November 15, 2007

Coaches to Port Vale

The Supporters Club are running coaches to next Saturday's away game against Port Vale, with departure times as follows:
Retford 10.15am, Harworth 10.20am, Bawtry 10.30am, Styrrup, Rossington 10.30am, Hare & Tortoise 10.35am, Infirmary 10.45am, Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 3 11.00am
Fares are: Members: £10, OAP's: £9, U16's: £8
Non-Members: £12, OAP's/U16's: £10
To book, please phone Len South (01302 817347) or Dave Hickling (01302 744569)

November 15, 2007

Port Vale v Rovers

There will be no tickets available in advance for next Saturday's match against Port Vale. Everyone has to pay on the day - adults can pay at the turnstiles, but all concessions wil have to buy tickets from the Port Vale ticket office and will have to provide proof of age/eligibility whey buying their ticket.
Ticket prices are: Adults £19, Senior Citizens (over 60) £12.50, U21's £12.50, U16's £8, Wheelchair disabled £19 (carer free)
Wheelchair disabled should book their tickets in advance with Port Vale by calling 01782 655800.

November 15, 2007

Oldham FA Cup tickets

Tickets for the FA Cup replay against Oldham Athletic are now on sale to season ticket holders, with no limit as to how many tickets can be bought. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale from Monday, 19th November.
Those who are in the Cup Direct scheme had their tickets posted out on Tuesday (13th November).
Normal match prices apply for this game.

November 15, 2007

Goals update

With all of the four northern section matches in the second round producing surprising results this week, we had just one former Rovers player scoring, with Richie Barker putting Hartlepool ahead against Morecambe, but defensive mistakes allowed Morecambe to equalise and eventually win the tie in a penalty shoot-out.

November 14, 2007

Grimsby 2 Rovers 2 (Grimsby win 5-4 on penalties)

Doncaster Rovers went out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in dramatic and controversial fashion last night on a wet and windswept night at Blundell Park. After coming from behind on two occasions, Lewis Guy and Paul Heffernan scoring the Rovers goals, Paul Green missed the first penalty of the shoot-out for Rovers. All of the remaining penalties were scored - but Grimsby appeared to have dashed their chances of victory when Ben Smith saved their final spot kick. However, the referee intervened and ruled that the kick had to be taken again - Paul Bolland made no mistake with the second attempt to give Grimsby victory. Rovers were backed by a magnificent support of over 2,000 - they actually outnumbered the home support, which is some achievement.
Rovers made a number of changes after some of the more regular selections picked up injuries in Saturday's FA Cup game at Oldham, giving the likes of Mark McCammon and Paul Heffernan the opportunity to have their first match after injury absences.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed; the result will be announed on Saturday morning.

November 14, 2007

Bradley on target again

After not hearing of him for many months, former Rovers midfielder Mark Bradley scored for the third time in as many games as Linlithgow beat visitors Carnoustie 1-0 at the weekend. Bradley featured in Rovers' first match in the Conference, but virtually disappeared immediately afterwards.

November 14, 2007

Redfearn moves on

Former Rovers midfidlder Neil Redfearn signed for his second club last weekend since leaving Northwich Victoria a month ago when he joined UniBond League One North club Bridlington Town. Redfearn had been playing for Frickley Colliery since resigning as manager at Blue Square National strugglers Northwich Victoria.

November 14, 2007

Liverpool 0 Rovers Belles 3

Doncaster Rovers Belles continued their improving form of late when they registered a convincing 3-0 win at Liverpool on Sunday. Goals came from Liz Hansen, Pauline Hamilton and Carla Cantrell, with the Rovers Belles climing into 8th place, with games in hand on teams above them.

November 13, 2007

Grimsby v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers look set to make several changes for this evening's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match at Grimsby Town, with a number of players doubtful due to injury. Gareth Roberts will miss the game due to a groin injury, with Brian Stock (back) and James Coppinger (calf) are doubtful. Jason Price is also rated as doubtful for the game. With managers having to name a side containing the majority of the regular starting line-up, Sean O'Driscoll may have limited options should the above all be ruled out tonight.
Grimsby have doubts over Paul Bolland and Danny Boshell. Both of them picked up knocks in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle which forced their substitution towards the end of the game. Isaiah Rankin, who missed the Carlisle game on Saturday, is again likely to be missing tonight. On-loan striker Martin Butler is cup-tied for the match and defender Tom Newey is suspended and may be replaced by Justin Whittle, who is recovering from a back strain.
Please remember that the match will kick-off at 7.30pm.

November 13, 2007

Grimsby ticket news

Admission to this evening's game at Blundell Park is payable on the gate for adults - but up to two under-16's can get in free when accompanied by an adult. Concessionary tickets, including the free children's tickets, must be bought from the Grimsby Town ticket office. Grimsby are expecting around 1,000 Rovers fans to attend, so we urge anyone wanting to buy concessionary tickets to arrive in good time.
Admission prices for this evening's game are £10 for adults, and £5 for concessions (U16's free when accompanied by a full paying adult).

November 13, 2007

One we missed....

One former Rovers player who scored a goal at the weekend which we neglected to mention yesterday is defender Chris Swailes, who scored for Hamilton in their 2-0 win over Partick Thistle at New Douglas Park. Ex-Rover Richard Offiong scored the other Hamilton goal, which keeps the Accies six points clear at the top of the Scottish First Division.

November 13, 2007

Ross wins award

Ross McCormack, who played for Rovers on loan from Glasgow Rangers a couple of seasons ago, has been named the Scottish Premier League's "Young player of the month" for October. The 21-year old striker impressed the judges, despite Motherwell losing three out of their four games played during the month. McCormack missed most of last season with a long-running mystery viral complaint, but has returned to full fitness this season to reach fine form on a consistent basis.

November 13, 2007

Voting results

James Hayter was voted as your "Man of the Match" for his double-goal scoring performance in Saturday's draw at Oldham Athletic. Despite one of the largest votes for an away game this season, there were only nominations for four players this time - with over 90% going to the leading two, who were:
1 James Hayter (55.32%)
2 Richie Wellens (38.30%)
Thanks go to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The next poll will open following this evening's away game at Grimsby Town.

November 12, 2007

Goals review

This week's review of former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals begins in the FA Cup First Round.
Leo Fortune-West scored the winning goal five minutes from time for Cambridge as they defeated Aldershot 2-1. Jack Lester opened the scoring for Chesterfield in the 29th minute of their game against Tranmere - but the Sprieites eventually went down 2-1. Gregg Blundell scored in the 8th minute of Darlington's home tie against Northampton - the match finished in a 1-1 draw, with boss Dave Penney complaining about the use of Umbro footballs in the FA Cup instead of the Mitre ones used in League matches. Neil Roberts scored for Wrexham in the 66th minute, but the struggling League Two club went down to a heavy 4-1 defeat at Peterborough.
Midfielder John McGrath scored twice for Burton Albion in their 4-0 away win at Halifax Town - the Shaymen's cause was not helped when Anthony Griffith - on loan from Rovers - was sent off for a foul on Shaun Harrad in the 25th minute, his third red card of the season.
In Sunday's FA Cup match, Richie Barker scored twice as Hartlepool United comfortably dumped Gainsborough Trinity out of the competition by a 6-0 victory margin - putting paid to Trinity's hopes of reaching the second round for the first time since 1939.
Elsewhere, in the Conference North, Mark Hume scored in the third minute for Harrogate Town, but they still lost 2-1 at Burscough.
The final part of the review comes from Scotland, where the goal machine called Richard Offiong scored again as Hamilton won 2-0 at home against Partick Thistle.
Colin Cramb scored for Stirling Albion in their match at Livingston, but Albion went down to a 4-3 defeat, which leaves them hovering dangerously near the relegation places at the bottom of Division One.
Finally, Dene Shields made a dramatic entrance from the subsitutes' bench, scoring the only goal of what seemed to be heading for a dour goalless draw at Airdrie to give Ross County the three points to maintain a four point lead at the top of Division Two.

November 12, 2007

Exley quits international football

Doncaster Rovers Belles' midfielder Vicky Exley has announced that she is to retire from international football after representing England on 52 occasions. She said: "I've had an amazing time representing my country, and after the World Cup in China, I felt it was maybe the right time to step aside. I'm keen to go back to my coaching badges and see where that may take me."

November 12, 2007

Beardsley makes successful comeback

Ex-Rovers striker Chris Beardsley made a successful return to action on Wednesday as York City's reserves thrashed Scunthorpe United 5-1 at Glanford Park. Beardsley featured for the last 35 minutes of the match, scoring one of York's goals just seven weeks after having his jaw fractured in a "controversial incident" during York's match at Grays Athletic.

November 4, 2007

Man of the match results

It was a close contest between three players for the "man of the match" for Saturday's game at Swindon. In the end, with ten players receiving nominations, it was a three-way tie - Lewis Guy, Brian Stock and Jason Price all receiving the same number of votes.
The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 = Lewis Guy, Brian Stock, Jason Price (20.58% each)
4 = Richie Wellens, Matt Mills (8.82% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part - the next poll will open following the away game at Gillingham.
The "Man of the Match" voting for Tuesday's away game at Gillingham saw Richie Wellens emerge victorious with 45.45% of the vote, followed by Adam Lockwood, who received 18.18% of the votes.

November 10, 2007

Oldham 2 Rovers 2

Rovers came back from two goals down to earn a replay against Oldham Athletic. Rovers, who comfortably beat their Lancashire opponents recently in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, had to overcome going a goal behind in the 32nd minute when Neal Trotman blasted home from a corner. The second for the home side came four minutes after the break - then two goals from James Hayter, in the 63rd and 86th minutes, earned Rovers the replay.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. We will let you know the result on Tuesday morning.

November 11, 2007

Cup draw

Should Rovers be successful in the first round FA Cup replay against Oldham, they will be at home in the second round against Crewe Alexandra. The match is scheduled to be played on the weekend of 1st and 2nd December.

November 11, 2007

Cup replay

The replay of Rovers' FA Cup First Round tie against Oldham Athletic will be delayed until Tuesday, 27th November - kick-off 7.45pm. This is a week later than would normally be the case - but as with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie between the two sides, the match cannot take place on the scheduled date as Oldham Athletic have players who would be unavailable due to international call-ups. That will mean that the replay will be played just four days before the second round match, with the winners facing Crewe Alexandra at home.

November 11, 2007

Bradford City 1 Youth team 2

Rovers were victorious in their youth team fixture at Bradford City yesterday. Unfortunately at the moment, there are no details available of who scored the goals.

November 11, 2007

Marples in Team of the Week

Congratulations go to former Rovers defender Simon Marples, who was named in the League Two "Team of the Week" for his outstanding performance in Chester's game against Lincoln City a week last Friday.

November 10, 2007

Gill off the mark

Former Rovers striker Robert Gill got off to a scoring start for Waikato FC in the new New Zealand Football Championship season, which had its first round of matches last weekend. Gill scored a 30th minute as Waikato started off with a 3-1 victory over Otago. Gill played for Rovers during their time in the Conference, but has gained himself a fearsome reputation as a regular goal scorer since moving to New Zealand at the beginning of the year.

November 10, 2007

Akinfenwa after Yeovil deal

Ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa weighing up his options after making his playing comeback for Yeovil's reserves last week. He told the Western Daily Press: "I have got to have a meeting with my agent because quite a few clubs have shown an interest. A couple are League One clubs nearer my home in London and it is nice to know that I am wanted. I have spent a lot of time at Yeovil, though, and I have really enjoyed it. Hopefully both parties can all agree terms on a deal within the next couple of weeks and I can stay. I am a footballer and I just want to be out there doing the thing I love. I am just looking forward to getting a couple more games under my belt now to regain my match fitness."

November 9, 2007

Radio Sheffield are currently running a poll as part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations to decide on the best players from the teams in the region over the last 40 years. Because of the fan base of the two Sheffield clubs, no-one from outside of the Sheffield clubs has had a look in, so now it's our chance to do something about it with just the strikers to be chosen. To vote for the great man,Alick Jeffrey,copy and paste this address into your internet browser. http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/content/articles/2007/10/08/40th_birthday_fantasy_football_feature.shtml

November 8, 2007

Oldham team news

Having reported yesterday that Paul Heffernan could be out for some time, the bbc is now reporting that Heffernan and Mark McCammon are available for selection at Oldham tomorrow. Oldham could include former West Brom striker Lee Hughes who following his release from prison has been suffering witha hernia injury is pushing for a start.

November 9, 2007

November 8, 2007

Youth team progress in cup

November 8, 2007

Heffs could be out for weeks

Striker Paul Heffernan who had been suffering with a groin injury, could now be out for a few weeks as a result of an injury to his hand. Richard O'Kelly told Radio Sheffield that he'll be out for weeks as he cannot out any presure on the injury. He did say though that the groin injury had healed well.

November 8, 2007

November 7, 2007

Man of the match result

It was a close contest between three players for the "man of the match" for Saturday's game at Swindon. In the end, with ten players receiving nominations, it was a three-way tie for the award this week - Lewis Guy, Brian Stock and Jason Price all receiving the same number of votes.
The leading votes were cast as follows:
1 = Lewis Guy, Brian Stock, Jason Price (20.58% each)
4 = Richie Wellens, Matt Mills (8.82% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part - the next poll will open following the away game at Gillingham.

November 7, 2007

Gillingham 1 Rovers 1

Last night's fixture with Gillingham ended in a 1-1 draw. The Gills took the lead as early as the 18th minute with a goal from the impressive Chris Dickson and almost doubled thier lead just before half time when Delroy Facey(cousin of Rovers' Antony Griffith) hit a penalty agaisnt the bar. After the break Rovers dominated and were lucky to be awarded a penalty when Richie Wellens was tripped. James Hayter was on hand to slot home the spot kick. It was a game that Rovers dominated and should have come away with three points, put a point a Gillingham, who had excellent home form, should be looked upon as a good result. Rovers dropped to ninth in the table but are still just six points behind leaders Carlisle
If you want to take part in the "Man of the Match", please click on the logo to the left. The voting will remain open until 5pm on Friday.

November 7, 2007

A news item that was slow to hit our radar is that former Rovers full back Ryan Kirby is the new player manager at Harlow Town. It is his second spell with the club and has recently been playing for Thurrock and Fisher Athletic. Kirby played for Rovers under Sammy Chung having been on the books of Arsenal as a youngster. One of his claims to fame is that he was a youth team-mate of David Beckham for Brimsdown Rovers.

November 6, 2007

Gillingham tonight

Rovers face Gillingham tonight with no fresh injury worries. With an almost full squad to choose from Sean O'Driscoll is likely to name the same team that won at Swindon on Saturday. Gordon Greer, who was replaced on the bench by Stephen Roberts on Saturday may be included in the 16. Although now fit again, James Coppinger is also likely to remain on the bench, although he may replace Jason Price who has only just returned after injury. Pual Heffernan, Kevin Horlock, Mark McCammon and Graeme Lee are the only players definitely out of the game.

November 6, 2007

Stock in the team of the week

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been included in the latest Coca Cola Team of the Week. The team comprised of eleven players from different teams. Tonight's opponenets Gillingham were represented by keeper Simon Royce. Let's hope he doesn't get in next week's team.

November 6, 2007

Youth team tomorrow

Doncaster Rovers' youth team will play on the main pitch at Keepmoat Stadium for the first time tomorrow night in their FA Youth Cup 1st round game against Rochdale. The West Stand only will be open and admission is believed to be £ 1 per person. Rochdale's youth team are managed by former Rovers defender Chris Beech.

November 5, 2007

Youth team 3 Lincoln City 1

Doncaster Rovers' youth team continued their good form on Saturday when then defeated their counterparts from Lincoln City at Cantley Park. Two goals from Waide Fairhurst, with one from Tom Griffiths gave Rovers the three points.
Rovers: Matthew Atkinson; Andrew Hawkworth, Daniel Bowland, Andrew Boyce, Luke Duffy; Tom Griffiths, Robert Clark, Alex Henderson, Tino Shielis; Jason Hardy, Wade Fairhurst
Substitutes: Jordan Lodge, Scott Bibby, Joe Congleton, Craig Fletcher

November 5, 2007

Cardiff in for Offiong?

There are reports that struggling Championship side Cardiff City are chasing Hamilton's former Rovers striker Richard Offiong to help get their season back on track. They are reported to have the edge on Hearts for his signature, as the player is supposedly wanting a move south.
Reports also suggest that Yeovil are about to make ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa a contract offer, but they also face competition from Scunthorpe, Gillingham and Leyton Orient - alhthough his decision may still depend on his far from London he thinks each of these options is!

November 5, 2007

Morley signs for Tigers

Former Rovers defender Dave Morley has signed for Blue Square North club Hyde United, only four days after being released by mutual consent from his contract at Macclesfield Town, where he has made more than 100 appearances.
Morley has also played for Manchester City, Ayr United, Southend United, Carlisle United, Oxford United and Doncaster Rovers.

November 4, 2007

Swindon 1 Rovers 2

Rovers won 2-1 at Swindon yesterday with goals from Brian Stock and Lewis Guy. Stock gave Rovers the lead after 31 minutes with a stunning shot from 20 yards. Cox equilised for Swindon within two minutes of the start of the second half. The winning goal was scored by Guy after a Jason Price shot had been parried. The three points puts Rovers in eighth place which is thier highest league position so far this season, indeed it may be their highest league placing since 1980..
The voting for the "Man of the Match" has now closed. Thank you to everyone who voted - we'll let you know the result on Tuesday.

November 4, 2007

Goals elsewhere

Former Rovers players amongst the goalscorers yesterday were a bit thin on the ground. Anthony Griffith, on loan for the season at Halifax scored the Shaymens third goal in the 3-0 win over Crawley. Nick Fenton did what all former Rovers players should do, when they get the chance. He scored for Grimsby at Millmoor against Rotehrham. The afternoon didn't go according to plan for Fenton though as he was sent off and Rotherham ended victorious.

November 3, 2007

Swindon v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers are likely to be unchanged for this afternoon's game at Swindon Town, although reports earlier in the week suggested that Sean McDaid may have taken a knock in last week's game against Leyton Orient, which could give James Coppinger the chance to make a return. Coppinger has missed the last couple of matches due a virus, but returned to training during the week and took part in the practice match against Crewe on Tuesday. Jason Price may have returned to form last Sunday, but it is likely that he will again have to settle for a place on the bench today.
Swindon goalkeeper Phil Smith and defender Jerel Ifil face late fitness tests ahead of the game. Smith has been suffering with a groin injury lately, and Ifil limped off during last weekend's defeat by Port Vale.

November 3, 2007

Boss denies Roberts link with Crewe

Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has said that he knows nothing of a proposed loan move by Steve Roberts to Crewe Alexandra.
O'Driscoll said:"Steve Roberts is not going out on loan at this moment in time as we have got five games in two weeks, starting with a trip to Swindon on Saturday, and I want all our players available."

November 3, 2007

Griffith makes Shaymen return

Anthony Griffith, on loan at Halifax Town for this season, makes a return to the Halifax side this afternoon for their game against Crawley after completing a four match suspension after being sent off against Kidderminster.
Boss Chris Wilder is looking forward to Griffith teaming up with skipper Tom Kearney in the Halifax midfield. "They have done well as a pair and will be back together tomorrow. Anthony's an honest boy and has not enjoyed being out of the team, but he has worked hard in training. It was his own fault that he missed games, but it is good to have him back."

November 2, 2007

Swindon tickets

The Keepmoat Stadium have reported that they have sold all of the 200 tickets sent to them by Swindon Town. Tickets will still be available at Swindon on the day, with no increase in the prices, which are as follows:
Adults: £15
Senior Citizens: £12
Students (with valid ID - not available on the day): £12
Ambulant Disabled: £12 (carer £12 if required)
Under-16's (with proof of age): £7

November 2, 2007

Offiong gets another

Former Rovers striker Richard Offiong got another goal on Tuesday evening in Hamilton's CIS Cup game against Dundee United, but a hat-trick by Noel Hunt meant that Hamilton went out of the cup by a 3-1 scoreline.

November 2, 2007

Bayo makes comeback

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa made his first playing appearance on Tuesday since breaking his leg whilst playing for Swansea City last season. Akinfenwa turned out for Yeovil Town reserves in their 3-1 Combination League defeat against Swansea at Huish Park. He has been training at Yeovil to regain fitness, even though he is currently without a club, after his proposed move to Swindon fell through over doubts about his fitness.

November 2, 2007

Gillingham tickets

Tickets for next Tuesday's away game at Gillingham are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office and will remain on sale until midday on Monday, 5th November. Tickets will be available on the day, but the price will rise for all categories.
Prices for tickets bought in advance: Adults £17, Over-65's £12, Young Adults £11, Wheelchair disabled & carer (sold as a pair) £17, Ambulant disabled £17 (carer free), Under-16's £9
Prices for tickets bought on match day will rise by £3 for each category of ticket.