March 29, 2008
Rovers 1 Forest 0
Doncaster Rovers put on a superb show to defeat Nottingham Forest last night, with the former European champions only managing to seriously trouble Neil Sullivan once all evening - and that would have been ruled out for offside!
Although it took Rovers until the 74th minute to take the lead through a Gareth Roberts free kick that fooled the Forest defence by sneaking in at the near post, they had numerous chances throughout the game, with Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith having to tip a number of shots over the bar, especially during the first half. Jason Price proved to be a constant trouble to the Forest defence, who seemed totally unable to control him, with Matt Mills proving a calming influence at the other end of the pitch.
The win puts Rovers two points behind Carlisle United - and a massive nine points ahead of fourth placed Forest, which sets things up very nicely for the closing weeks of the season!
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 29, 2008
Nelly joins Penney
Doncaster Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe has signed for Dave Penney's Darlington on a month's loan. The left-winger has made just 14 appearances for Rovers, eleven of them as substitute, in the three years since making his first team debut under Penney's stewardship. However, with little chance of getting in the Rovers side at the moment, the move to Darlington looks ideal for the youngster, who spent time on loan at Halifax Town earlier in the season.
March 29, 2008
Spireites sign Hawkins and Dyer
Former Rovers defender Colin Hawkins joined League Two club Chesterfield on loan for the rest of the season after being told that his contract will not be renewed at Coventry City when it expires in the summer. Hawkins has only just made a return to action after seven months out with an achilles tendon injury, and will be looking to revive his career, which has been badly affected by injury in his time at the Ricoh Arena.
Meanwhile, former Rovers striker Bruce Dyer has signed for Chesterfield on a short-term contract until the end of the season. Dyer was released by Rovers in the transfer window after only appearing in a couple of Johnstone's Paint Trophy matches this season.
March 27, 2008
Rovers internationals
Three Rovers players were selected for international duty in last night's matches, Stuart Elliott, Brian Stock and Steve Roberts. As it turned out, Stuart Elliott played the full ninety minutes of Northern Ireland's game against Georgia, but Brian Stock and Steve Roberts were both unused subsitutes in Wales' 2-0 victory in Luxembourg.
March 27, 2008
Fairhust to Retford
Doncaster Rovers' youth player Waide Fairhurst has joined UniBond First Division (South) club Retford United on "word experience" and made his debut for the Badgers in Good Friday's 1-0 win over Shepshed Dynamo. He was a late subsitute in the game, and during the time he had on the pitch, gave glimpses of why Retford have taken him to Cannon Park.
Fairhurst has been a regular in the Rovers' youth team this season and has built up an impressive scoring record.
March 27, 2008
Injury update
Striker Mark McCammon is battling ot be fit for Friday's home game against Nottingham Forest after picking up a knee strain during Monday's game against Oldham. Rovers hope the injury will settle down, but Mark is rated as doubtful to play on Friday.
James O'Connor is set to return after missing Monday's match. He was suffering from a sore adductor after making his playing comeback at Yeovil Town last Friday, but after receiving treatment during this week, boss Sean O'Driscoll is confident that O'Connor will be fit to play.
Paul Green has a sore hamstring, but Rovers expect him to be fit for Friday.
Rovers are hoping that the three players selected for international duty (Elliott, Stock, Steve Roberts)will be fit for Friday's big game against Nottingham Forest.
Two definitely ruled out are defender Gordon Greer and midfielder Mark Wilson. Greer is stepping up his training regime and is expected to be playing before the end of the season. Wilson has a groin injury that will take eight weeks to recover from, so it is unlikely that he will feature for Rovers for the remainder of this season.
March 27, 2008
Voting results
Defender Gareth Roberts won his first "Man of the Match" of the season for his performance in Monday's home game against Oldham Athletic. With the votes spread amongst just six players, those receiving most votes were:
1 Gareth Roberts (40.38%)
2 Paul Green (19.23%)
3 Steve Roberts (13.46%)
4 Paul Heffernan (11.53%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following Friday evening's home game against Nottingham Forest.
March 26, 2008
Tickets for away game at Huddersfield
Tickets for the away game at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, 5th April, are now on general sale from the ticket office.
You will be able to gain admisison on the day of the game but, as has been experienced for a number of away games this season, prices will rise compared with tickets bought in advance.
Prices for tickets bought in advance are:
Adults £16.50, Senior Citizens/Students £9.00, U16s £5.00, Wheelchair disabled & carer £11.00, Ambulant disabled & carer £16.50
Admission on match day will cost:
Adults £19.00, Senior Citizens/Students £10.00, U16s £7.00, Wheelchair disabled & carer £12.00, Ambulant disabled & carer £19.00
Tickets will be on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium until 3pm on Friday, 4th April.
If any supporters require Disabled Car Parking please contact Huddersfield Ticket Office on 0870 4444552.
March 26, 2008
Lee hopes to extend Shrews stay
BBC Radio Shropshire has reported that Rovers defender Graeme Lee is hoping to impress Shrewsbury's management sufficiently during his month on loan to extend his stay through until the end of the season, with the prospect of earning a full contract in the summer.
Lee is quoted as saying: "The club's obviously ambitious and I'm glad to be part of it. I know it's a young team, but I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together. I'm here for a month initially, but hopefully I can impress the manager and we can sit down and talk about the future."
The news seems to suggest that Rovers fans may have seen the last of Graeme Lee, who has missed this season due to knee and ankle injuries.
March 26, 2008
Lester out
Former Doncaster Rovers loan striker Jack Lester is likely to be missing from Chesterfield's side for three weeks after sustaining a badly broken nose during their 4-2 home win against Accrington Stanley. The injury is likely to require surgery, which will be a huge blow to Lee Richardson's side, who will be missing their leading goal scorer as they aim to consolidate their position within the play-off places of League Two.
March 24, 2008
Rovers 1 Oldham 1
The fifth game against Oldham Athletic ended level - perhaps not a surprise as both sides knew each other well, with the defences, on the whole, knowing how to nullify the attacking threat of the opposition. Rovers went in front in the 37th minute from a Paul Heffernan strike - they also had a strong claim for a penalty turned down for what seemed to be a clear handball to 8,000 in the Keepmoat Stadium. They should still have taken all three points, with Jason Price missing a gilt-edged chance in the dying moments of the game when the Oldham keeper slipped when taking a goal kick, but the Afro Goal Machine took too many touches before shooting, and the chance was gone. James Hayter also saw his header hit the bottom of the right post in a frantic finish, but Rovers just could not break through.
March 25, 2008
Heffernan wins voting
Striker Paul Heffernan was voted as your "Man of the Match" for his performance in Good Friday's away game at Yeovil Town, winning around half of all votes cast. Seven players received nominations, with the players receiving most votes being:
1 Paul Heffernan (52/94%)
2 James O'Connor (23.53%)
The remaining votes were fairly evenly spread amongst the other five players. Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting - you can vote for the "Man of the Match" for the Easter Monday home game against Oldham Athletic until 5pm on Wednesday.
March 25, 2008
Hawkins released
Former Doncaster Rovers defender Colin Hawkins will be released by Coventry City at the end of the season, after the Sky Blues confirmed the departure of eight players in the summer after they have failed to convince new boss Chris Coleman that they deserve new contracts. Hawkins is particularly unlucky, having only played one match recently since returning from seven month absence due to an achilles tendon injury. Whilst his future may be uncertain, his availability looks likely to spark a scramble of Irish clubs to achieve his services, with Bray Wanderers, managed by ex-Rover Eddie Gormley, expected to make an approach. Gormley previously worked with Hawkins at St Patricks, where the club won league titles in 1998 and 1999.
March 25, 2008
Hume scores
Former Rovers defender Mark Hume scored for Harrogate Town yesterday in their 1-0 away win at Vauxhall Motors in the Blue Square North. The result keeps them in the play-off places, four points behind second placed AFC Telford.
March 24, 2008
Rovers v Oldham
Doncaster Rovers have no new injury worries for this afternoon's home game against Oldham Athletic. They will, however, be without the services of Stuart Elliott, who is away for international duty with Northern Ireland. Brian Stock and Steve Roberts, both called up by Wales, have been given dispensation to play this afternoon, and will join up with the squad after the game, as has Oldham's Neal Eardley.
Rovers may make changes following two away defeats, with Mark Wilson also being available after making a quicker than anticipated recovery from a groin injury.
Oldham are likely to be missing defender John Thompson, who had to be substiututed during Saturday's draw against Millwall, with Jason Jarrett, his replacement on Saturday, likely to start the game in his place.
John Sheridan is also likely to continue with rookie on-loan keeper Richard O'Donnell, who joined the club recently on loan from Sheffield Wednesday.
The Latics will be without Lee Hughes (groin) who requires surgery, Andy Liddell (achilles), Craig Davies (hamstring), Lewis Alessandra (achilles) and Mark Crossley (groin), although Reuben Hazell is set to return after completing a suspension.
March 24, 2008
Horlock joins Stags
Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Kevin Horlock has joined League Two strugglers Mansfield Town on loan from Scunthorpe United after failing to make it into Scunthorpe's first eleven since leaving Rovers in January.
Before moving to Scunthorpe, Kevin had been on the injured list at Rovers for twelve months after picking up a bad knee injury early last season, but the good form of the Rovers midfielders meant that, once he regained full fitness, he was unable to regain his first team place.
March 24, 2008
Timlin to Swindon again
Michael Timlin, who played for Rovers on loan from Fulham a couple of seasons ago, has joined Swindon Town on loan until the end of the season. The 24-year old midfielder spent six months with Swindon last season, helping them to promoiton from League Two and will augment a depleted midfield that is currently missing Lee Peacock, Michael Pook and Christian Roberts.
March 23, 2008
Goals review
In a review of yesterday's matches, in League Two, former Rovers skipper scored for Darlington, but Dave Penney's promotion hopefuls went down to a surprising 2-1 defeat at Chester City, which was only Chester's second win of 2008.
In the Blue Square Conference North, Chris Beardsley scored again for Kettering Town, who stretched their lead over AFC Telford to seven points at the top of the table. Kettering defeated Nuneaton Borough 3-2 at home yesterday.
Finally, in League One, former Rover JJ Melligan was sent off whilst playing for Leyton Orient in their 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Carlisle United. Melligan was shown a straight red card for his tackle on Evan Horwood in the first half.
March 23, 2008
McCormack called up
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Ross McCormack, currently playing at Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, has been called up for this week's Scotland Under-21 squad for their UEFA European Championship qualifying match against Finland.
The match will be played on Wednesday, 26th March at Aberdeen's Pittordrie Stadium, with the full squad being: Goalkeepers: Jamie MacDonald (Hearts), Euan McLean (Dundee United), Chris Smith (St Mirren). Defenders: Andrew Considine (Aberdeen), Scott Cuthbert (Celtic), Garry Kenneth (Dundee United), Kevin McCann (Hibs), Mark Reynolds (Motherwell), Thomas Scobbie (Falkirk), Lee Wallace (Hearts). Midfield: Scott Arfield (Falkirk), Ryan Conroy (Celtic), Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock), James McCarthur (Hamilton Academical) Kevin McDonald (Dundee), Charles Mulgrew (Wolverhampton), Lewis Stevenson (Hibs). Forwards: Ross Campbell (Hibs), Graham Dorrans (Livingston), Calum Elliot (Hearts), Ross McCormack (Motherwell), Steven Naismith (Rangers).
March 23, 2008
Flitney out for season
Ross Flitney, who was on loan at Doncaster Rovers in the 2004/05 season, will miss the rest of the season after breaking a bone in his wrist. The 23 year old was injured whilst playing for Grays Athletic in their game against Burton Albion recently.
He has played 32 games for Grays this season; joining the Essex side from Barnet in June 2007.
March 23, 2008
Rovers win award
Doncaster Rovers have been awarded the "Football League Family Excellence Award" for 2008. The award has been introduced by the Football League to recognise the efforts of clbus deliverying a match day experience in such a way that will persuade families to come back in the future. The award is awarded by two mystery fans who looked at all areas of the families' matchday experience and the club's child protection and fair pricing policies.
March 22, 2008
Yeovil 2 Rovers 1
Yeovil's dominance over Doncaster continued yesterday at Huish Park, with the overall victory score reading 12 for Yeovil and 3 for Rovers. In a match badly affected by wind and rain, Yeovil used the conditions to their advantage in the first half and, aided by some defensive lapses, raced into a two goal lead after half an hour's play. The Glovers went ahead when Rovers allowed Yeovil skipper Terry Skiverton to be unlarked as the ball came into the penalty area, and he headed home unchallenged. That lead was increased in the 31st minute as Neil Sullivan tried to dribble the ball past Lloyd Owusu, but lost possession, leaving the Yeovil man time to tap the ball home unchallenged.
With the wind in their favour after the break, Rovers had the majority of the pressure, but could only pull one goal back by a long-range strike from Paul Heffernan in the 73rd minute. The result leaves Rovers still in second place on goal difference ahead of Carlisle United, who are away to Leyton Orient today - with the Cumbrians now having two goals in hand on Rovers.
March 22, 2008
Goals review
With most Football League matches taking place today, our goals review from yesterday's matches concentrate on the non-league football scene.
In the Blue Square Premier, Adriano Rigoglioso scored for Forest Green Rovers in their 2-1 win over Woking, which lifts Rovers to seventh place, four place behind the play-off places. Rigoglioso also scored in their game against York City on Tuesday evening.
The prolific Tristram Whitman scored two goals for Bradford Park Avenue in their 4-1 win over Mossley in the UniBond First Division (North), which keeps Bradford two points behind leaders Skelmersdale United, although Park Avenue have two games in hand.
Andy Heywood scored for Harrogate Railway in their 3-2 defea t t Garforth Town.
In the UniBond Premier Division, the much-travelled former Rovers striker Steve Brodie scored for Witton Albion in their 2-0 win at Marine, which keeps their lead at the top of the table at eleven points.
March 22, 2008
Jones not to face charges
Swansea City's assistant manager Graeme Jones, the former Doncaster Rovers striker, will not face any charges following his arrest at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening. Somerset and Avon police confirmed "The investigation has finished and no further action will be taken. Both clubs have fully co-operated and are supportive of the outcome."
Swansea were reduced to ten men with five minutes to go when Febian Brandy clashed with Coles, with emotions remaining high after the match. An alleged scuffle involving Jones and Rovers defender Danny Coles led to statements being taken and one man being arrested.
Swansea City's statement at the time said: "The club can confirm that an incident occurred in the tunnel after the game at the Memorial Stadium involving players and staff from both sides. Assistant manager Graeme Jones was involved but after questioned by the Avon and Somerset Police was released pending further investigations."
March 22, 2008
Blayney in shock move
Former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Alan Blayney has agreed a one and a half year contract with Northern Irish club Ballymena United after spending a time without a club following his release by Bohemians. Ballymena have one of their goalkeepers, Sean O'Neill, out of action for a year as he recovers from injury, although both keepers at Ballymena are only 21, so the experience of Blayney, 26, is one of the factors behind his signing.
The former Rovers stopper, who has one full Northern Ireland cap, cannot play for Ballymena this season as he has signed outside the transfer window, so it is hoped that he will play for Tobermore on loan for the rest of the season.
Boss Tommy Wright said: "We're hoping to arrange something with Tobermore to let him go there on loan until the end of the season because he hasn't played for a while.
"Sean O'Neill is out for a year. We know he's going to be OK in the long run but I know that coming back from a long injury, it will realisticall
y take him six months to get back to full fitness so we could be a wee bit short of cover for the start of next season. Alan is experienced and it's an opportunity for him to get his career back on track."
March 22, 2008
Rovers Belles win cup
Doncaster Rovers Belles won the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup last weekend when they beat Sheffield Wednesday 4-0, gaining revenge for their defeat in the final against the same opposition last season. The Doncaster goals were scored by Vikki Stevens, Liz Hansen, and two from Carla Cantrell in the second half.
March 21, 2008
Yeovil v Rovers
Doncaster Rovers begin a key three-match run this afternoon that could determine whether they can maintain an automatic promotion slot until the end of the season. This afternoon they face Yeovil Town, who are in mid-table after suffering a number of injury and illness problems recently - followed by key matches against Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
The return of James O'Connor this afternoon will enable Paul Green to revert to his normal midfield role. O'Connor successfully came through a behind closed doors game against Chesterfield on Monday; his first game since a hernia operation. Richie Wellens and Jason Price have recovered from knocks that have been troubling them recently, so Sean O'Driscoll has a virtually full-strength squad to select from, with only Gordon Greer and Mark Wilson still absent.
Yeovil skipper Terry Skiverton will return for the Glovers this afternoon after recovering from illness, but they will still be without Mark Lynch (hamstring), Matt Rose (tonsilitis), Jamie Peters (hamstring), Zoltan Stieber (hamstring), Paul Warne (broken foot), Nathan Jones (elbow fracture), with goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall going back to his consultant next week to be given the all-clear to resume training.
March 21, 2008
Hawkins on the way back
Former Doncaster Rovers central defender Colin Hawkins has made his long-awaited return to playing on Monday after being out of action for seven months with an Achilles injury. he played for an hour of Coventry City's reserve game against West Bromwich Albion without suffering all ill-effects, but after such a long absence, he will face a number of reserve games before being considered for the first team.
March 21, 2008
Woods back
Midfielder Martin Woods has returned to Doncaster Rovers after completing his month on loan at Yeovil Town, where he was restricted to three appearances due to an ankle injury. Woods will add some important cover in midfield as Rovers approach the final six weeks of the season. He joined Rovers on a free transfer from Rotherham United last summer.
Rovers have agreed to extend the loan of defender Matt Noble at Guiseley for a further month.
March 21, 2008
Wheater called up for England
The headlines may be dominated over the inclusion of David Beckham in the England squad for next week's friendly against France, but we welcome the inclusion of former Rovers loan defender David Wheater in the squad. The 21-year old has been in great form this season for Middlesbrough, and has been included in the Under-21 squad a number of times recently, but this marks the first time he has been selected for the senior team.
The humble nature of David is typfied by his comment: "It won't change me at all. I know the squad gets cut down from 30. I might take my autograph book! Just being named in the England set-up is a fantastic achievement and I have to thank Gareth Southgate."
March 21, 2008
Lee to Shrews
Rovers defender Graeme Lee has joined League Two club Shrewsbury Town on loan for the rest of the season, only a few days after returning from a month on loan at Hartlepool United.
Lee has not managed to get back into the starting eleven since recovering from neck and knee injuries due to the good form of the other defenders at Rovers.
Shrewsbury, currently 16th in League Two, have recently appointed former Carlisle and Preston manager Paul Simpson as their manager. Simpson sees the capture of Graeme as key to revitalising his squad.
He said: "He's a captain-type player with the experience under his belt that we need in our young squad. He's played over 300 games at senior level, he's been involved in promotions, and he'll freshen up the side. I know what he's about, he's a player I've seen a fair bit over the years and he'll give us extra options in defence."
Graeme should make his Shrews debut this weekend in their away game at Dagenham & Redbridge.
March 18, 2008
Oldham match goes on
Late this afternoon it was confirmed that Doncaster Rovers' match against Oldham Athletic will go ahead as scheduled after Welsh boss John Toshack agreed that Brian Stock and Steve Roberts can play in Easter Monday's match, and then join up with the Welsh squad that evening. Clubs can postpone fixtures when they have three or more players called up for international duty.
March 18, 2008
Oldham game in doubt
Rovers' home game against Oldham Athletic may be in doubt following three members of the Rovers squad being called up for international duty on Wednesday, 26th March. Stuart Elliott has been inlcuded in the Northern Ireland squad for their game against Georgia at Windsor Park, and Brian Stock and Stephen Roberts have been named in the Welsh squad for their match in Luxembourg on the same evening. This means that all three will be unavailable for Easter Monday's home game against Oldham Athletic, which we understand means that Rovers will be entitled to ask for a postponement.
March 18, 2008
Wales call up Stock and Roberts
Welsh team manager John Toshack has called up Rovers duo Steve Roberts and Brian Stock for their friendly fixture against Luxembourg on Wednesday, 26th March, meaning the pair will miss Easter Monday's home game against Oldham Athletic.
Roberts has already won one Welsh cap, following his international debut against Hungary three years ago. Stock has previously appeared for Wales at Under-21 level, but this marks his first inclusion in the senior squad.
The Welsh squad for the fixture is: Boaz Myhill (Hull City), Lewis Price (Derby), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth), Neal Eardley (Oldham), Craig Morgan (Peterborough), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby), Sam Ricketts (Hull), Stephen Roberts (Doncaster), Ashley Williams (Stockport), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Arron Davies (Nottingham Forest), Simon Davies (Fulham), David Edwards (Wolves), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Owain Tudur Jones (Swansea), Jason Koumas (Wigan), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Brian Stock (Doncaster), David Cotterill (Wigan), Jermaine Easter (Plymouth), Freddy Eastwood (Wolves), Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley).
March 18, 2008
Elliott for Northern Ireland
Doncaster Rovers' on loan striker Stuart Elliott has been named in Northern Ireland's squad for their friendly fixture against Georgia at Windsor Park on 26th March. Elliott is included because of his ability to play wide on the left, according to boss Nigel Worthington.
The full Northern Ireland squad is: Taylor (Birmingham City), Carroll (Derby County), Mannus (Linfield), Baird (Fulham), Hughes (Fulham), Craigan (Motherwell), McAuley (Leicester City), McCartney (West Ham), Evans (Manchester Utd, on loan at Sunderland), Davis (Fulham, on loan at Rangers), Johnson (Birmingham City), Clingan (Nottingham Forest), Brunt (West Bromwich Albion), Gillespie (Sheffield Utd), O'Connor (Crewe Alexandra), Elliott (Hull City, on loan at Doncaster Rovers), Gault (Linfield), Healy (Fulham), Lafferty (Burnley), Paterson (Scunthorpe Utd), Thompson (Linfield), Feeney (Cardiff City).
March 18, 2008
Rovers win practice match
Doncaster Rovers played a 'behind closed doors' match against Chesterfield yesterday and ran out as winners by a 4-0 scoreline. James Hayter scored twice, Stuart Elliott scoring the other two. The match enabled players such as Gareth Taylor, James Hayter and Stuart Elliott to get some match practice, with James O'Connor returning to action after his hernia operation.
March 18, 2008
Youth team win
Doncaster Rovers' youth team won 2-0 at Lincoln City at the weekend. With leaders Hull City losing, it means that Rovers have now drawn level with Hull, but stay second on goal difference.
March 18, 2008
Voting results
Neil Sullivan was the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for his performance in Saturday's away game at Brighton & Hove Albion. Sullivan headed six players receiving nominations and received just over 60% of the votes, with Paul Green and Matt Mills coming in joint second, with a little over 11% of the total votes cast. Thank you to those who took the trouble to vote. The next poll will open following Friday afternoon's away game at Yeovil Town.