Doncaster Rovers v Morecambe - Official Matchday Programme 2021/22 by Mark Hughesman

MATCHDAY vs MORECAMBE . Saturday 18th September 2021 . Sky Bet League One . KO: 3.00pm

CE L E BR AT ING T HE A C A DE M Y

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W

OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

DONCASTER ROVERS FC MAIN CLUB SPONSOR LNER

CONTENTS

ASSOCIATE CLUB SPONSOR Stoneacre Motor Group TECHNICAL KIT SUPPLIER Elite Pro Sports Chairman: David Blunt Major shareholders: Terry Bramall, David Blunt, Gavin Baldwin Directors: Terry Bramall, David Blunt, Gavin Baldwin Chief executive: Gavin Baldwin FOOTBALL STAFF Manager: Richie Wellens Assistant manager: Noel Hunt Goalkeeping coach: Paul Gerrard Physiotherapist: Jonathan Chatfield Club doctor: Dr Tim Douglas CLUB STAFF Director of finance: Richard Poole Head of administration & football operations: Mary Lally Head groundsman: Andy Thompson Head of commercial: Jon Warburton Ticket manager: Tracy Bawden Chief operating officer: Shaun Lockwood Marketing manager: Mark Hughesman Supporter liaison officer: Dean Medcalf CLUB DONCASTER FOUNDATION Chair of trustees: Linda Tully Trustees: Gavin Baldwin, Nigel Brewster, Natalie Shaw, Allan Stewart, Rupert Suckling, John Wallbank Honorary ambassador: Stuart Highfield Chief executive officer: John Davis NCS programme manager: Tom Foy CLUB DONCASTER SPORTS COLLEGE Principal: Adi Turnpenny Deputy principals: Joe Burton, Ben Thompson PROGRAMME Contributors: Robbie Andrews, Dan Breslin, Jon Warburton, Mark Hughesman, Hayley Ford, Sophie Scargill, Gavin Hepworth, MATCHDAY John Coyle, Abi Rodwell Photography: Phil Ryan, AH Pix, Heather King, Rex Features Design: Daniel Parker Published by: ACA Creative Limited www.aca-creative.co.uk vs MORECAMBE . Saturday 18th September 2021 . Sky Bet League One . KO: 3.00pm

CE L E BR AT ING T HE A C A DE M Y

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

05 05

Richie Wellens

Ro-Shaun Williams

Player Sponsorship

Celebrating the Academy

Donny Kicks

Morecambe

We've Met Before

On This Day

Fixtures & Results

IN CHARGE:

RICHIE WELLENS "I BELIEVE WE’RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO PLAY ON THE BEST PITCH IN THE DIVISION, SO WE NEED TO USE THAT TO OUR ADVANTAGE" Good afternoon everyone, I’d like to begin by welcoming the players, staff, directors, and supporters from Morecambe to the Keepmoat Stadium. Morecambe have impressed at the start of this season after winning promotion through the play-offs and going through a transitional summer with a new manager and plenty of new players. They have a real identity about the way they’re going about things, and they will provide a tough challenge for us this afternoon. This is just our third home league match this season. I believe we’re lucky enough to play on the best pitch in the division, so we need to use that to our advantage: play our best football and make this place a fortress. You can play your part in that too. Thousands of voices cheering for the players will give them the extra 10% they need to get a result in this game and all future games. Finally, I’d like to welcome our Academy to today’s game. It’s brilliant to see the club’s future players joining us today and I’m sure you’ll give them a big welcome at half time. I’d like to offer a specific welcome to the U9s and U10s who have completed their official signing on today and have taken their first steps to representing this club at senior level. I hope each and every one of our young players has an excellent day. Thank you for your support, Richie

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

LNER PERKS MEANS REWARDS FOR EVERY JOURNEY (Jump onboard)

Join a loyalty scheme where you get £5 free for joining + 2% back every time you travel with us. Book Direct at LNER.co.uk or on our app and travel smarter. This is our

RO-SHAUN WILLIAMS

WHILE THE INJURIES HAVE MOUNTED FOR ROVERS SO FAR THIS SEASON, RO-SHAUN WILLIAMS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PILLAR FOR MANAGER RICHIE WELLENS TO LEAN ON.

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

The 23-year-old has played every minute of every league game since arriving in the summer from fellow Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury Town.

OUR SEASON HAS TO START TODAY, WE WANT TO GET THAT WIN AND GIVE THE FANS SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT

He has found it easy to settle in, with plenty of players at a similar age within the squad. “I’ve settled in well to a new group, there’s plenty of new players which takes time to come together but we are improving,” he says. “We’ve become a tight squad in a short space of time, and we’ve had to be patient to have everybody on the training pitch at the same time. “There are a few lads who’ve had similar backgrounds to me and are from the same area so we’ve all been helping each other out. “The changing room is a good place to be, each individual has their own goals but we want to go in the right direction as a team as well. “In all the games we’ve played we’ve been well in them, it’s just been small margins that have gone against us. “Whether that be decisions going against us, or missed chances we know we have to learn from those.” After coming through the ranks at Premier League side Manchester United, Williams got as far as being on the bench for the first-team before heading for pastures new. Having reached a stage in his development where he needed to play games, and with his opportunities at the Red Devils limited, he signed for Shrewsbury Town in January 2019.

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

By the time his move to Rovers came around, he had already racked up close to 100 senior appearances. Williams feels the training sessions he had at Carrington in his younger days have stood him in good stead, and showed him the levels he needs to reach on a day-to-day basis. “Probably for about 18 months I was training with the firstteam most days, going on pre-season tours and being on the bench a few times,” he says. “You just know when you get to a certain point that you’re probably not going to play for the first-team. “It’s difficult accepting that you’re not quite at the level to be at Manchester United, but I knew I had to find an opportunity for myself. “I wanted to get out and gain some experience to start my own path, now the test for me is working hard to play at the best level I can. “I’ve seen some top professionals at the club, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is probably the best I’ve seen in terms of the way he looks after himself. “That is why he’s played at the top for so long and why he is continuing to push himself.” Another product of the United Academy who has been in the news over the past year is Marcus Rashford, a close friend of Ro-Shaun’s. The pair often meet for food away from football, as a chance to catch-up now they have gone their separate ways within the game.

He is proud to see his friend doing so much good off the pitch too, after the Manchester-born star drew on his own experience of childhood poverty to raise millions of pounds for food charities during the pandemic. “Marcus is a good friend of mine and we’ve known each other for a long time. We played for the same local team and came through the Academy together,” says Williams. “All of the stuff he’s doing off the field is really good, it shows the type of guy he is and how humble he is too. “We’ve both got busy schedules, but we do still see each other now and again, obviously I’m here now and he’s working his way back from injury. “When we both have the chance, we’ll probably go to one another’s house and go for dinner, but we’re constantly talking on the phone. “He is somebody who wants to look after people and make them happy, that is the reason he’s done all the things he has. “You see a lot of footballers at that level getting bad press, but he is on the front pages for all the right reasons.” Continuity in team selection has played its part in Rovers struggling to build momentum in the early part of the campaign, with Williams himself already having a handful of defensive partners at the heart of the backline. He is still finding his way in a new team while being tasked with the responsibility of being the senior man in a young centre-back pairing in the absence of skipper Tom Anderson. He believes that with players returning and a busy schedule coming up, fortunes will turn and points will come. “It’s been difficult, I’ve had a few partners in the defence so far this season and I’ve had to take on that senior role despite being quite young myself,” he adds. “I enjoy playing with Tom and learning from him because of his experience, I need to work on having those leadership qualities too. “It’s been a battle because of the injuries we’ve had throughout the team but we know once we have a run with a fully fit squad we will put a run together. “We need to pick up points on Saturday, we’ve come up against a lot of the top teams already but these games at home are key. “Our season has to start today, we want to get that win and give the fans something to shout about. “It would take the weight off everyone’s shoulders and give us confidence going into the next game.”

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

ONE HUNDRED P A R T N E R S CLUB

DIAMOND

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

JOE DODOO

IN MEMORY OF CHOCCO

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AJ GREAVES

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

27 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

MARK & SIAN LISTER

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

RICHIE WELLENS

MAIN BRANCH

RETFORD BRANCH

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

DENNIS & DAVE HARVEY

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

ROFRIGO VILCA

AVAILABLE

MATT SMITH

PONTUS DAHLBERG

AVAILABLE

CHARLIE SEAMAN

AVAILABLE

19 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

OMAR BOGLE

RO-SHAUN WILLIAMS TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

CAMERON JOHN

AVAILABLE

BEN BLYTHE

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

BEN BOTTOMLEY

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

LIRAK HASANI

AVAILABLE

29 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

MAIN BRANCH

AVAILABLE

DAN GARDNER

AVAILABLE

22 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

BEN SCHOFIELD

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

TIAGO CUKUR

AVAILABLE

BRANDEN HORTON

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

CARA & JACK LISTER

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

BARRY JOHNSON

JAKE & ZACK SKINN

DENNIS & DAVE HARVEY

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

ETHAN GALBRAITH

AVAILABLE

LIAM RAVENHILL

AVAILABLE

RED VIKING RAIL

AVAILABLE

ED WILLIAMS

AVAILABLE

IDEAL ELECTRICITY

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

JON TAYLOR

TOMMY ROWE

AVAILABLE

10 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

AIDAN BARLOW

AVAILABLE

16 TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

MAIN BRANCH

JORDY HIWULA

JOE ALBERTELLA

AVAILABLE

HSR LAW

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

LAUREN & HOLLY BYTHWAY

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

RETFORD BRANCH

JOHN BOSTOCK

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

REECE KERRIDGE-McCOLL

RETFORD BRANCH

FEJIRI OKENABIRHIE

AVAILABLE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

AVAILABLE

JOSEPH OLOWU

TOM ANDERSON

KYLE KNOYLE

LOUIS JONES

AVAILABLE

BEN CLOSE

TRAINING AWAY HOME MAIN

STADIUM STARS

AVAILABLE RITA JILL & PAUL

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

TO SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE ROVERS PLAYER, CALL US ON 01302 764665

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

CELEBRATING THE ACADEMY ROVERS ACADEMY IS THE ELITE TRAINING CENTRE FOR TALENTED FOOTBALLERS IN DONCASTER. NINETY-SEVEN BOYS AGED EIGHT TO 16 CURRENTLY MAKE UP THE YOUTH FOUNDATION PHASE (U9-U12) AND YOUTH PROFESSIONAL PHASES (U13-U16) WITH A FURTHER 20 SCHOLARS MAKING UP THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE (U18). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic playing havoc with the playing schedule last season, off the pitch the Academy’s structure has been improving at a rapid pace with the introduction of the pre-academy for boys aged seven and eight and the newly established Doncaster Rovers Training Centre which is headed up by former Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz. The Training Centre does two things. It provides high-quality football

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

sessions for talented boys and girls in Doncaster but is also the pathway to Rovers Academy with players making the switch from Centre to Academy every week. “The Academy programme is going from strength to strength,” said Academy manager Tony Cook. “I took on this role in 2019 when we didn’t have a pre-Academy. It meant we were losing young, local players to other South Yorkshire clubs.

“We’ve got a very competitive U9s and U10s now and getting these younger players into the set-up has been key to that. “Our mantra is Made In Doncaster and we really want to attract local kids into the system - everyone wants to see one of their own on the pitch. We need some realism with that too – we’re not going to get every single scholarship player to come through from the Foundation Phase but we need to aim for as close to that as possible.

“I know it’s a long way from being an U9 to being a first team player but that is the pathway we have in place. You’ve seen with Liam Ravenhill and recently Ethan Harrison that we’re starting to get players through who’ve started at those young age groups. “Richie Wellens is giving those players a chance which we’re delighted with because it sends a message to all the Academy players that if they’re good enough, they’ll get a chance here at Doncaster Rovers.” The Training Centre has recently celebrated its first birthday but it’s already making big strides in bridging the gap from community grassroots football to the Academy set up. “The training centre is in it’s infancy,” explained Cook. “It’s a pathway into the Academy but it’s also a way to provide additional training for players in the community so it serves two purposes really.

“We’re really pleased with. Andy Beaglehole, Ben Hunter and Jan Budtz are running it – they’re good people and have the players’ and club’s best interests at heart. We’re delighted with how it’s working both in the community and the way it’s bringing players through into the Academy.”

The Academy has been invited to the Keepmoat Stadium today to watch the senior team take on Morecambe in a Sky Bet League One. The matchday is a celebration of the club’s future and will the give young players the chance to be introduced to the supporters for the first time. “For these players to feel part of the club is so important,” added Cook. “We want these young players to feel connected to the first-team and see the pathway that is ahead of them. “It’s going to be good for us to showcase the Academy in front of the home fans. It’ll be a proud moment for the coaches and the parents and for the young players, it will be a moment that they never forget. “It’ll also be a celebration of the U9s and U10s because it’s going to be there signing day as well and we want to celebrate that because it’s a massive thing. The joy of joining the club and being part of our Rovers family.”

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

Can you help Donny find the words in the wordsearch? Hello everyone Welcome to our game against Morecambe. I am pleased to have Mason and Ellis joining us as matchday mascots and hope they have a great day. Non season members under 12 can still join my new Donny Dog Club or you can all join Donny Dog Club Plus where you can come along to some amazing events I have planned. Let’s make plenty of noise today. Enjoy the game!

S U P P O R T E R J

C T A M S F O O T I

R R H W H I S T L E

E A C B P H A M A S

FOOTBALL

F Y G O R L C T F H

E F 0 0 T B A L L I

R M A T G O M R O R

BOOTS

SUPPORTER REFEREE

Lots of Woof! Donny Dog

WHISTLE

Donny’s Score prediction

1 0

GOAL

E G L S C A F N I T

E A T R O P H Y L F

TROPHY SHIRT

T B H I T R L F U N

Donny has been doing some drawing in his kennel but his colouring pens have run out, can you help him by colouring in his drawing

Joe Dodoo

HOW WELL DO YOU

KNOW...

BEN CLOSE

1. Which club did we sign Ben from? YOUR ANSWER

2. What is Ben’s middle name? YOUR ANSWER

3. How old is Ben? YOUR ANSWER

4. How tall is Ben in metres and centimetres? YOUR ANSWER

5. Ben has played for two teams on loan previously who are they? YOUR ANSWER

6. What squad number is Ben? YOUR ANSWER

7. Where was Ben born? YOUR ANSWER

ANSWERS (DON’T CHEAT) 1) Portsmouth; 2) Eaton; 3) 25; 4) 1 metre 75 cms; 5) Poole Town and Eastleigh 6) 8; 7) Portsmouth

TODAY’S MASCOTS

Mason Owens

Ellis Hankinson

Age: 6 Hobbies: Playing football Favourite Player: Tom Anderson

Age: 9 Hobbies: Football, cricket & golf Favourite Player: Jon Taylor

A very happy birthday to our Donny Dog Club Members Bobby Ash Joshua Bargh Harry Bodle Myles Clifford Zach Doran Charlie Foster Charlie Greenough Isabelle Harvey Archie Hughes Ruby Madden Aron Qadir Isaac Stewart Caleb Vickers Iris Winterman

Good luck to Gary Whitehead & Debbie Lawson who marry at Hackness Grange, Scarborough on 9th October from all your family & friends

Finlay Atkinson Jadie Beal Ashley Booker Adam Clough Toby Dryden Emily Foster Charlie Groves Lucas Hird Ricoh Jarvis William Mannifield Alexander Shaw Oliver Storey Harry Warby

Sebastian Audsley Maya Beverley Harrison Braham Maya Davies-Grainger Danny Evans Ellis Gibson Joseph Hart Luis Hird George Kent Oliver Mundin Seth Short Noah Taylor Alishiah-Mae While

Paul Deakes Happy 60th Birthday Grandad We all love you so much love from all your grandchildren xxx

Harry Bargh Frankie Birkby Finlay Burke Harry Dixon Max Follows Rowan Goforth Zac Hart Jamie Hoskins Harper Rae Kerley Joe Omar Emma Stephen George Terry Dainton Wilson

Happy 21st Birthday Luke! We hope you enjoy your day watching your favourite team! lots of love from all the family x

IN OPPOSITION:

MORECAMBE MEET THE BOSS:

STEPHEN ROBINSON

Robinson’s playing career spanned more than 400 games. Starting off his career at Tottenham, he made just a couple of appearances, before moving onto Bournemouth where he remained for four seasons. On leavingBournemouth, Robinson had two shorter spells at Preston North End and Bristol City. The bulk of his playing career was spent at Luton Town where he spent six seasons making more than 200 appearances. He was also capped by Northern Ireland on seven occasions. His management career started at Oldham Athletic in July 2016. However, hewas relieved of his duties there after just six months in charge. In February 2017 he arrived in Motherwell to assist Mark McGhee as first team coach. It was just two weeks before McGhee departed,

and Robinson took over in interim charge a move that was made permanent in March 2017 and lasted three years. He achieved success during his time at the helm taking them to a League Cup Final and Scottish Cup Final, on both occasions being defeated by Celtic. He also led Motherwell to a third place finish in the 2019/20 season, finishing behind Celtic and Rangers. After a mediocre start to the 2020/21 season Robinson resigned. Despite achieving promotion via the play-offs, Morecambe found themselves without a manager in May 2021 and quickly recruited Robinson in June 2021. He was give a three-year deal and has guided the Shrimps to an encouraging start in League One including a notable 1-0 victory over promotion favourites Sheffield Wednesday.

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

MORECAMBE:

ONES TO WATCH COLE STOCKTON

Nominated for Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for August having hit four goals, it’s fair to say he’s adapted to life in League One. Stockton seems to have found a home at Morecambe as he enters his third season of his second spell. He’s approaching 100 appearances in a Morecambe shirt scoring 27 goals.

ALFIE McCALMONT

The tenacious midfielder signed on loan for the season from Leeds United, having made a couple of appearances for them in their Championship season in 2019/20. McCalmont spent last season on loan at Oldham Athletic and he’ll be looking to show what he is capable of at a higher level this term. He made 36 appearances for the Latics scoring 10 goals in all competitions. He recently picked up his first international cap for Northern Ireland in the 1-0 win against Estonia.

SHANE McLOUGHLIN

The American-born midfielder moved to Kerry at the age of five and has represented Republic of Ireland at U16 and U18 level. Starting his career at Ipswich Town, he went on loan to Bromley before signing for AFC Wimbledon in 2019. It was there he tasted first team football making 70 appearances and scoring 3 goals. He joined Morecambe in pre-season and will be looking to play a key part in their fortunes this season.

SHARED 5-A-SIDE JOE LUMLEY DRFC 2020-21 9 APPS 0 GOALS MFC 2014 1 APP 0 GOALS

NICK FENTON DRFC 2004-06 79 APPS 4 GOALS MFC 2011-13 73 APPS 4 GOALS

ADRIANO RIGOGLIOSO DRFC 2003-05 33 APPS 1 GOAL MFC 2000-03 & 2006-07 133 APPS 19 GOALS

LIAM MANDEVILLE DRFC 2014-17 64 APPS 15 GOALS MFC 46 APPS 4 GOALS

JOKULL ANDRESSON

Similar to Rovers, Morecambe picked up a 6ft 4 Nordic goalkeeper on loan to help them this season. Jokull - who joined the side from Championship club Reading – is held in high regard at his parent club. He signed a three year deal with them prior to being loaned out to Morecambe. He was on loan at Exeter City last season and had two games as an emergency loan at Morecambe. He’ll be looking to establish himself as first choice at Morecambe this season.

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

MARK DUFFY DRFC 2013-14 39 APPS 2 GOALS MFC 2009-11 68 APPS 6 GOALS

WE'VE MET BEFORE MORECAMBE

WORDS: John Coyle

FOOTBALL LEAGUE - HOME LEVEL SEASON 4

2016

DATE

OPPONENT

04/02/2017

Morecambe

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS H

Marquis

FOOTBALL LEAGUE - AWAY LEVEL SEASON 4

2016

DATE

OPPONENT

10/09/2016

Morecambe

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS A

Butler, Marquis (2), Blair, Coppinger

FOOTBALL CONFERENCE - HOME LEVEL SEASON

DATE

OPPONENT

1998

16/01/1999

Morecambe

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS H

1999

08/04/2000

Morecambe

2000

02/09/2000

Morecambe

Barnard

2001

22/09/2001

Morecambe

Owen, Campbell (2)

2002

21/04/2003

Morecambe

Burton

Penney (2)

FOOTBALL CONFERENCE - HOME LEVEL SEASON

DATE

OPPONENT

1998

22/09/1998

Morecambe

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS A

Kirkwood, Hume

1999

15/04/2000

Morecambe

Williams G

2000

18/04/2001

Morecambe

Paterson (pen)

2001

27/04/2002

Morecambe

Whitman

2002

09/11/2002

Morecambe

CONFERENCE LEAGUE CUP - HOME ROUND SEASON SF

1998

DATE

OPPONENT

08/04/1999

Morecambe

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS H

Watson

CONFERENCE LEAGUE CUP - AWAY ROUND SEASON SF

1998

DATE

OPPONENT

30/03/1999

Morecambe

Morecambe FC was formed in 1920 and competed in the Lancashire Combination until 1968 when they were founder members of the Northern Premier League. In 1995 they were promoted to the Football Conference and three years later they found themselves in the same League as Rovers, who had been relegated from the Football League in 1997-98. The first competitive meeting between the teams came at Morecambe’s Christie Park on September 22 1998. Rovers were third from bottom in the Conference table after an indifferent start, while Morecambe were unbeaten at home. After 17 minutes Glenn Kirkwood latched onto Dave Penney’s pass and lobbed the advancing goalkeeper to put Rovers 1-0 up. The score stayed the same until 82 minutes when Mark Hume doubled the advantage with a low drive. In stoppage time Mayers

VENUE RESULT FOR AGST PENS SCORERS A

pulled a goal back for Morecambe, but Rovers held on to win 2-1. The return match came at Belle Vue on January 16, 1999 and was again won 2-1 by Rovers. This time Morecambe took the lead via Lyons after nine minutes and held it until the 70th minute when skipper Dave Penney latched onto a pass from Ian Duerden to level the scores. Two minutes later Penney put Rovers 2-1 ahead and they held on to record their first double of the season. They made it a quadruple by beating Morecambe in both legs of the semi-finals of the Endsleigh Challenge Trophy. Morecambe had won the trophy, which was the Conference’s League Cup, the previous season. Two Ian Duerden goals saw Rovers win 2-1 (again) at Christie Park and Andy Watson scored the only goal at Belle Vue as Rovers earned a 3-1 aggregate victory. They went on to win the trophy, beating Farnborough Town 4-0 on aggregate in the two-legged final.

Duerden (2) In 2002-03 Morecambe finished second in the Conference with Rovers in third, meaning that both clubs qualified for the first play-offs: the prize was a place in the Football League. Morecambe lost out to Dagenham & Redbridge in the semi-final and Rovers then beat the Daggers in a dramatic final at Stoke to secure a return to the League after five seasons. Morecambe were promoted to the Football League in 2007 but they had to wait until 16th September 2016 before they met Rovers again. The match, played at Morecambe’s new home, the Globe Arena, was James Coppinger’s 500th senior appearance for Rovers and he capped a 5-1 away win with a superb goal. The return game at the Keepmoat Stadium produced a 1-1 draw, John Marquis equalising for Rovers after Peter Murphy put the Shrimps in front. Both teams will be looking forward to the prospect of a first Keepmoat Stadium victory in the history of this fixture.

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

ON THIS DAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

WORDS: John Coyle

Three players who have represented Rovers in senior matches were born on this day. Perhaps fitting on a day where the club is celebrating the Academy, PAUL GORMAN (b. September 18 1968 in Macclesfield) came through the youth ranks at Rovers. The striker scored 27 goals in reserve and junior teams in 1987-88 and was given his senior debut as substitute for Billy Stubbs in a 0-2 defeat at Mansfield Town on September 29 1987. He went on to make one start and nine substitute appearances, scoring in a 2-4 defeat at Blackpool towards the end of a campaign that saw Rovers finish bottom of Division Three. In 1988-89 Gorman was again mostly used as a substitute and on November 5 1988 he came off the bench to score in a 3-1 win at Feethams against Darlington. As Rovers finished the season second bottom of the Football League with Darlington bottom, it was a significant result. Paul Gorman’s last game for Rovers was in December 1988 and he joined non-League Fisher Athletic at the end of the season. His record with Rovers was three starts, 21 substitute appearances and two goals. In 1991 he returned to League football with Second Tier side Charlton Athletic. He stayed there for four seasons and scored 8 goals in 40 League games, the majority as a substitute. Subsequently he remained in the south-east and played for Welling United and Dover Athletic. Striker PAUL WHITMARSH (b. September 18, 1973) joined Rovers in 1993 having been with West Ham United as a youngster. He made eight appearances, four as sub, scoring his only goal in November 1993 in a defeat at Hereford United. Those eight games were the extent of his professional career, but he had a lengthy spell in non-League football where his clubs included Gateshead, Stevenage Borough and Hendon (where he scored 70 goals in 120 games.) Welsh-born striker PETER SMITH (b. September 18 1978) had five seasons with Crewe Alexandra without establishing himself in the first team. He had a loan spell at Rovers, then in the Conference, in February 2001 but made only one appearance, in a 1-1 draw with Dover Athletic. Subsequently he moved on to Telford United. Rovers’ biggest win on this day came in 1937 when they beat Rochdale 5-0 at Belle Vue in a Division Three (North) game. It was 0-0 at half-time but after 48 minutes Welsh international forward Eddie Perry gave Rovers the lead. On the hour Bob Allen made it 2-0 and a minute later Perry scored his second. His hat-trick was completed on 69 minutes when he shoulder-charged the Rochdale goalkeeper over the line (permissible in those days.) Mick Killourhy completed a result that had seemed unlikely at the break.

Paul Gorman

Paul Whitmarsh

ROVERS’ BIGGEST WIN ON THIS DAY CAME IN 1937 WHEN THEY BEAT ROCHDALE 5-0 AT BELLE VUE IN A DIVISION THREE (NORTH) GAME

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

Giving Football Back to Small Business At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven. Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering. But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs.

That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities. So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

ON THIS DAY 21ST AUGUST

WORDS: John Coyle

ROVERS RESULTS ON THIS DAY: LEVEL SEASON

OPPONENT

H/A

ATT RESULT GOALSCORERS

Bradford PA

22,207 W 3 0 Todd (2), Maddison

1948/49

Bradford City

1954/55

Rotherham United

1957/58

Middlesbrough

9,237 W 3 2 Ewing, Kelly, Mooney

Bradford City

5,591 W 2 0 Booth, Billings

1947/48

3 2 2

LC1RR 1962/62

To view the programme from our very first encounter with Morecambe, please click the image if viewing digitally:

8,875 W 1 0 Reeve 20,207 W 3 2 Tindill, Brown, Lawlor C

1964/65

Notts County

1976/77

Swansea City

11,362 D 0 0 3,504 D 1 1 Kitchen

SCCF

1978/79

Sheffield United

2,624 L 1 4 Bradley

1982/83

Southend United

2,944 L 2 3 Russell, Lister

1984/85

Millwall

4,241 L 0 1

1987/88

Chesterfield

1,952 W 1 0 Deane

1990/91

Walsall

4,026 W 2 0 Muir (2)

1991/92

Scarborough

1,506 L 0 1

1992/93

Lincoln City

2,936 D 0 0

CONF

1999/00

Kettering Town

3,544 W 2 1 Maamria, Penney

CONF

2001/02

Nuneaton Borough

2,623 D 2 2 Campbell, Owen

2004/05

Oldham Ath

2012/13

Sheffield United

6,774 D 1 1 McIndoe (Pen) 17,925 D 0 0

doncasterroversfc.co.uk

FIXTURES & RESULTS DATE

OPPOSITION

COMP

RES/KO

ATT

AWAY POS

2021/22

STARTING XI

AUGUST Sat 7

AFC Wimbledon

EFL1

1-2

6,419

612

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Anderson

R Williams

Rowe

Tue 10

Walsall

CC1

0-0*

2,384

310

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Anderson

R Williams

John

Sat 14

Sheffield Wednesday

EFL1

0-2

24,738

1,980

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Anderson

R Williams

Rowe

Tue 17

Accrington Stanley

EFL1

0-1

2,223

463

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Anderson

R Williams

Rowe

Sat 21

Portsmouth

EFL1

0-0

6,660

1,292

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Anderson

R Williams

John

Tue 24

Stoke City

CC2

0-2

6,193

541

Jones

Knoyle

John

Blythe

Horton

Sat 28

Rotherham United

EFL1

0-2

9,748

1,716

Dahlberg

Knoyle

John

R Williams

Horton

SEPTEMBER Sat 4

Cambridge United

EFL1

Tue 7

Rotherham United

PJTG

P-P 0-6

1,765

tbc

Jones

Seaman

Rowe

R Williams

Horton

Sat 11

Wigan Athletic

EFL1

1-2

8,975

568

Dahlberg

Knoyle

Olowu

R Williams

Rowe

Sat 18

Morecambe

EFL1

15:00

Tue 21

Manchester City U21s

PJTG

19:00

Sat 25

Plymouth Argyle

EFL1

15:00

Tue 28

Ipswich Town

EFL1

19:45 15:00

OCTOBER Sat 2

Milton Keynes Dons

EFL1

Sat 9

Crewe Alexandra

EFL1