by Rich Colby

“WE’VE GOT DONCASTERRRR” cried an elderly gentleman as he watched the F.A. Cup first round draw in the club house of his local football team in Somerset.  A roar went up from the other supporters who surrounded him.  Weston-Super-Mare Football Club had the BIG draw that they had worked so hard and already played three games to get to.  The magic of the FA Cup has returned.

Weston-Super-Mare currently lie in 20th position in the Vanarama Conference South, three leagues below the full-time professionals of Doncaster Rovers.  This mere fact won’t damage their confidence going into what is probably the biggest game in their history.  The Seagulls are at their home The Woodspring Stadium and will be backed by a near full house of 3000+ locals.

The FA Cup is always capable of providing a shock, and Rovers will need to get through Weston captain Tom Jordan if they want to make it a smooth passage to round two.  The experienced defender and son of former Manchester United hitman Joe Jordan was also in the Havant and Waterlooville side that played at Anfield seven years ago.

Rovers manager Paul Dickov has a couple of injury worries.  Striker Nathan Tyson is likely to miss out with a knee injury and is likely to be replaced by Theo Robinson.  Robinson will want to try and impress if selected after a spell on the bench of late.  Rovers will also be without left-back Cedric Evina for the next 4 weeks at least after the injury he picked up in the game against Bradford last week.  Captain Rob Jones will also miss out but Jamie Coppinger should return.

Paul Dickov will be boosted by the loan signing of Enda Stevens for a month from Aston Villa.  He will replace Evina at left-back.  Andy Butler and Sam Johnstone have also been given clearance from their parent clubs to play in the cup, providing further strength to the Rovers back line.

Donny will want to build on the progression they have made in the league over the last couple of weeks.  The positive results and performances against MK Dons and Bradford City will need to be matched at the Woodspring Stadium if they want to qualify for the second round.  Anything less could result in a long journey home from Somerset.

In the FA Cup every dog has its day, hopefully that dog will be Doncaster Rovers come Saturday evening.

Come on you reds!