August 30, 2008

Rovers 1 Coventry 0

Rovers registered their first home win of the season at the Keepmoat Stadium this afternoon thanks to a superb strike from 25 yards by midfielder Richie Wellens in the 31st minute. Coventry thought they had taken the lead earlier in the game, but Morrison's goal was ruled out for off-side. Eastwood also spurned a good chance, and Rovers were 1-0 up at the break. Whilst Coventry had their chances in the second half, so did Rovers, with Hayter being put through after good play between Chambers and Coppinger, but he fired wide from just inside the penalty area.

August 31, 2008

Goals review

Our review of former Doncaster Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins at London Road, where Peterborough were guilty of defensive errors as they went down to a 2-1 home defeat against Hartlepool United. Ex-Rovers loan striker Richie Barker pounced on a moment of indecision betweeen defender Craig Morgan and goalkeeper Joe Lewis to score Hartlepool's second goal of the afternoon.
In the Welsh Premier League, ex-Rovers striker Neil Roberts scored twice in the second half for Rhyl as they thrashed champions Llanelli 5-1 - the first a fierce volley, and the second a "sublime" header into the far corner of the net from a cross by ex-Rovers midfielder Gareth Owen. That win means that Rhyl are one of just two clubs to remain with a 100% record, putting them top of the table on goal difference from The New Saints after three games.
A little further down the English league structure, Andy Campbell scored again for Farsley Celtic in the Blue Square North, although Redditch went on to a 3-1 home win over the Leeds based club.
In the Blue Square South, AFC lost their 100% winning record when recording a 2-2 draw at Bath City, where ex-Rover Martin Paul scored four minutes after the break for Bath.
Finally, believe it or not, but it was FA Cup day yesterday! The Preliminary Round was played yesterday, with ex-Rover Ben Saunders scoring for Shepshed Dynamo as they won 3-2 at home to Mickleover Sports to book a place in the First Qualifying Round.

August 31, 2008

O'Driscoll - Heffernan still in my plans

Following reports last week that striker Paul Heffernan was interesting a number of League One clubs after struggling to make the first team this season, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has spoken out to quash the rumours.
O'Driscoll said: "Paul is part of our squad and you don't let goalscorers go willy-nilly. He was suspended for the first game and, to be fair, Lewis Guy, Gareth Taylor and James Hayter have done well so it's a bit difficult for Paul at the moment, but he is very much part of my plans."
"People tell me that clubs are interested, but no one has ever rung me and said 'what's happening with Paul?'" he added. "If someone wants to buy him, they will have to make an offer and that will be put to the board and they will make a decision. But they will ask my opinion and I will say 'keep him'."
Heffernan was an unused substitute in yesterday's game against Coventry City.

August 31, 2008

O'Driscoll - Rovers gave good account of themselves

After yesterday afternoon's match, Sean O'Driscoll commented that he was satisfied with the way that Rovers had started their Championship campaign. He said: "There will be times I'm sure this season when we'll come off the pitch and hold our hands up and say we've been beaten by the better side. So far we have given a good account of ourselves. I think any win in this league you've got to be grateful for. If it's as tight as it was last year then three points at home is a big boost."
However, his Coventry counterpart, Chris Coleman, didn't have such an upbeat view yesterday evening, saying: "I think we started really lethargic and looked tired and I can't say that is because of the Newcastle game because that was on Tuesday. We just started lethargic and I'm not sure about the balance of the team at the minute. We started today without an edge and that was disappointing."

August 30, 2008

Rovers v Coventry

The second home game of the season is likely to see Sean O'Drisocll name an unchanged starting eleven after deciding to stick with the players who played at Queens Park Rangers. He said: "Apart from the two poor goals, there were a lot of good things to come out of the QPR game so I am not in a rush to make changes. I've had the options to change one or two things every game we've played, but we felt that we didn't need to do that. I'm not one to make wholesale changes anyway."
That means that strikers Jason Price and Darren Byfield, tipped by some for a return, will have to settle for a place on the bench at best, with O'Driscoll adding: "They have both trained well all week and if they come through today's session then they will both be added to the squad. They probably couldn't get through a full game at the moment and there is no point taking risks with them. We have a match arranged against Leeds United next week when we have a break for internationals and they will probably get a run out then."
Matt Mills will keep his place in the side after it was confirmed that he had not broken his jaw in last weekend's game, and he has trained all week. An X-Ray showed no break, and the swelling from the clash went down quickly, enabling him to resume training.
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood looks to have won his battle to regain fitness and is likely to be named in their squad for today's match. He took part in Wednesday's training session and will be included as long as he suffers no adverse reaction.
Goalkeeper Kieren Westwood, formerly with Carlisle, has also resumed training after recovering from a dislocated thumb. Striker Leon Best trained for the first time since recovering from a knee injury, although today's match will come too soon for Best to be considered.
With right back Steven Wright absent with an achilles tendon injury, boss Chris Coleman has been attempting to bring in a replacement in time to play today. If not, Icelandic international midfielder Aron Gunnarsson is likely to switch to right back, giving Michael Doyle a start in central midfield. Jay Tabb is suffering from blisters on his feet, but could have an injection to enable him to play.

August 30, 2008

Injury update

Darren Byfield is set to be included in the squad today for the first time since his transfer in the summer after recovering from hernia surgery. However, Jason Price, who has trained this week after recovering from a foot injury, is not likely to be included, with Rovers arranging a behind-closed-doors match against Leeds United for next week, when he will be given the chance to play. "Jason has trained really well this week and he finally looks to be over his ankle injury," said Dickens.
Matt Mills has been passed fit after recovering from a knock taken on his jaw last weekend, leaving only longer term injury victims Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer.
Greer has resumed running after his second hip operation, and McDaid is hoping to step up his recovery schedule, although he may need an injection to make progress. John Dickens, the Rovers' physio, said: "We'll look at the knee again towards the end of next week and what improvement the injection has made and assess what to do next.

August 30, 2008

Stadium Car Park Update

Doncaster Rovers have announced that a number of arrangements have been made for anyone using the Keepmoat Stadium car parks for the rest of the season, starting from today. The intention is that these arrangments will speed your departure after matches, and ease traffic flow after matches. These arrangements will be supervised and have been put in place by the local police.
Anyone parking in Car Park 1 will have to turn left and proceed to the Ladybank roundabout.
Anyone parking in Car Park 2 will have to turn left and proceed to the Ladybank roundabout, although you will also be able to turn right into Carriage Drive.
Anyone parking in Car Park 3 will have to turn right out of the car park to go past the Sorting Office to reach White Rose Way.

August 30, 2008

VSC has its own match day car park

The Viking Supporters Co-operative have announced that they can now offer its members their very own car park. VSC members will be able to park at Beresfords on Lakeside Boulevard, which is only five minutes walk from the stadium and has six security cameras, making it safe parking.
Parking will cost £3 per car, with the car park opening at 1pm and closing at 5.30pm.
This car park will be open from today - but as the deal was only finalised, please note that there will be no notices today, but they should be in place for the next home match. VSC members should bring their membership cards to gain access.
At the moment, the car park is intended for just VSC members, but they will monitor the popularity over the next few matches before deciding whether to open it to other supporters. There are over 100 places available.

August 28, 2008

Miils injury fears allayed

August 28, 2008

Heffernan set for Rovers exit?

Sky Sports have reported that a number of League One clubs are checking on Rovers striker Paul Heffernan, who has so far not featured in any of Rovers' Championship games this season. Heffernan has dropped down the pecking order at Rovers, and with Darren Byfield and Jason Price close to regaining full fitness, his chances in the near future appear to be limited.
It has been reported that Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Oldham Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons are all keeping a close eye on the situation.

August 28, 2008

Fairhurst set for loan move

First year professional Waide Fairhurst looks likely to be moved out of the club for a loan period to gain some first team experience, Richard O'Kelly has confirmed. The young striker has not featured in any of Rovers' first team matches this season, and is set to follow the precedent set by Craig Nelthorpe and Andrew Boyce, who are currently out on loans at Gateshead and Worksop respectively.

August 28, 2008

Wheater for England?

Ex-Rovers loan defender David Wheater looks likely to be included in the senior England squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Croatia after being left out of the Under-21 squad for the European qualifying match against Portugal named by Stuart Pearce yesterday. Wheater, who impressed for Middlesbrough last season, was included in the England squad for two matches at the end of last season, but eventually did not make the final team.

August 27, 2008

Carling Cup goals review

Last night saw the second round of the Carling Cup, and a number of former Rovers players scored in those games.
Derby County may be yet to win a league game since January, but they won their game last night at Preseton North End, thanks to a 40th minute goal by Paul Green.
Ex-Rovers loan striker Richie Barker scored one of Hartlepool United's goals as they added to West Brom's poor start to the season by dumping the Premiership out of the Carling Cup, winning 3-1 after extra time.
Also winning against Premiership opposition were Northampton Town, who won 2-1 at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, thanks to two goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa, the second of which came from the penalty spot to put the Cobblers 2-0 up after just 28 minutes. It took Bolton until the 82nd minute to score their consolation goal.
Also finishing on the winning side was Ross McCormack, who scored again for Cardiff City in their 2-1 home win against Milton Keynes Dons.
Finally, Gregg Blundell popped up with an equaliser for Darlington in the third minute of added time of their game at Watford to make it 1-1. Sadly for Dave Penney's men, they conceded a goal in extra time to send the Championship club through to round three.
Whilst not including any Rovers players on the scoresheet, congratulations go to Andy Warrington and his Rotherham United teammates, who put out higher league opposition for the second time in this season's competition. Last night's victims were Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Millers winning 4-3 on penalties. They beat Sheffield Wednesday in the penalty shoot-out in the first round.
Lastly, one ex-Rovers striker scoring a goal in Monday's matches that we missed yesterday was Jamie Barnwell, who scored Hall Road Rangers' second goal in their 3-2 win at Thackley in the Northern Counties East League.

August 27, 2008

O'Driscoll praises side despite defeat

Sean O'Driscoll praised his battling side, despite them going down to their first defeat of the season at Loftus Road on Saturday. Both of QPR's goals were scored from set-pieces, with the Rovers boss saying: "They've got eight players over 6ft 2in, so it's not rocket science that you've got to defend well on set-plays. I'm disappointed with that, we should have done better. "They've got some flair in parts of the pitch where you need flair, so it's difficult to break them down. But I thought we managed to stem their counter-attacks at times with some hard work and some good defending."
"That was the first physical test we've had in this division - and we've struggled to find a way to get a result. I thought when we tried to play through them they were nice and organised, they got everybody behind the ball. They picked up a lot of second balls and they were dangerous going forward. They broke with a bit of quality."

August 27, 2008

Refs for Coventry game

The match officials for Saturday's home game against Coventry City have been announced. The full details are:
Referee: R.L. Shoebridge
Assistant referees: S M Hutchinson and K J Mattocks
Fourth Official: J R Tyas

August 26, 2008

Bank Holiday goals review

Non-league football had a full fixture list yesterday, with a number of former Rovers players finding their way onto the scoresheet.
Firstly, in the Blue Square Premier, we find Chris Beardsley scoring Kettering Town's second goal eight minutes from time as they won 2-0 at previous leaders Cambridge United.
Adriano Rigogolioso celebrated his return to the side after injury by scoring twice for Forest Green Rovers against Weymouth. Rovers won the game 4-1.
Finally, in the Blue Square North, Andy Campbell scored four minutes from the end of the game as Farsley Celtic beat Blyth Spartans 3-0.

August 26, 2008

Tyrone sees red

Crawley manager Steve Evans spoke out after their 3-1 home win against Torquay United on Saturday. Former Rover Jon-Paul Pittman put Crawley ahead in the 9th minute, with Town then getting another boost when former Rover Tyrone Thompson was sent off a minute later for a two-footed challenge. Evans said: "We put Torquay through the wringer throughout the whole match except for a 10-minute spell when they scored their goal. Tyrone Thompson is a young man I have the utmost respect for but the challenge on Lewis Killeen was ridiculous and he deserved to go. And Matt Green as well for his left hook on Adam Quinn."

August 26, 2008

Mulligan called up

Former Doncaster Rovers full back David Mulligan has been named in New Zealand's squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against New Caledonia next month. The two legs will be played on September 6th and 10th, and mark the first time that Mulligan has been selected for his country since moving "back home" to sign for Wellington Phoenix, whose players make up half of the 18-man squad.
New Zealand boss Ricki Herbert has hopes of gaining a place in the Confederations Cup, and said: "These are two very important games for New Zealand so it's great to get to this point with selection options. I personally have never, and the team hasn't either, underestimated the challenge of these qualifying games. New Caledonia will provide a tough contest, especially away from home."
All Whites squad:
Goalkeepers: Glen Moss, Mark Paston
Defenders: Andrew Boyens, Tony Lochhead, David Mulligan, Ryan Nelsen, Steven Old, Ben Sigmund
Midfielders: Leo Bertos, Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Simon Elliott, Chris James, Duncan Oughton, Allan Pearce
Forwards: Chris Killen, Shane Smeltz, Jarrod Smith

August 26, 2008

Man of the Match

The winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for Saturday's away game at Queens Park Rangers was striker Gareth Taylor, whose efforts saw him recognised slightly ahead of James Copppinger. A total of ten Rovers players received nominations, with those receiving the most votes being:
1 Gareth Taylor (29.63%)
2 James Coppinger (22.22%)
3 Sam Hird (11.1%)
Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to vote. The next poll will open following Saturday's home game against Coventry City.

August 25, 2008

Adam in demand

Adam Collin, the goalkeeper who was on Doncaster Rovers' books for a short time at the end of the 2003/04 season on loan from Newcastle United, is set for a return to the Football League after his impressive start to the season. Collin currenly plays for Workington Reds in the Blue Square North, and went on trials last season to Hereford United and Carlisle United.
Workington boss Darren Edmondson said: “Adam’s probably been our most impressive player; it's only a matter of time before people look at him. When he went to Hereford, they wanted to sign him, but didn’t have a reserve team. He would have been going there as second choice and not playing, which wouldn’t have been ideal if he had been going all that way."
“A lot at Carlisle also spoke highly of him when he went there for a week, but the manager at the time, Paul Simpson, had other ideas.”

August 25, 2008

Richard in Welsh squad

Doncaster Rovers youth team player Richard Caine has been selected for the Wales Under-16 National Development Squad for their tri-nations tournament in Belfast, in which they will play against the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Caine is described as a midfielder/striker, who is strong and has plenty of pace. The squad comprises of around thirty players, with the young talent being identified from the Welsh Football Trust's grassroots development programme. The tournament will be played over two days this week, with all three of the nations playing each other twice. The tournament winners will be decided on Friday.

August 25, 2008

Leo changes his mind

Ex-Rovers striker Leo Fortune-West, currently plying his trade with Alfreton Town, has decided not to continue with his training to become a football referee. Fortune-West, who still lives in the Doncaster area, has been taking courses with a view to becoming a referee once his playing career comes to an end.
The much-travelled striker has also played for Stevenage, Gillingham, Leyton Orient, Lincoln, Rotherham, Brentford, Cardiff, Rushden & Diamonds, Torquay, Shrewsbury, Cambridge and York.

August 23, 2008

QPR 2 Rovers 0

Rovers went down to a 2-0 defeat at Loftus Road after conceding two first half goals. The first came with Rangers' first excursion into the Rovers penatly area, where Blackstock tapped the ball in from a Parejo free kick. The second also came following a quickly taken free kick, which was chested down by Emmanuel Ledesma, who held off two challenges to tuck the ball past Neil Sullivan. QPR then put pressure on the Rovers defence, but only had a couple more chances - one going wide, and Sullivan saving the other.
The main concern in the second half came in the 57th minute when Matt Mills took a blow to his jaw, which is suspected to be fractured, and after a period of treatment, he was replaced by Dutchman Jos van Nieuwstadt. Rovers only had a limited number of chances, mainly from long range, but despite six minutes of added on time, failed to find the way to break through.

August 24, 2008

Goals review

Our review of former Rovers players scoring goals this weekend begins in the Championship, where Ross McCormack got Cardiff City off to a great start, scoring after just three minutes of their game at home to Norwich City - he scored a second in the 67th minute from the penalty spot after being brought down under a challenge from Kennedy. However, two late goals for Norwich meant that the game finished 2-2.
Next weekend's visitors to the Keepmoat Stadium, Coventry City, had a horrendous weekend, going down 3-0 at home to Bristol City, with Michael McIndoe scoring their second goal in the 54th minute.
In the Blue Square Premier, Jon-Paul Pittman scored Crawley's first goal in their 3-1 home win over Torquay United, and John McGrath scored in the 85th minute for Burton Albion as they went down 4-3 at Histon.
Finally, in the UniBond League Division One (South), ex-Rover Ben Saunders scored for Shepshed Dynamo in their 4-2 win over Goole AFC to put Dynamo joint top with five other clubs, with 7 points from the opening three games.

August 24, 2008

Stock called up again

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been named in the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Russia, with the matches to be played on 6th and 10th September. Stock will be keen to join up again after having to miss out due to a back injury for their friendly fixture last week.
The full squad is: Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Myhill (Hull City), Price (Derby County), Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Collins (West Ham), S Evans (Wrexham), Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), Morgan (Peterborough United), Ricketts (Hull City), Williams (Swansea City), Crofts (Gillingham), Davies (Fulham), Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Jones (Swansea City), Koumas (Wigan Athletic), Ledley (Cardiff City), Parry (Cardiff City), Ramsey (Arsenal), Robinson (Toronto FC), Stock (Doncaster Rovers), Bellamy (West Ham Utd), Cotterill (Sheffield Utd), Eastwood (Coventry City), C Evans (Man City), Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

August 24, 2008

Nelly goes back to Gateshead

Rovers winger Craig Nelthorpe has joined Conference North Gateshead for a second time, this time on a three-month loan. The 21-year old signed a new contract with Rovers in the summer, but has not featured in the first team squad in the opening games of the season, and with no reserve team, he has gone to Gateshead to get some competitive match action.
As well as playing for Gateshead last season, Nelthorpe also went on loan to Halifax Town and Darlington.

August 23, 2008

QPR v Rovers

Doncaster Rovers could name an unchanged starting eleven for this afternoon's game against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Reports suggest that Brian Stock will be fit to play, despite a back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Wales squad earlier in the week. Stock has been having an anti-inflammatory injection before each game this season to reduce the effects of a back injury, so the long journey down to London may upset the problem.
Rovers will not be including Jason Price or Darren Byfield, who continue to return to fitness after operations during the summer.
Any changes made by Rovers could come on the bench, with hints that Jos van Nieuwstadt will be travelling down with the squad.
One thing that Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll is aware of is the physical size of the QPR squad - they have eight players well over six feet tall in their team. O'Driscoll commented: "They have eight players over six foot in their side so that will be a problem. They have also got a long throw on both sides as well. So no matter how the game pans out, defending from set-pieces is going to be vital. I think all four goals they've scored this season have been from set plays.

August 23, 2008

Rufus says Rovers will win

Former Rovers defender Rufus Brevett has tipped Rovers to win this afternoon's clash against another of his former clubs, Queens Park Rangers.
He said to the Doncaster Free Press this week: "Rovers were my first professional club and it's one of the first results I look out for. I don't see them much live but I have watched them a few times on television and they have always impressed me. The type of football they play is pleasing on the eye and it's nice to see - you can tell the players enjoy playing that way. The way Doncaster knock it about is quality."
"Iain Dowie (QPR's manager) has got a good record in this division but the one thing against them is the pressure, especially at home, and how they handle it. If QPR don't start well and Doncaster manage to keep the ball and frustrate the home fans then that is the way forward for Rovers. QPR have signed some exciting young players from abroad but it's a different ball game over here. It's how these players adapt and bed in."
Brevett continued: "Although Dowie likes his teams to play football QPR can go direct but, when playing against a side like Doncaster, you've got to play football as well. If you try and go long you wouldn't see the ball for ten minutes because Doncaster can just keep it for fun."
Rufus predicts: QPR 1 Rovers 2!

August 23, 2008

Rangers to make changes

QPR looks likely to change their starting eleven for this afternoon's game against Doncaster Rovers, with boss Iain Dowie hinting that he may bring Martin Rowlands and Hogan Ephraim back into the side. Rowlands has completed a suspension, and Ephraim has recovered from shin splints, and both came through the midweek friendly against West Ham with no ill effects. Striker Patrick Agyemang could also be included after recovering from a groin strain.
Rangers may be looking for changes to spur on an improvement in form after they crashed 3-0 at Sheffield United last weekend.

August 23, 2008

Stock goes for scan

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has been sent to have a scan on his back injury after having to have an injection before matches this season to enable him to play. O'Driscoll explained: "It is an ongoing back problem which flares up every now and again - driving doesn't help. Brian wanted to go down to the Wales training camp after pulling out at the back end of last season. He felt all right after the game against Cardiff, but I think he struggled a bit after the drive down to South Wales."
"Obviously, we don't want to have to keep giving Brian injections and that is why we've sent him for a scan. We've got him back in training today so we'll just have to see how he feels. We've got a long journey down to London which might cause us a problem. We'll just have to see how he is when he wakes up on Saturday morning."

August 23, 2008

Injury update

Only three players - Jason Price, Gordon Greer and Darren Byfield - miss today's game at QPR owing to injury - and both could be back in action in around a week's time.
Price was expected to take part in Tuesday's friendly fixture at Chesterfield, but pulled out after straining his medial ligaments. He is, however, close to a return and could be available for next weekend.
Darren Byfield is also set to make a playing return, with a friendly against Leeds pencilled in for the next few days.
Gordon is due to see a specialist to work out the next stage in his rehabilitation following an operation on his hip undertaken during the summer.

August 23, 2008

QPR programme

For all supporters travelling down to today's match, please remember that the match day programme being issued by QPR will cost £5. They are producing a special A4 edition to celebrate the life of Ray Jones, a young player predicted to play at the highest level, who died in a car crash exactly a year ago. 50p from each programme wil go to the "Eastside Young Leaders Academy", with the remaining profits from the issue going towards QPR's "Football in the Community" projects.

August 23, 2008

Goals review

Former Rovers striker Ross McCormack scored one of Scotland Under-21's goals as they beat Lithuania on Wednesday. The victory, in the UEFA group stages, puts Scotland up to second in Group 6 on goal difference, two points behind leaders Finland. The Euro finals will be held in 2009.
Ex-Rovers defender Phil McGuire scored his first goal of the season for Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday, with his late goal denying Motherwell victory despite Well dominating most of the game.

August 21, 2008

Buses to Birmingham

The Supporters Club have announced details of buses which have been organised for the Birmingham City match on 13th September.
Departure times are: Retford 10am, Harworth 10.05am, Styrrup/Bawtry 10.05am, Hare & Tortoise 10.20am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 10.30am and the Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 10.45am.
Fares for members are Adults £12, OAPs £11, U16s £10.
Non-members are priced at £2 higher - but you can join the Supporters Club on the coach, which are £5 for adults, £3 for OAPs and £2 for U16s.

August 21, 2008

Trialist signs for Carlisle

Richard Keogh, who played in some of the pre-season games for Doncaster Rovers on trial, has signed for League One side Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee. The 22 year old, who was out of contract at Bristol City, would have cost Rovers a fee if they had persued their interest in him - however, Rovers decided not too sign Keogh after signing Matt Mills and Jos van Nieuwstadt.

August 21, 2008

Richard after survival

Hamilton Academicals may currently be sitting on top of the Scottish Premier League with two wins in their opening two matches, but former Rovers striker Richard Offiong insists that they will not let this go to their heads.
He said: "We're not getting ahead of ourselves. We've had a good start but know it's going to be a really tough season. Our only target is to survive. We still want to win games the right way though and that's two victories on the bounce so we're delighted."
"We knew we could do well in this league despite what other people thought. There's no fear in the team. Having such good young players keeps the older guys enthusiastic. The back four were superb today and didn't give their strikers a sniff."

August 20, 2008

Chesterfield 0 Rovers 1

Doncaster Rovers played a behind closed doors friendly fixture against Chesterfield yesterday, giving the opportunity of agame to the players who have not taken part in the first team games so far this season. Rovers scored the only goal of the game after just nine minutes, with a a Paul Heffernan free kick being passed out to John Spicer wide on the right. Spicer weaved his was infield to reach the penalty area before finishing easily past the Chesterfield goalkeeper.
Just before the end of the first period of the game, which was played in three 30 minute sections instead of the conventional 2 x 45 minutes, Chesterfield should have equalised, when they hit the post with Ben Smith well beaten.
John Spicer and James Chambers impressed, and showed signs that they should do well when given their chance at first team level.
Rovers: Ben Smith, James Chambers (Robbie Hall, 70 mins), Jos Van Nieuwstadt (Andrew Boyce, 57 mins), Adam Lockwood, Craig Nelthorpe (Joe Conkleton, 70 mins), Stuart Elliott, Martin Woods (Robbie Clark 70 mins), John Spicer, Mark Wilson, Paul Heffernan (Tomi Ameobi, 72 mins), Tomi Ameobi (Waide Fairhurst, 53 mins)

August 20, 2008

Youth Team 1 Mansfield Town 2

The Rovers' youth team went down to a narrow defeat in their opening league game of the season, played at Cantley Park on Saturday morning. After the visitors had the better of the opening few minutes, Rovers came back into the game, but then went behind when Mansfield's winger got away down the left wing before cutting in. Ward, the Roves goalkeeper, failed to hold the shot and Higgingson latched onto the rebound to put Mansfield ahead on 16 minutes.
No more goals were scored in the first half - but Rovers had a further setback just two minutes after the restart, when Ryan scored for the visitors. After making a substitution, Rovers pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute, with a long-range shot by Stoddart evading the Mansfield keeper. Rovers kept pushing forward in search of an equaliser, meaning that Mansfield did have chances on the break to go further ahead, but neither side managed to add to the scoreline.
Rovers:- Ward, Fenney, Conkleton, Clark, Nodder, Thompson, Hall, Stoddart, Moore, Bibby, Stirland
Substitutes: Henderson (for Stirland, 56), Towler (for Fenney, 73), Lumsden (for Bibby, 77), Blake

August 20, 2008

Tickets for Birmingham City

Tickets for the away game at Birmingham City on Saturday, 13th September, have gone on sale at the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office. Rovers have received an intiail allocation of 943 tickets. They are on sale to season ticket holders now at the rate of one per book. From Tuesday 26th August, tickets will be on sale to season ticket holders and Membership Holders, and on general sale from Monday, 1st September.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults £27, Senior Citizens/Under-16s/Students under 22 (with NUS card) £15, Under 12's £7.50
Wheelchair disabled & carer £20, Ambulant Disabled & carer £20 (limited spaces for both).
Please note that anyone buying a concessionary ticket is recommended to take proof of eligibility with them to the match, as Birmingham City will direct anyone with a concessionary ticket who they believe does not qualify to the ticket office to pay for an upgrade to a full priced adult ticket.

August 20, 2008

Lewis - one of the most important goals

Lewis Guy, who has scored in both of the opening league games of the season, realised the importance of his contribution, admitting that it will be difficult for him to top the goal he scored against Derby on the opening day of the season. He went on to score with another superb strike against Cardiff, but said of his goal scoring at Pride Park: "I don't score many anyway but that definitely would be up there. I'm not really a goalscorer, I'm more of a creative player. I chip in with the odd goal here and there so that will be up there as one of the most important goals of my career."

August 20, 2008

Boss happy with Cardiff game

August 19, 2008

Stock out of Wales squad

Rovers midfielder Brian Stock has withdrawn from the Welsh squad for their game against Georgia on Wednesday evening owing to a back injury. He has returned to Doncaster to have treatment on the injury, in the hope that he will be fit in time for Saturday's away game at Queens Park Rangers.

August 19, 2008

Ryan challenges Rovers to "do a Bristol"

Doncaster Rovers chairman, John Ryan, has challenged the Rovers players to follow in the footsteps of Bristol City by going on to qualify for the play-offs this season. Bristol were promoted twelve months ahead of Rovers, and instead of struggling, found themselves in the promotion spots for much of the season before faltering to finish in a play-off place.
Ryan told Yorkshire Sport: "Everyone is saying we are going to be relegation favourites, which is fair enough. But I think there's a great belief in the lads that we can do a lot better than that and do a Bristol City. They were no great shakes when we were in the same division. Looking at it from one aspect, if we stay up, I'll be delighted. But we want to do better than that."

August 19, 2008

Nine arrests on Saturday

Nine people, "mainly" Cardiff City supporters, were arrested following a series of incidents in Doncaster town centre and outside the Keepmoat Stadium ahead of last Saturday's match. The match itself passed without incident.
The nine people have been charged and released on bail. They will appear in court at a later date - police will be applying for football banning orders against all of those charged.

August 19, 2008

Sam's the man

Sam Hird was voted as the clear "man of the match" for his great performance in Saturday's game against Cardiff City. Sam recived three times the number of votes as his closest rival, Matt Mills. With eleven players receiving nominations, the top three were:
1 Sam Hird - 41.86%
2 Matt Mills - 13.95%
3 Brian Stock - 11.63%
Thanks go to everyone who took the time to vote. The next poll will open following Saturday's game at Queens Park Rangers.

August 18, 2008

QPR ticket info

Tickets are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office for Saturday's away game at Queens Park Rangers. Rovers have received an allocation of 1,000 for advance sale, with a total allocation of 1,700 - presumably the other 700 will be available for sale at Loftus Road on the day or the match.
Ticket prices will be as follows:
Adults - £30
Under-16's/16-21's/Over 60's & Ambulant Disabled (no carer) - £20
Wheelchair disabled & carer - £15
We understand that the QPR programme will cost £5, as a special edition is being planned as a memorial for Ray Jones, with 50p going to charity.

August 18, 2008

QPR coaches

The Supporters Club are running coaches to the away game at Queens Park Rangers on 23rd August.
Coaches will leave Retford at 8.45am, Harworth 8.50am, Bawtry 9.00am, Rossington 9.00am, Hare & Tortoise 9.05am, Doncaster Royal Infirmary 9.30am and Keepmoat Stadium Car Park 1 at 9.45am.
The fares will be:
Members: Adults £20, Senior Citisens £18, Under 16 £16
Non Members: Adults £22, Senior Citizens £20, Under 16 £18
Please call Len South (01302 817347) or Paul Mayfield (0796 1727769 or 01427 880154).

August 18, 2008

Laws turns down Gilbert transfer request

After reporting Plymouth Argyle to the Football League for an alleged illegal approach for defender Peter Gilbert, Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws has now confirmed that Wednesday have now turned down a transfer request from the player.
Laws said: "I understand Peter. He wants to play in the first team. I can't keep 20-odd players happy all the time. That's part of the game. Peter has to accept that, and he has done. We are rejecting his request unless somebody comes in with the right kind of fee, because I've got to replace him."
Gilbert, a former Plymouth player who has played twice under Argyle manager Paul Sturrock, played for Rovers on loan in January 2007, making four appearances for the club.

August 17, 2008

Rovers 1 Cardiff 1

Doncaster Rovers were denied victory two minutes from the end of the game, as a collision between Neil Sullivan and Adam Lockwood enabled the ball to run free to Ross McCormack, who cracked the ball home from close range. Until that point, it looked as though Rovers were set for a deserved second successive victory, with chances falling to Richie Wellens and Brian Stock coming in the early stages of the game. The visitors held firm in defence though, and it took until the 67th minute for the opening goal of the game. Lewis Guy latched onto a through ball down the middle from Matt Mills, and lashed home an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Cardiff looked most unlikely to score an equaliser for the rest of the game until that fateful collision in the dying minutes of the game.

August 17, 2008

O'Driscoll - no blame for mix-up

Rovers manager Sean O'Driscoll refused to put the blame for the mix-up that led to Cardiff's late equaliser yesterday, which would have given Rovers a second win of the season.
Rovers looked to be on the way to three points when Ross McCormack, who spent some time at Rovers on loan from Rangers three years ago, pounced as the ball ran free following a collision between Adam Lockwood and Neil Sullivan.
O'Driscoll said: "It was a disappointing mix-up but it's pointless picking out someone to blame. What pleased me is that I thought we upped our game from last week's performance when we won at Derby. I thought there was a lot of hype after that match but we played a good passing side today and matched them and that's the pleasing aspect from our point of view. I didn't think we eased off, it was just a mix-up that cost us the points but we got a draw and that's another step in the right direction. I think our play probably deserved three points overall but it wasn't to be."
Cardiff boss Dave Jones said of the match: "It looked like it was going to be a stalemate anyway and their goal resulted from mistakes from our part. The only time they played a 60-yard pass throughout the match they opened us up and that was disappointing."
"I thought we probably shaded the first half and they shaded the second. We probably nullified each other because there was a lot of midfield passing from both teams but no cutting edge. This is a difficult place to come and Doncaster passed the ball well but we stuck to our task and maybe they got a bit nervous. I thought probably overall it was a fair result."

August 17, 2008

Goals round-up

We begin our review of former Rovers players scoring goals yesterday in the Premiership, where Middlesbrough defender David Wheater scored one of their two goals to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.
In the Championship, Paul Green opened his account for Derby County, with his second half strike giving County a draw after they had gone behind in the 23rd minute agianst Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Down into non-league football, Andy Campbell scored for Farsley Celtic in their 3-1 home defeat against Hinckley United.
The first day of action in the UniBond Premier Division saw two Rovers players scoring in the Witton Albion v Frickley Athletic game. Rod Thornley scored the opener for Witton in the 14th minute, with Robert Pell equalising from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.
We now head north of the border, where Colin Cramb scored in the first minute for East Stirling in their game against new-boys Annan Athletic. However, Athletic came from behind to score the winner in the 89th minute, leaving East Stirling one place off the bottom of Scottish Division Three.
What money would there be on the top team in the SPL not being either Rangers or Celtic? At the moment, newly promoted Hamilton sit on top of Scotland's premier division, albeit on goal difference from Rangers. Yesterday, they scored a 1-0 win at Inverness Caledonian Thistle (who included ex-Rover McGuire in their side), thanks to a strike in time added on at the end of the first half by Richard Offiong. Hamiltion also included ex-Rover Chris Swailes in their ranks.
Moving over to Wales, where the Welsh Premier League saw its first weekend of action of the season, ex-Rovers striker Neil Roberts scored one of Rhyl's three goals to beat Newtown.
Finally, across the water in Ireland, ex-Rovers striker Peter Hynes scored one of Sporting Fingal's goals that beat Carrick United 3-1 in the FAI Ford Cup, finishing well from eight yards out on the hour mark.

August 17, 2008

Duane after promotion for Rovers

Former Rovers striker Duane Darby, now manager at British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands club Bromsgrove Rovers, says winning promotion is the only aim for his squad this season. Bromsgrove began their season at home to Kevin Horlock's Bury Town yesterday as they look to bounce back from last season's relegation, with Darby believing they have a squad capable of returning at the first attempt. The season didn't, in that case, start according to plan, with Bury Town winning the game 1-0.
Darby said: “Promotion is the only target we have got. I feel we have a much stronger squad than last year. I am in no doubt that we can get promotion with this squad. It’s going to be new to us but I am just concerned about ourselves and if we do it right we will be fine. It’s going to be a tough season so we have got to make sure we get a good start. I am looking forward to it. I hate pre-season but now it comes down to the proper thing. The pre-season results don’t matter, now they do.”

August 16, 2008

Rovers v Cardiff

Doncaster Rovers have no further injuries to contend with ahead of the first home game of the new season. Sean O'Driscoll made five changes to the side for Tuesday's defeat against Notts County, so we expect that a number of the players who missed out after playing last Saturday will be restored to the side.
Rovers will be missing Darren Byfield, Jason Price, Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer today, but apart from that, all others should be available for selection.
Former Rovers loan striker Ross McCormack looks set to be in the side for Cardiff City's first visit at this level to Doncaster for fifty years, although boss Dave Jones has a selection problem for the game with his strikers - after winning their opening game of the season last Saturday against Southampton with Ross McCormack and Steve Thompson, he changed the strike pairing for Tuesday's Carling Cup game, with Jay Bothroyd and Paul Parry put in impressive performances.
Gavin Rae and Kevin McNaughton are expected to be fit after recovering from knocks, but Glen Loovens' inclusion is doubtful as his future at the club hangs in the balance as he looks to be bound for Celtic, with Darren Purse likely to replace Loovens. Tony Capaldi misses out with a knee injury, and midfielder Gavin Rae will miss up to two weeks after chipping a bone in his leg.

August 16, 2008

Jones ready for Rovers threat

Cardiff boss Dave Jones is wary of the threat of Doncaster Rovers ahead of this afternoon's clash at the Keepmoat Stadium, but is confident that his players are up to the challenge.
"It's their first home fixture, so they will be pumped up for this game - big-time. We have to be prepared for that," Jones told the South Wales Echo.
"We know from last season's reports that they like to play football and we will have to be at our best if we are to achieve anything there."
Cardiff are unbeaten in their two matches so far this season, and also went through their entire pre-season campaign undefeated.
Jones also said: "We expect a big, passionate home crowd but we're more than capable of dealing with that. They enjoyed a good win against Derby and they will catch a few teams by surprise - but that won't last for long."

August 16, 2008

Big crowd anticipated

Rovers are certain of a five-figure crowd for this afternoon's first home game of the season, with around 8,000 season tickets sold and 3,000 tickets being sent to Cardiff.
Sean O'Driscoll is keeping his team line-up under wraps ahead of the game to keep his Cardiff counterpart guessing - Adam Lockwood, who has yet to feature this season, has a chance of coming back into the back four.
Looking ahead to today's game, O'Driscoll said: "It is all about trying to play against a team who have high aspirations of getting promoted this season. It is not for me to speculate how well they'll do this season. But I would imagine that David Jones, his board and the club's supporters would expect them to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season."
"They have used the money generated from their FA Cup run to strengthen the team and I wouldn't be surprised if they strengthened it again before the transfer window shuts. Both sides will be looking to play football so it could be quite an entertaining game."
"It is going to be tough because Cardiff will be there or thereabouts. But I have confidence in my players and, more importantly, they have belief in themselves."

August 16, 2008

Man of the Match

New signing James Chambers was the clear winner of the "Man of the Match" voting for Tuesday night's match at Notts County, gaining almost half of the votes received. A total of six players were nominated, with the most votes going as follows:
1 James Chambers (45.45%)
2 Gareth Roberts (22.72%)
3 Jos van Nieuwstadt (13.64%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next vote will open following this afternoon's home game against Cardiff City.

August 16, 2008

Rovers arrange Chesterfield game

With no reserve team to bring players back into action, Rovers will again rely on arranging behind-closed-doors friendly fixtures to bring injured players back to full match fitness.
A match has been arranged against Chesterfield next week to enable Jason Price to improve his fitness. Price has missed both matches so far this season and only resumed full training on Thursday.

August 16, 2008

O'Driscoll - lack of "know-how" let us down

Rovers are likely to revert to the line-up that beat Derby County last Saturday, with Sean O'Driscoll admitting that the changes made on Tuesday didn't work.
He said: "The changes we made upset the balance in the side. I don't think there was a problem with the application, workrate or attitude - it was 'know-how' that let us down. We lacked the ability to break them down and got frustrated with each other. There is a lesson for us to learn there because we are going to have setbacks in the league as well and it's how we react to them that is going to be crucial to how well we do this season."
He continued: "Tuesday night's result was a massive disappointment and it's something we have to learn from. Obviously the league is by far the main priority but we don't like losing any game and we wanted to make progress in the cup as well as keep the momentum going after Saturday's win."

August 16, 2008

Match officials

The match officials for this afternoon's match will be:
Referee: M Halsey
Assistant referees: T Massey, J Collin
Fourth official: N Swarbrick