Doncaster Rovers v Port Vale (EFL Trophy) Match Preview


by The Rovers Review

After exiting the FA Cup just a few days ago and exiting the EFL Cup a few weeks back now, Rovers look to the Checkatrade Trophy to try and get back to winning ways. Ferguson has already said he is looking for a win after not winning any of our last three games in all competitions, and what a way to get back to these winning ways than by progressing through the still controversial Checkatrade Trophy.

Frazer Richardson and Craig Alcock have been confirmed to be given 45 minutes this week, as they continue their recovery from injury, after playing a full 90 minutes last weekend. Paul Keegan is set for his first start of the season in the cup as he makes his return from injury too. Ferguson also hinted that all loanees (ie. Jordan Houghton, Niall Mason and Riccardo Calder) will all feature against Port Vale. Mason and Calder missed the FA Cup, due to illness, and Houghton was rested. Liam Mandeville and Alfie Beestin are set to retain their places, while John Marquis is rested, after the two youngster were the only silver lining last weekend during the disappointing defeat.

Port Vale are a 'big bogey' team for us; the last time we beat them was with  a narrow 2-1 victory at the Keepmoat in League 1 in March 2008, with goals from Paul Heffernan and Mark McCammon. Last time we faced Vale was in January this year, where they beat us 2-1 at the Keepmoat, with Cedric Evina scoring the compromising goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Port Vale's player to watch is Alex Jones, on loan from Birmingham City. The striker has scored 8 goals in all competitions so far this season, just in front of our strikers, John Marquis and Andy Williams, who are both on 7.

Predicted lineup v Port Vale

Marosi; Mason, Alcock, Baudry, Garratt; Keegan, Houghton, Calder, Middleton, Beestin; Mandeville.

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