Academy Update

ACADEMY UPDATE A MIXED START TO THE SEASON FOR GARY McSHEFFREY'S U18s

ROVERS U18S HAVE ONE WON AND LOST ONE OF THEIR OPENING LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON BUT HAVE SHOWN PLENTY OF POSITIVE SIGNS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD.

The team started with a notable 3-2 away win against a strong Lincoln City side. Goals that morning came courtesy of Jack Goodman (2) and Corie Cole. However, it was then followed up with a 2-0 defeat at home to Grimsby Town.

Against Lincoln the youth team had shown tenacity and flair with conviction in their attacks, but despite controlling the first half against The Mariners something did not click in the final third and led to an eventual loss with the visitors scoring either side of half-time.

U18s manager Gary McSheffrey believes his sides lack of fitness contributed to the defeat as the side’s pre-season which was impacted by various players being forced to self-isolate in line with Government guidelines. McSheffrey said: “Grimsby had technically gifted players who were comfortable on the ball. They had a good tempo and mixed their game up.

“They physically bullied us and looked fitter. We know what we need to improve on.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game because they are a good team, but we did not lay a glove on them which was disappointing.”

The U18s are without some of their more experienced attacking options and McSheffrey said he was looking forward to welcoming Tavonga Kuleya back to the squad after his absence while forward Ethan Harrison continues his recovery from a foot injury.

He added: “We did not have enough attacking power on the bench to make an impact. Hopefully over the course of the coming weeks we can gain a few more experienced second year scholars back.”

This morning the U18s hosted Bolton Wonderers in their opening game of the EFL Youth Cup. McSheffrey’s side are in a group with Mansfield Town and Oldham Athletic with games against those sides coming at the end of September and beginning of October respectively.

To find out how the lads got on vs Bolton this morning you can check out our Twitter @DRFC_Academy with reaction from the match to follow throughout the weekend on our website.

Football is a game of many opinions, but there is one that we must all share. There is no place for discrimination in our game. If you do not agree, then you are not welcome. If you see or hear discrimination in this stadium, please report it to the nearest steward or via the Kick it Out App.

Because we are all

#TogetherAgainstDiscrimination

DONCASTER ROVERS

1 Louis JONES 2 Kyle KNOYLE 4 Tom ANDERSON 6 Roshaun WILLIAMS 7 Omar BOGLE 8 Ben CLOSE 9 Fejiri OKENABIRHIE 10 Tommy ROWE 11 Jon TAYLOR 12 Pontus DAHLBERG 14 Matt SMITH 15 John BOSTOCK 16 Aidan BARLOW 17 Jordy HIWULA 18 Ed WILLIAMS 19 Charlie SEAMAN 21 Tiago CUKUR 22 Ethan GALBRAITH 23 Dan GARDNER 24 Cameron JOHN 27 AJ GREAVES 28 Brandon HORTON 29 Lirak HASANI 30 Ben BLYTHE 31 Liam RAVENHILL 32 Ben BOTTOMLEY

PORTSMOUTH FC

1 Gavin BAZUNU 2 Callum JOHNSON 3 Lee BROWN 4 Clark ROBERTSON 5 Haji MNOGA 6 Shaun WILLIAMS 7 Gassan AHADME 8 Ryan TUNNICLIFFE 9 John MARQUIS 10 Marcus HARNESS 11 Ronan CURTIS 13 Kieron FREEMAN 14 Jayden REID 16 Connor OGILVIE 17 Ellis HARRISON 18 Reeco HACKETT-FAIRCHILD 19 George HIRST 20 Sean RAGGETT 21 Joe MORRELL 22 Liam VINCENT 23 Louis THOMPSON 24 Michael JACOBS 26 Paul DOWNING 34 Izzy KABA 35 Alex BASS 38 Harry JEWITT-WHITE

OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Carl Boyeson

ASSISTANTS: Mark Cunliffe Joe Simpson

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Stephen Wade

NEXT HERE

CAMBRIDGE UNITED

Saturday 4th September KO: 3.00pm Sky Bet League One

Club Doncaster and Doncaster Rovers treats discriminatory anti-social behaviour seriously and wants to ensure the enjoyment of the match for all. If you experience anti-social behaviour close to you, please report it to the nearest steward or police officer. We also offer and anonymous ‘safe text’ service to enable supporters to report their concerns quickly and easily by text message.

Please send a text with your location and the location of the offence – e.g. block, row, seat - to 07825012850 with one of the following:

• FOUL (language & behaviour) • SMOKE (smoking in the stadium) • RACISM (racist chanting & shouting) • STAND (standing up) • HPH (homophobic chanting) • DRINK (drinking alcohol in view of the pitch) • PYRO (use of or intended use of any pyrotechnic or smoke bomb)

Each message costs one standard text at your local rate.

IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE TO ENTER THE PITCH OR PERIMETER TRACK. ANYONE DOING SO WILL FACE ARREST AND A BAN FROM WATCHING FOOTBALL ANTI DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Doncaster Rovers Football Club is determined to treat with equal consideration all supporters, regardless of gender, race or ethnic origin, religious belief, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other unjustifiable reason. The club, in association with its governing bodies (the FA and the EFL) and all footballing authorities, is determined to eradicate racism in football by ensuring that no barriers exist to anyone playing/ enjoying the national game, whatever their ethnic background. To this end, Doncaster Rovers Football Club will not tolerate any form of racism amongst spectators. Anyone found to be culpable of displaying any form of racist behaviour will be removed from the stadium immediately.

RESPECT THE LAW Supporters are reminded that the Keepmoat Stadium is a strictly no smoking venue. It is an offence to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol for anybody under the age of 18. Anybody caught doing so will face ejection from the stadium and prosecution. Anybody who appears to be under the age of 21 will be asked for ID. We appreciate supporters’ co-operation.