by Rich Colby

Only five games left of the League One season to go and Rovers make the long journey to the capital to take on Leyton Orient.

A draw against Rochdale at the weekend extended Rovrs not so great form to just one win in the last eight games.  The poor form of Paul Dickov’s men over the last few weeks has put to bed any thoughts of making the play-offs this season.  There is still pride to play for over the final five games and Paul Dickov will expect maximum effort and commitment in a bid for players to earn contracts for next season.

Leyton Orient have had a rotten season.  Last seasons League One play-off finalists are in a battle to stay in the division this season, only outside the relegation spots on goal-difference.  Their form has picked up over the last couple of weeks though and are unbeaten in the last four games.  The O’s will be fighting for their lives as they aim to claw their way away from the relegation zone, so Rovers wont have it easy.  Striker Darius Henderson has netted in the last two games, and Rovers will have to keep him quiet to make it three in a row.

Rovers remain without Paul Keegan, but him aside there are no further injury worries for Paul Dickov.

The sides last met back in October at the Keepmoat Stadium.  A goal in each half from Jay Simpson and Darius Henderson gave Orient all three points.  Last time Rovers traveled to the Matchroom Stadium in September 2012, goals from Iain Hume and David Cotterill gave rovers the points on their way to promotion.

Come on you reds!

Overall record vs Leyton Orient:  P 30/W 10/D 6/L 14

by Rich Colby

With six games to go it appears that Rovers season is all but over.  The 3-2 defeat at Sheffield United on Tuesday evening put Paul Dickov’s men 14 points behind the Blades and 10 off the play-offs.  But the miracle is still mathematically possible as Rovers welcome Rochdale to the Keepmoat Stadium.

Keith Hill’s side have had a fantastic season overall.  Dale currently occupy 7th position in the table, just 4 points off 6th placed Chesterfield with a game in hand.  A win for them at Doncaster would keep up the pressure on the play-off contenders, so don’t expect them to come and settle for a point.  Midfielder Peter Vincenti will be the one to watch, he has notched 14 goals so far this season.

Supporters and former Rovers players have called for Paul Dickov to give some game time to a handful of players from the youth team for the rest of the season.  There are rumours that he might just do this so expect to see Liam Mandville and Harry Middleton possibly in the squad.  It was thoroughly pleasing to see Rovers club captain Rob Jones on the bench on Tuesday night after a long absence, maybe he can expect some playing time too this weekend.  Luke McCullough and Paul Keegan remain doubtful.

The sides last met back in November.  Rovers fell behind after 8 minutes to a goal from Matt Done, but Kyle Bennett equalized after 28 minutes.  Late goals from Theo Robinson and  Curtis Main gave Rovers a 3-1 win and all 3 points.  Last time the sides met at the Keepmoat stadium Rovers registered another victory.  An 89th minute goal from Bongani Khumalo gave Paul Dickov’s men a 1-0 win and a route to Round 2 of the Capital One Cup.

Rovers are undefeated against Rochdale in the last six fixtures.  The last defeat coming in March 1998.  Heres hoping that run stretches to 7 games come 5pm on Saturday.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Rochdale:  P 104/W 53/D 17/L 34

The VSC are in support of Supporter Ownership Week, a celebration of clubs who are supporter owned, which begins today (11th April) with a series of matches across football and Rugby League.

SD has worked alongside supporters for the last 15 years to make the dream of supporter ownership possible, and the week is about celebrating the people who’ve done it, and the people who have taken or are taking the journey.

A crowdfunding campaign is already running alongside the campaign, where you can donate to raise money for SD to provide more support for supporter ownership in the future: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/supporter-ownership-week

There are around 60 matches involving supporter-owned clubs during the week, almost every supporter-owned club being in action. SD has created a special Matchfinder service so that you can watch a match at your local supporter owned club: http://www.supporters-direct.org/supporter-ownership-week/match-finder.

For more information visit http://www.supporters-direct.org/press-release/its-ours-supporter-ownership-week-2015-kicks-off-on-the-pitch

by Rich Colby

It certainly wasn’t a good Friday for Doncaster Rovers when they last took to the field as they slumped to their 14th defeat of the season.  The 3-0 defeat to Bradford City pushed Rovers to 12th in the league, but they must pick themselves up as they prepare to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

No matter what stage of the season, a local derby is always important, and this is one of the first fixtures Rovers fans look for when the list is released each June.

After the weekends results, Paul Dickov’s men now sit ten points outside the play-off places.  You would have to say it is probably too late already, but Rovers would probably have to win most if not all of their remaining games to make the top six.  A win against the Blades would drop that to seven points with six games to go.

Sheffield United have lost just once in their last six games including victories against Port Vale, Scunthorpe and Barnsley. On paper that doesn’t look promising for Rovers, but Paul Dickov’s men are a different animal away from home, so a victory wouldn’t surprise anyone in the Rovers camp.

Victory for the Blades would further secure their place in the top six barring a real collapse.  Midfielder Jason Holt will be the man to watch for them after netting in the last three games.

Rovers have no new injury concerns, but expect a few changes after Friday nights poor show as a furious Paul Dickov faced the media after.

The sides last faced each other back in November at the Keepmoat Stadium where a Jamie Murphy goal gave the Blades all three points.  The goal came just moments after Rovers had missed a penalty.  Rovers last visit to Bramall Lane was in September 2012.  The sides couldn’t be separated as they played out a 0-0 draw.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Sheffield United:  P 32/W 7/D 12/L 13