FA Cup 2nd Round: Oldham v Doncaster Rovers Match Preview
by Rich Colby
Paul Dickov returns to Oldham for the first time since his departure two years ago as Rovers travel to Boundary Park to take on Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup.
FA Cup ties are always special occasions and both sides will be wanting victory and progress to Round 3 here, where they could hit the money spinning jackpot of facing a top Premier League side. The game at Boundary Park will be played out by two teams who are both currently very hard to beat. Rovers have lost just once in the last seven games and Oldham have lost just once in the last three months.
Rovers turnaround has definitely coincided with the arrivals on loan of Sam Johnstone and Andy Butler; both natural organizers and leaders. But Paul Dickov will still be looking for more from his team. Although the recent 1-1 draws at Crewe and Barnsley could be deemed as good results, Rovers did plenty to win both games comfortably.
Paul Dickov has no fresh injury concerns going into the game. Nathan Tyson could return and Rob Jones should also be available for selection. Rovers will have to keep an eye on Oldham's in form striker and former employee Jonathan Forte. Forte has 13 goals to his name already this season and will be looking to add to that tally against his former club.
Rovers last played Oldham in the FA Cup in December 2012 and slumped to a 3-1 defeat. Paul Dickov was in charge of the Latics that day and will be hoping to reverse the result for his current employers. After Doncaster took and early lead through a Robbie Blake goal, a strike on half time from Reece Wabara and two second half goals from Matt Derbyshire won the game for Oldham.
Come on you reds!
Overall record Vs Oldham: P 39/W 16/D 15/L 8
