to the squad this afternoon, but Gordon Greer and James O'Connor continue their absences as they continue to recover from injury. Lewis Guy is continuing to recover from glandular fever. Port Vale welcome back striker Luke Rodgers after his recovery from a stomach muscle injury, with defender Adam Eckersley also in with a chance of a recall after recovering from an ankle injury. The match should mark the return of former Rovers favourite Dave Mulligan, who joined Port Vale in the January transfer window on a contract that runs until the end of the season. |
| March
8, 2008 |
Marples
on "garden leave" |
| |
Ex-Doncaster
Rovers defender Simon Marples has been placed on "garden leave"
by Chester City's caretaker manager Simon Davies. The move was made after
discussions between Marples and Davies, after which advice was given by
the PFA. It is understood that Marples was unhappy at being selected as
a substitute for last Tuesdays' game at Darlington - according to the
club, he "refused to be utilised in that capactity". A Chester City statement said “The manager has acted speedily and firmly in this matter, the ball is now very much in the player’s court.” |
| March
8, 2008 |
Belles
win again |
 |
Doncaster
Rovers Belles won back-to-back league wins for the first team this season
when they comfortably beat Charlton Athletic 4-0 last Sunday in the Women's
Premier Division. The Doncaster goals were scored by Emily Heckler, Precious
Hamilton and Carla Cantrell (2). Doncaster Rovers Belles: Caroline Collie, Natasha Hughes, Amy Turner, Vikki Stevens, Emma Thomson, Claire Utley, Emily Heckler, Vicky Exley, Carla Cantrell, Liz Hansen, Presh Hamilton Substitutes Used: Vanessa Leat (for Thomson), Emma Johnson (for Heckler), Nat Shaw (for Hansen), Veronica Cantoro, Bridie Hannon |
| March
7, 2008 |
Heffs
edges ahead |
 |
Striker
Paul Heffernan edged ahead in the voting for the latest "Man of the
Match" for his performance in Tuesday evening's away game at Bristol
Rovers to win by one of the narrowest margins seen so far this season.
A total of seven Rovers players received nominations, with those receiving
most votes being: 1 Paul Heffernan (25.64%) 2 Matt Mills (23.07%) 3 Neil Sullivan (20.51%) Thank you to everyone who voted. The next vote will open following Saturday's home match against Port Vale. |
| March
7, 2008 |
Worley
goes on loan |
 |
Harry
Worley, the Chelsea defender who played ten games for Rovers at the end
of last season whilst on loan from Stamford Bridge, has joined Leicester
City on a month's loan. He was at Carlisle for a month's loan earlier
this season, making just one appearance for the Cumbrians. |
| March
7, 2008 |
Roberts
doubtful for Vale match |
 |
Rovers
defender Steve Roberts is rated as doubtful for tomorrow's home game against
Port Vale, having suffered a badly swollen foot during Tuesday's game
at Bristol Rovers. The injury forced his substitution at half time of
the game, with physio John Dickens saying that they had to waiti for the
swelling to go down before seeing if there is any underlying damage. Striker Jason Price will also miss tomorrow's match as he continues to have treatment on his ankle ligaments, but could be fit for Tuesday's home game against Gillingham. James Hayter is back in full training and is available for selection, but it will be two weeks before James O'Connor is likely to be considered as he continues to make progress after a hernia operation. |
| March
7, 2008 |
Season
ticket holders |
| |
Rovers
season ticket holders are reminded that they should NOT use ticket number
17 from their season ticket book for tomorrow's game. Those attending
tomorrow's game should use ticket number 18, as number 17 will be required
to gain admittance to the rescheduled match against Leeds United on 1st
April. Therefore, ticket 19 will be needed for the Gillingham match, number
20 for the Oldham game and number 21 for the Nottingham Forest match. |
| March
5, 2008 |
Bristol
Rovers 0 Rovers 1 |
| |
Rovers
edged ahead of Carlisle United in the League One table by reclaiming second
place as they completed the 'double' over Bristol Rovers last night. The
only goal of the game came in just the third minute, as Paul Heffernan
struck a volley past Steve Phillips from fifteen yards. Both sides had
their chances after that, with some bizarre decisions by the match referee
causing some comical decisions, with both sets of supporters baffled over
some of them. Bristol Rovers pushed forward in the latter stages as they
hoped to salvage something from the game, only to find Neil Sullivan in
superb form, who pulled off some great saves to keep the Rovers goal intact. |
| March
5, 2008 |
Voting
results v Tranmere |
| |
Goal-scoring
James Coppinger won the latest "Man of the Match" voting for
his performance in Saturday's away game at Tranmere Rovers. Eleven players
received nominations, with the players receiving most votes being as follows: 1 James Coppinger (30.43%) 2 Steve Roberts (21.74%) 3 Paul Green (19.57%) Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - the voting for the Bristol Rovers match is open until 5pm on Thursday. |
| March
5, 2008 |
Goal
scorers |
 |
There
were a couple of former Rovers players scoring goals in last night's Blue
Square Premier fixtures. Pride of place must go to Adriano Rigoglioso,
who scored a hat-trick in Forest Green Rovers' 6-0 away win at Weymouth,
lifting them to 7th in the table, although seven points behind the play-offs. Former Rovers striker Andy Campbell scored one of Halifax Town's three goals in their 3-3 draw at Altrincham, with his goal coming from the penalty spot in the 35th minute. |
| March
5, 2008 |
Welsh
check out Rovers duo |
 |
The
Yorkshire Post has reported that Welsh boss John Toshack has been checking
on the form of Brian Stock and Steve Roberts ahead of this month's friendly
fixture against Luxembourg. Stock has appeared at Under-21 level for Wales,
the latest beign four years ago, with Roberts winning a full cap when
he appeared as a substitute against Hungary three years ago. |
| March
3, 2008 |
Bristol
Rovers v Rovers |
| |
Tickets
for tomorrow's away game at Bristol Rovers are now on sale from the Keepmoat
Stadium ticket office - they will be on sale tomorrow in Bristol, but
all categories of ticket will be increased by £2. Advance ticket prices: Terrace (uncovered, side of pitch): Adults £15, U16's/Over 65's/Students £8 Seating (covered, behind goal): Adults £17.50, U16's/Over 65's/Students £9.50/Ambulant disabled & carer £8.00 Wheelchair disabled supporters should telephone Bristol Rovers on 0117 9096648. |
| March
3, 2008 |
Goals
review |
 |
All
goals that we've noticed being scored by former Rovers players this weekend
were in non-league football. We begin in the Blue Square Premier, where Andy Campbell scored for Halifax Town in their 2-1 home win over Weymouth. Former Rovers youth team striker Michael Rankine scored for Rushden & Diamonds in their 2-1 home win over Woking, and Jon-Paul Pittman scored for Crawley Town, although Town went down to a 3-1 defeat at Stevenage Borough. In the Blue Square North, Kettering Town maintained their place at the top of the table with a 6-0 win over Vauxhall Motors, with Chris Beardsley on the score sheet. Finally, in the UniBond First Division (South), ex-Rovers midfielder Steve Hawes scored Sheffield FC's final goal in their 3-0 win at Quorn. |
| March
3, 2008 |
Wheater
signs new deal |
 |
Former
Rovers loan defender David Wheater has signed a new contract at Premiership
club Middlesbrough after impressing the Boro management with his performances
this season. Wheater's new deal will run through to the end of the 2011/2012
season. On concluding the deal, Wheater said: “I’m just glad the contract’s all sorted and I can just get on with my football now. I’m very happy with the deal. It’s what I wanted and it keeps me on my toes to get another one after that.'' |
| March
1, 2008 |
Tranmere
0 Rovers 1 |
| |
Doncaster
Rovers climbed back up into second place in the League One table, with
a hard earned victory which was achieved thanks to a second minute goal
from James Coppinger. Rovers could have gone further in front, with Gareth
Roberts' first time shot being saved by the home keeper. Overall it was
an even contest between the two sides, with Tranmere surging forwards
at times in search of the equaliser, but the Rovers defence held form
and in the main restricted the home side to shots from range. A late strike
from Paul McLaren went over the bar - Tranmere's last chance of the game. |
| March
1, 2008 |
Tranmere
v Rovers |
| |
Sean
O'Driscoll will have to wait before naming his side to face promotion
rivals Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park this afternoon. Rovers stars Paul
Green and Richie Wellens missed training this week with hamstring tendon
and stomach muscle injuries respectively. Green is set to replace James O'Connor in the side at right back - O'Connor is out for three or four weeks with a hernia, so if Green does not make it, Rovers have the alternative of bringing Sam Hird into the side, or playing with three at the back. Rovers are also missing James Hayter and Gordon Greer, who both are still recovering from injury, and Lewis Guy, who is absent as he recovers from glandular fever. Tranmere will be at virtually full strength , with just Steve Davies (cruciate ligament) and Chris Shuker (knee) out today. |
| March
1, 2008 |
Leeds
tickets |
| |
All returned tickets
for the forthcoming home game against Leeds United have now been sold,
so the match is now a sell-out, with a crowd of around 14,700 due to
make it the record attendance at the Keepmoat Stadium. |
| March
1, 2008 |
Injury
update |
 |
Rovers
physio John Dickens has blamed the hard pitches at the Keepmoat Stadium
and the Cantley Park training ground for contributing towards the number
of injuries experienced by Rovers players this season. So far, James O'Connor,
James Coppinger, Gareth Roberts, Brian Stock and James Hayter have had
to have hernia operations - boss Sean O'Driscoll has also previously blamed
the pitch for an increase in calf and thigh problems. James Hayter is now back in full training, and Rovers are hoping to set up a practice match to help improve his fitness during next week. Gordon Greer is also making good progress after undergoing a hip operation earlier in the season. |