by Rich Colby

Good Friday sees the start of a busy period for Doncaster Rovers and Paul Dickov and they make the final push in an attempt to reach the illustrious play-offs.  Tenth placed Bradford City are the visitors to the Keepmoat Stadium in a Friday night Yorkshire derby under the lights.

Rovers haven’t played for almost two weeks since their last outing and victory over Coventry City.  Since then, results for teams around them haven’t done as much damage as the league table might suggest.  Rovers have slipped to 11th in the table, but still remain just four points off 6th position having played a game less than three of the five teams above them.  Fridays game could be make or break for both Rovers and the Bantams, with a draw being no good to anybody.

Midfield legend Jamie Coppinger has had a full week of training during the international break and should feature in the squad.  Longer term absentees Paul Keegan and Rob Jones remain doubtful.  Harry Forrester recently featured in the Football League team of the month and will be hoping to keep up his good form with a start.

Bradford will still be reeling after their 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield on Tuesday night.  The defeat cost the Bantams a place in the play-off spots to which Chesterfield took full advantage whilst sneaking into that 6th position themselves.  Striker Jon Stead has always loved a goal against Rovers and the back four will need to keep him quiet to prevent him from doing the same again.  He will be the man to watch for them.

Victory for Rovers would keep them in touch with the play-off places, as would victory for Bradford.  If anyone needs that win just a little bit more though, you would have to say it was Paul Dickovs men.  A defeat and falling six or seven points behind at this stage of the season could equal season over.

The sides last met at Valley Parade back in November last year.  Rovers nemesis Jon Stead struck right on half time to give Bradford the lead, but two goals in the space of ten minutes in the second half, including a stunning strike from Curtis Main gave rovers a 2-1 victory.  The two teams haven’t played at the Keepmoat Stadium since September 2007.  Mark McCammon (2), Lewes Guy, Martin Woods and an own goal gave Rovers a 5-1 victory in the Johnstones Pain Trophy First Round.

Come on you reds!

Overall record Vs Bradford City:  P 76/W 24/D 23/L 29