by Rich Colby

Rovers will be looking to make it three wins on the spin as they face Crewe Alexandra at the Keepmoat Stadium under the lights on Tuesday evening.

Whenever we play Crewe at home, the memories come flooding back of that memorable evening almost eight years ago to the day.  The Johnstones Paint Trophy area final 2nd leg, February 2007.  After drawing the first leg 3-3 at Gresty Road, Crewe were 2-0 up within 36 minutes at Doncasters brand new Keepmoat Stadium with goals from Luke Varney and Ryan Lowe.  But with just 27 minutes remaining on the clock Paul Heffernen struck to make it 1-2.  The Irishman struck again from the penalty spot with just 7 minutes remaining and everyone assumed the tie would go to extra time, until up popped the ‘Afro Goal Machine’ Jason Price.  Price’s strike in the 89th minute sent Rovers to Cardiff where they went on to defeat Bristol Rovers 3-2.

But anyway, back to reality, and things are currently going well for both sides.  Rovers recent demolitions of Crawley and Yeovil have seen them chalk up eight goals by seven different scorers and zero goals conceded.  Crewe meanwhile have won four of their last five games.  The defeat coming to high-flying MK Dons.  The man to watch for them will be on-loan Leeds striker Nicky Ajose who has scored in all four of Crewe’s recent victories against Port Vale, Colchester, Yeovil and Fleetwood.

A win for Paul Dickov’s men should push them into a play-off place at the expense of Oldham and Chesterfield, providing Rovers win their game by more goals than Chesterfield (if they do win) who visit Scunthorpe.  A win for Crewe who currently sit 17th would put them just one point behind Rovers in what is a very tight league.

Rovers could be without the services of Harry Forrester who left the field with a groin problem at the weekend.  Striker Uche Ikpeazu may also miss out through a hamstring strain, along with James Coppinger.  Forrester could  have late fitness tests to try and make the squad.  Expect Paul Dickov to name the same side for the third successive game.

Last time out the two teams fought out a 1-1 draw at Gresty Road the end of November.  The now Rovers player Uche Ikpeazu gave Crewe the lead on half an hour, James Coppinger levelled it up with just ten minutes to go.  In their last visit to the Keepmoat in November 2012 Crew took all three points in a 2-0 win.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Crewe Alexandra:  P 96/W 39/D 26/L 31