September 30, 2007

Goals review

Ex-Rover Danny Cadamarteri scored Huddersfield Town's second goal yesterday as they defeated Luton Town 2-0 at the Galphram Stadium to lift the Terriers into ninth place in the table.
In the Blue Square Premier, midfielder Warren Peyton scored an 82nd minute winner from 25 yards for Altrincham as they won 1-0 at Crawley Town - the result still leaves Alty in the bottom four, but gives them a chance of escaping from the drop zone in their next match.
Dropping down into non-league football, in the Blue Square North, Mark Hume scored Harrogate Town's second goal on their way to a 3-1 home win over Gainsborough Trinity, and in the UniBond Premier, the evergreen Neil Redfearn scored a consolation goal for Frickley Athletic in their 3-1 loss at North Ferriby United.

September 30, 2007

Dyer - not at Millmoor for the "easy ride"

Striker Bruce Dyer, on loan at Rotherham United, has told the Rotherham Advertiser that he is not at Millmoor for an "easy ride".
He said: "I want some success from the last few years of my career. I look after myself and try and keep myself disciplined. The last two years have been a funny period for me but football is a funny old game. You can be down one minute and back up the next and I am always open to opportunities and anything is possible. As long as my mind is set and I keep working hard then things can change in an instant.'
On whether his stay at Rotherham may be extended, he commented: "I am playing things by ear. I'm here for a month and we'll see how it goes and see what Doncaster and Rotherham say after that. 'It's a young side and there's a good team spirit here and everybody seems to be together which is a great start for any team. Maybe my experience can help but, remember, you are never too old to learn".

September 30, 2007

Web site for Jack Haigh

The family of Jack Haigh, the former Rovers player who died last week, have established a website in his memory, with the intention of compiling a number of pictures and a detailed biography of Jack. They have asked if anyone who has any pictures or information that they feel may be useful can contact them. The website address is www.jackhaigh.co.uk.

September 29, 2007

Rovers 2 Cheltenham 0

It was a comfortable victory for Doncaster Rovers this afternoon in the home game against Cheltenham Town, with the vistors only occasionally troubling Neil Sullivan. Rovers went in front in the first twenty minutes with a great finish by Lewis Guy, who was put through with an incisive pass from Brian Stock - Guy then rounded the goalkeeper before firing home from six yards. The second came in the 57th minute when Matthew Mills headed home from a Brian Stock corner. Maybe Cheltenham weren't the best side that Rovers have faced this season, and maybe Rovers weren't at their best, but the victory lifts Rovers up 13th place in the League One table - incredibly still only three points behind the play-off places!
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to the many of you who voted - the result will be revealed on Tuesday morning.

September 29, 2007

Rovers v Cheltenham

Rovers are likely to make only minimal changes from last week's game at Southend United, although Jason Price may make a return to the bench in place of Steve Roberts as Sean O'Driscoll looks to pick up six points from two successive home games this week. Mark McCammon will be out for up to a month with a hamstring injury, with Martin Woods also absent with a hamstring strain. Gordon Greer has had a pin inserted in a broken wrist and will be out for a fortnight as he recvoers from the operation. Graeme Lee has resumed training this week, but will not be considered for today's match.
Cheltenham defender Shane Duff looks set to return to the side after recovering from a calf injury, but they will be without Steven Gillespie due to a hip injury, and Scott Brown, who is still recovering from a broken leg.

September 29, 2007

Dino in charge as Warhurst quits

Former Doncaster Rovers striker Dino Maamria will be in charge of Northwich Victoria for their Blue Square National game against Woking this afternoon following the departure of caretaker-manager Paul Warhurst. Maamria becomes the third leader of the Vics in three games - ex-Rover Neil Redfearn quit after the side became rooted to the bottom of the table and being defeated at home in embarrasing style by Histon Town. Warhurst then took over, before quitting on Thursday as the financial circumstances at the club meant no new players could be brought in.

September 29, 2007

A chip from Ross

Ross McCormack, who played for Rovers whilst on loan from Glasgow Rangers, scored one of Motherwell's four goals as they knocked holders Hibernian out of the CIS Insurance Cup during the week, thanks to three goals in eight minutes. McCormack scored Motherwell's third goal with a superb chip over the goalkeeper, giving his club an unassailable lead.

September 28, 2007

Coach information Luton v Rovers

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Luton Town on 6th October. They will depart from Retford at 9.00am, Harworth 9.05am, Bawtry 9.15am, Styrrup 9.15am, Hare & Tortoise 9.20am, Infirmary 9.30am and the Keepmoat Stadium at 9.45am.
The fare for members is: adults £12.00, senior citizens £10.00, under-16's £8.00
The fare for non-members is: adults £14.00, under-16's £12.00
To book a place to this match, please contact Len South on 01302 817347 or Paul Mayfield on 01427 880154 (mobile 077404 53066)

September 28, 2007

Tickets v Oldham

Tickets for the forthcoming Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Oldham Athletic on Tuesday, 9th October, are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Season ticket holders have their seats reserved at the moment, but they will be released for general sale on Monday, 24th September.
As for the previous round, there will be discounted tickets available, with adults being admitted to all areas of the ground for £10 and concessions for £5. Not only that, but any Under-16's will be free of charge if their ticket is bought with an adult/senior ticket before 4.30pm on Monday, 8th October.

September 28, 2007

Griffith on target

Anthony Griffith, on loan at Halifax Town from Rovers, gave Halifax Town a 16th minute lead in their televised Blue Square Premier game at York last night. Unfortunately for Halifax, York hit back to end up as 3-2 victors, the result lifting the Minstermen out of the relegation places.

September 27, 2007

McCammon out for a month

Rovers striker Mark McCammon will miss the next three or four weeks after he has failed to shake off a hamstring problem which has kept him out for the last two matches. He picked up the hamstring strain in the away game against Northampton Town, but has failed to shake off the problem in training since.
Better news comes with Jason Price coming through Tuesday's reserve team game against Mansfield Town without any problems and will be fit to be included in the squad for Saturday's home game against Cheltenham Town.

September 27, 2007

Luton Town ticket information

Tickets for next Saturday's away game at Luton Town are now on sale from the ticket office at the Keepmoat Stadium - please note, however, that they will be taken off sale at 3pm on Friday, 5th October. This is an all-ticket game, with no tickets being sold on the day of the game.
Ticket prices are as follows: Adults £21.50, Senior Citizens (60-64) £19.50, Young Persons (16-21) £14.00, Under-16's £11.00, Over-65's £11.00, Students with valid ID £11.00, Ambulant disabled (with higher rate mobility) £11.00 - a carer will be admitted free if required.
Family tickets are also on sale, with the following prices payable when bought together for members of the same family - Family adult £17.50, Family junior £8.00
Any wheelchair disabled supporters should contact Luton Town's ticket office direct on 0870 017 0656.

September 27, 2007

Redfearn joins Frickley

Former Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn has joined Frickley Athletic, who play in the UniBond Premier Division, as a player following his departure from Northwich Victoria last week. The move means that he can build on his record of having played in over 1,000 competitive matches during his career, which began at Nottingham Forest back in 1981.
Redfearn made his Frickley debut on Saturday in their home game against Matlock Town, going close with a rasping drive as he helped struggling Athletic, who were bottom of the table, to a goalless draw.

September 26, 2007

Watson becomes Deputy Chairman

Doncaster Rovers have announced that board member Dick Watson, formerly chairman of Keepmoat plc, has been appointed as deputy chairman. In a statement issued yesterday, John Ryan also confirmed that Jim Beresford is stepping down as deputy chairman due to business commitments, but will be remaining on board.
Dick Watson recently sold his shareholding in Keepmoat plc and now has the time to devote to the club.
John Ryan said: "Dick is a person who always sees things through right to the very end and he will be a great asset to Doncaster Rovers in his new role. They always say the team off the pitch is as important as the team on it and I'm delighted for our hardcore of fans that we are building one of the most powerful boards outside of the Premier League."

September 26, 2007

Rovers 1 Mansfield Town 0

Doncaster Rovers played their first "reserves" match of the season yesterday afternoon, with the match being played on the second pitch at the Keepmoat Stadium. The game gave Jason Price the opportunity to get some more match practice and fitness after his long absence, and he marked the occasion by scoring the only goal of the game in the 38th minute. Much of the first half was played out in midfield, with both sides only having a few shots on goal, although Rovers probably had the edge in attacking play.
Mansfield had the upper hand in the final twenty minutes of the game as they pressed for an equaliser, with a great chance being spurned just ten minutes rom time.

September 26, 2007

Neil on target again

Former Rovers striker Neil Grayson, who is still playing for Stafford Rangers at the age of 43 - he will be 44 at the beginning of November - scored in the Blue Square National last night as Rangers drew 1-1 at home with Histon Town.
Grayson began his League career with Rovers in 1989 after joining the club from Rowntree Mackintosh, although most of his Football League experience came betwee 1994 and 1997 with Northampton Town, for who he made over 100 appearances.

September 25, 2007

Voting results

The improved form of Lewis Guy has again been recognised by the supporters who travelled down to Southend at the weekend, as he came home as the clear winner of the latest "Man of the Match" vote, winning almost three quarters of all votes cast.
With six players receiving nominations, the players receiving most votes were:
1 Lewis Guy (73.91%)
2 Richie Wellens (8.70%)
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to place a vote. The next poll will open following Saturday's home game against Cheltenham Town.

September 25, 2007

Beardsley in injury horror

Former Rovers striker Chris Beardsley faces up to four months out of the game after being involved in an off-the-ball incident with Grays defender Jamie Stuart on Saturday, whilst appearing for York City in the Blue Square National.
Beardsley had his jaw broken in the incident, and was due to be brought back up to Derby for an operation on Monday. York's manager, Billy McEwan, has said that the provisional indications are that the striker will be out of action for three to four months.
Stuart was sent off for his misdemeanour with the linesman spotting the incident which earned a straight red card. The former Chartlon defender was kicked out of Valley Parade ten years ago after failing a drugs test and it is reported that a court case may now beckon for Stuart. A similar incident by Barrow's James Cotterill saw a four month jail sentence imposed.

September 25, 2007

Penney plays down Owls link

Former Rovers manager Dave Penney has dismissed the rumours that he is being lined up to replace Brian Laws at Sheffield Wednesday, saying there are just "paper talk".
Penney, now at Darlington, had been talked about as a potential replacement, with the Owls losing their first six league matches, although they did manage to pick up their first victory this last weekend.
Penney said: "It is just paper talk. You can't stop people writing what they want to write but it is all rubbish and I do not know where it has come from. There is no vacancy at Sheffield Wednesday so it is not fair on Brian Laws or anyone linked with the job. Sheffield Wednesday did not have a manager this time last year and my name got mentioned but - just like then - it is all rubbish."

September 24, 2007

Around the goals

Our review of ex-Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins in the Championship, where defender Andy Crosby opened the scoring for Scunthorpe in their 3-2 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion.
In League One, JJ Melligan scored Leyton Orient's first goal, but they still went down toa 4-2 home defeat against Hartlepool United, who continue their good form following promotion from League Two during the summer.
One division further down, Kevin McIntyre scored from the penalty spot as Macclesfield drew 1-1 at Rochdale.
Finally, in the UniBond Premier Division, ex-Rovers players Steve Brodie and Rod Thornley scored for Witton Albion in their 2-0 away win at Ilkeston Town. The win keeps Witton a point clear at the top of the table.

September 24, 2007

Youth team 4 Hartlepool United 2

Doncaster Rovers registered a convincing victory on Saturday, with the youth team putting four goals past Hartlepool up at the Cantley Park training ground.
Hartlepool took an early lead, with a 20th minute goal scored direct from a free kick, but Rovers equalised through Craig Fletcher soon afterwards. The first of three goals scored by Jordan Lodge was scored in the 27th minute - his second arrived just before half time to give Doncaster a 3-1 interval lead.
Hartlepool pulled a goal back in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, but Lodge restored the two goal cushion in the 68th minute when heading home a Danny Bowland corner.

September 22, 2007

Southend 3 Rovers 2

September 22, 2007

Southend v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers have a couple of players undergoing fitness tests this morning ahead of their game against Southend United at Roots Hall. Striker Mark McCammon is doutbful with the hamstring injury which caused him to miss last weekend's game against Crewe, but has trained during the week and could be set for a return to the bench today.
Martin Woods is also suffering from a hamstring injury - his involvement is less certain, and with the return to training of James Coppinger this week, it looks as though Woods will be given more time to recover.
Jason Price, given a hero's welcome last Sunday for his six minute run-out at the end of the Crewe game, is likely to feature on the bench again as he continues to build up his fitness following a long absence.
Apart from the above, we expect the same squad to be on duty today this afternoon as Rovers strive to improve their sporadic league form.
Southend have a goalkeeping problem ahead of today's match - which one to pick! First choice Darryl Flahavan is fit after a couple of matches out due to injury, but Steve Collis, his stand-in has kept clean sheets in successive wins since being given the chance in the first team.
Striker Charlie MacDonald is also fit again after missing the last two weeks with a groin injury, and there is an outside chance that left back Steven Hammell may be fit for his first game of the season following a on-going ankle problem.
Garry Richards will return at centre half after being suspended last weekend. Leon Clarke, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, is likely to continue in attack after scoring in the last two games. Kerrea Gilbert, on loan from Arsenal, faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.

September 22, 2007

Rovers face the Crossbar Challenge

The Doncaster Rovers squad face the Crossbar Challenge on this morning's Soccer AM show on Sky Sports. The last time Rovers featured in the challenge, Graeme Lee was the only player to be successful - will anyone succeed today?
The Crossbar Challenge is usually screened at around 11.45am.

September 22, 2007

Beardsley turns down loan move

York City striker Chris Beardsley has turned down a loan move to Tamworth, preferring to stay at KitKat Crescent to fight for his first team place. The 23-year old former Rovers striker has struggled to make the Minstermen's first team this term, and Tamworth, now int he Blue Square North, wanted him to improve their forward line.
York boss Billy McEwan said: "I had a chat with the player and he could have gone there to get some confidence because he wanted to be playing, but he didn't want to go there. I know he's got the ability and he showed it in pre-season. He's leaner and sharper now, but forwards thrive on goals. He had a few chances at Aldershot but one was saved, one blocked and he lost his balance with the other going round the keeper. Like the other strikers, he's got to keep working at it."

September 21, 2007

Jack Haigh

We regret to inform you of the death of former Rovers midfielder Jack Haigh after a long illness at the age of 79. Jack joined the Rovers in 1960 from Scunthorpe United and played 72 games during his two seasons at the club. Rovers were his final League club, although he played non-league football afterwards, with Buxton being his final club as a player.
We wish to pass on our sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time.

September 21, 2007

Sean asks players to keep form

Doncaster Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has challenged his team to maintain the form they showed following last weekend's home win over Crewe Alexandra. Rovers travel to Southend United for tomorrow's League One match, hoping that they can string two league victories together for the first time this season.
O'Driscoll said: "It is difficult to string together a consistent run in this league because everyone is beating each other. We haven't found that consistency yet - but that is what we are striving for. We played really well against Crewe and dominated from start to finish. It was pleasing to get that first home win under our belts and now we need to build on that."

September 21, 2007

Exley on target in England victory

Doncaster Rovers Belles' captain Vicky Exley scored one of England's goals as they cruised to a 6-1 win over Argentina at the Women's World Cup last week. Exley, an 80th minute substitute, scored England's final goal from the penalty spot, with the victory meaning England progress through to the quarter finals.

September 19, 2007

Lewis heads the voting

Lewis Guy cruised to an easy win in the "Man of the Match" voting for the game against Crewe on Sunday, receiving well over half of all the votes cast. With twelve Rovers players receiving nominations, the leading votes were cast as follows:
1 Lewis Guy (58.59%)
2 Richie Wellens (8.08%)
3 = Adam Lockwood, Paul Heffernan (6.06% each)
Thank you to everyone who took part in the voting. The next vote will open following Saturday's away game at Southend United.

September 19, 2007

Goals review

Last night's games saw a couple of former Rovers players find their way onto the score sheet - in the Championship, defender Andy Crosby headed home Scunthorpe's first goal on their way to a 2-1 win over Preston - a result that lifts the Lincolnshire club up into seventh place in the table.
In the Blue Square Premier, Jon-Paul Pittman scored twice for Crawley Town in their 5-3 home win over Woking, which also lifts Steve Evans' men in to seventh place in table.

September 19, 2007

Hull City 0 Youth team 0

The Rovers' youth team fought out a goalless draw with Hull City on Saturday, with Rovers goalkeeper Jack Ward having to save a penalty on the stroke of half time. Rovers could have won the game in the last quarter hour of the game, with Jordan Lodge hitting the crossbar, with Tom Griffiths heading the rebound over the bar.
Please note that Saturday's home youth team game against Hartlepool United kicks off at midday.

September 18, 2007

Price earns praise - but still some way to go

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll has praised the efforts of talismanic midfielder Jason Price, but says that he still has a long way to go to gain full match fitness. Price played the last five minutes of Sunday's home game against Crewe, his first appearance for over five months since injuring his Achilles in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at the Millennium Stadium.
O'Driscoll said:"It's been a long way back for him but he's still a bit rusty and I think that was evident when he came on so he's not quite ready to start but he did well. He's almost a lucky talisman for us and hopefully that will continue this season. It's another step on the road to recovery and although he came on against Sunderland to whet his appetite, he needs to get back on the training pitch and work hard."

September 18, 2007

Redfearn quits at rock-bottom Vics

Former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Neil Redfearn has resigned as manager at Northwich Victoria after just nine games in charge. Redfearn joined the club during the summer following the departure of Steve Burr - unfortunately for him, the large majority of the squad had also left before his arrival, meaning he had to recruit a large number of players in the last fortnight before the season started.
Sadly, for Neil, the players he brought in have failed to win a game in their opening nine games, picking up just one point in that time, which unsurprisingly leaves the Vics bottom of the Blue Square Premier League (formerly the Conference).
Redfean brought veteran striker Paul Warhurst out of retirement for Saturday's defeat against Histon - Warhurst has been named as caretaker manager for this evening's away game at Halifax Town.

September 17, 2007

Goals check

For a change, we start in Scotland for this week's review of former Rovers players scoring goals. Ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire scored in Inverness Caledonian Thistle's game at Celtic - but it wasn't good news, as he put through his own net in a 5-0 defeat at Celtic Park.
Across the sea in Ireland, an ex-Rovers double act saw Sligo Rovers defeat UCD 2-1 at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening. Sligo skipper Adam Hughes opened the scoring for Sligo, with left back Keith Foy adding a second from the penalty spot in the second half.
Back to England, Michael McIndoe scored his first league goal for Bristol City to set them on the way to a 3-0 win at Coventry City in the Championship.
In League Two, Ricky Ravenhill scored with a superb left-foot volley just seconds into the second half as Dave Penney's Darlington maintained their place at the top of the table with a 2-0 home win over Lincoln City. Also in League Two, Jack Lester scored in the last minute for Chesterfield as they won 3-1 at Mansfield Town. Those three points keep the Sprieites in second place, just behind Darlington on goal difference.
Leo Fortune-West scored for Cambridge United in their 2-1 home win over Crawley Town, currently managed by the infamous Steve Evans, in the Blue Square Premier, which keeps the U's in the top four.
Finally, we have a former Rover scoring in the FA Cup this weekend. Jermaine McSporran scored one of Oxford City's four goals in their 4-2 win over Southern Premier League visitors Swindon Supermarine in the First Qualifying Round of the competition.

September 17, 2007

Redfearn set to quit?

Speculation is rife at Northwich Victoria that boss Neil Redfearn is set to quit the club after the Vics' latest defeat in the Blue Square Premier League. This time, it was an embarassing 3-1 home defeat against newcomers Histon - although Northwich's cause was not helped by the sending off of Philip Evans after just half an hour. Redfearn brought veteran Paul Warhurst out of retirement for the game - the ploy didn't exactly work as Warhurst put through his own net in the 12th minute, which put his side 2-0 down.
Redfearn all but conceded his time was up after the game, adding that he planned to talk to chairman Mike Connett that evening. "It's time to have a good think. The most important thing is the football club and its survival in this division. I'll speak to the chairman and we'll put our heads together to come up with the right decision."
Redfearn had to totally build a new team upon his arrival just before the start of the season, inheriting a team of just three players.
"It's the same old story," said Redfearn.
"We're still trying to find a way to replace the players that left over the summer and it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. Now is not the time to be experimenting with new players and new formations. The time for getting a result is now.Having said that, we can't be giving the opposition a leg up and a 2-0 lead without them having to do anything to earn it."

September 16, 2007

Rovers 2 Crewe 0

Doncaster Rovers picked up their first home league win of the season this afternoon with a goal in each half - the first from Paul Heffernan, who bundled the ball home from close range after the goalkeeper failed to keep hold of the ball. The second goal was an own goal as a dangerous square ball into the goalmouth by Lewis Guy was intercepted by Crewe's Danny Woodwards. It could have been more - Lewis Guy had a first minute shot across the face of the goal bounce against the far post, but it bounced to safety before a Rovers player could get close enough to pounce.
It turned out to be a comfortable victory, with Sullivan not having a save to make of any note - Rovers characterised their play by long periods of patient build-up, trying to draw the massed Crewe defence out of position - but the possession counted in the end as they got behind the back line, mainly due to the industry of Lewis Guy down the Rovers right. The biggest cheer of the afternoon, however, came just a few minutes from time when Jason Price replaced the hard-working Paul Heffernan - Price's first appearance since suffering his achilles tendon injury at the Millennium Stadium on April 1st.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has voted - the result will be announced on Wednesday morning.