by Paul Williams

It was almost 14 years ago to the day that we last played Stalybridge Celtic in Doncaster. That was, of course, at Belle Vue and the Conference fixture came amidst another period of uncertainty for Rovers with John Ryan having just resigned as chairman in an ongoing row with DMBC over the building of a new stadium.

JR was to return, of course, and oversee not only one of the most successful periods in the club's history but also the development of the Keepmoat.

We lost that Conference game, by the way, but there will be no excuses if we fail to put away the National League North side this weekend in the first round of the FA Cup.

Like all League 1 and League 2 teams, Rovers wouldn't turn their noses up at a cup run with the chance of a money-spinner in round three, though some would argue the glamour of the FA Cup is not what it was. Stalybridge have beaten the mighty Kendal, Chasetown and North Ferriby to get this far in the competition but needed a couple of replays and a penalty shoot-out against the latter and were thumped 5-0 at Fylde last Saturday in the league.

I remember us once losing an FA Trophy match against Frickley so I'm not going to say this is a gimme for Rovers, despite the obvious gulf in class. We made pretty hard work of putting away Bradford Park Avenue in a similar contest at this stage in 2012 and our defence is still a work in progress. But Darren Ferguson will want to follow up last week's win over Colchester with another victory so won't make unnecessary changes. It might be a couple of days late for real fireworks but a few goals in the opposition's net would help ramp up the feelgood factor ahead of a more tricky test at Blackpool next week.

On Saturday if James Coppinger plays he will break the Rovers all-time appearance record with his 469th appearance. To celebrate this milestone the Black Bank will be clapping on the 26th minute for 1 minute and we are fully behind this great idea - let's raise the roof together and show Copps what he means to all DRFC fans!

Junior Rovers fans were treated to a fantastic Halloween ‘spook-tacular’ during, and after, Saturday’s game against Colchester United.

The young supporters – dressed up in full scary costumes – partook in a half time parade lead by the ghostly Donny Dog before a mass ‘Thriller’ dance on the Keepmoat Stadium turf.

Following the match – and Rovers’ 2-0 win over the U’s – the youngsters gathered in the Family Stand and were told scary ghost stories before meeting their heroes, the Doncaster Rovers first team squad, in the ‘revamped’ Belle Vue Bar.

Everyone then enjoyed an eerie walk around the pitch black Keepmoat Stadium before returning for a fun party disco including games and apple bobbing and pumpkin carving.

Marketing and Communications Manager Ryan Murrant said: “I can’t thank the efforts of all those involved enough. There was a terrific amount of planning that went in to making it such an enjoyable evening and the feedback from the young fans was fantastic.

“Credit must also go to Alan Roberts and the whole of the Viking Supporters Co-operative (VSC) for the hours they put in to making it as scary as possible for everyone to savour.

"I'd also like to thank the local businesses, football clubs, friends of the football club and the Club Doncaster Foundation for helping push the game.

“The players were there to celebrate the win as well which made the whole day really special.”

Read more at http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/article/my-local-scream-success-2780386.aspx

by Paul Williams

So no goals scored in four of our last six games. Add that to a defence that would give the Chuckle Brothers a run for their money in terms of comedy appeal and it’s easy to see why Darren Ferguson has decided he’ll have to enter the loan market sooner rather than later.

That said, after a frankly disgraceful opening half-hour, Rovers were actually as good if not better than Millwall at the New Den on Tuesday night with a particularly encouraging performance from Harry Middleton, reveling in a new role. But back-to-back defeats after that unexpected win at Shrewsbury means that this Saturday’s home game against perennial strugglers Colchester has taken on greater significance.

The U’s are actually in decent form at present. They scored four against high-flying Walsall last weekend only to let in the same amount - it’s that defensive fragility which gives hope of a rare three points for Rovers.

Colchester have conceded more goals than anyone else in League 1 – 32 in 15 matches. But they’ve also scored more than any other team in the bottom half of the table, which is why they currently have six more points than Rovers.

We’ve won our last four against Colchester and not lost at home to the Essex side since that infamous game at Belle Vue in 1998 which saw us slip out of the Football League amid tears and recrimination. A lot has changed for the better since then and, with plenty still to play for this season, let’s get behind the team and put this minor hiccup into context.

The Viking Supporter's Co-operative is pleased to announce that this year's Annual General Meeting will be held on the 21st November 2015 at 11:00AM ahead of the match against Rochdale.

The venue will once again be the Belle Vue Bar at the Keepmoat Stadium and all Doncaster Rovers fans are invited to attend. Non-VSC members are invited to observe proceedings and may join the trust once the AGM has closed.

If you would like to participate in the AGM make sure to join the VSC or renew your membership beforehand. Gavin Baldwin and Ryan Murrant will be in attendance
for a Q&A session following the close of the AGM.

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