by Adam Stubbings

It's panic stations now as Rovers stare down twelve games to save their League One status, starting with the rearranged local derby against Scunthorpe.

Dubbed a 'six-pointer', defeat in our last match against Shrewsbury Town is a bitter blow for Darren Ferguson and his side and the manner of the defeat makes it all the more galling. Shaun Whalley's corner evaded everybody and went straight in to gift the Shrews a vital 1-0 win, taking them above Rovers in the table and leaving ourselves mired in trouble, sat in 20th place and edging ever closer to the bottom four.

This match, rearranged from a month ago when a late decision by the referee to deem the pitch unplayable due to standing water left many travelling Rovers fans with a sour taste. The postponement gave Rovers an extra week off ahead of two crucial South Yorkshire derby matches but both were squandered with 1-0 defeats, and it is now nine league matches without victory, an alarming run that has seen the club slide perilously close to the drop zone.

Scunthorpe ended a seven game losing run against Rovers on Boxing Day as they came away from the Keepmoat with three points courtesy of a lone goal from top scorer Paddy Madden. The manager who masterminded that victory, Mark Robins, has since been relieved of his duties at the club leaving Andy Dawson and Nick Daws in charge until the end of the season, but the Iron will be in no doubt about how important a match this is to both clubs despite their relative comfort in midtable.

Fergie rang the changes for the Shrewsbury game but an inexperienced, lightweight midfield needs to be altered. If Keegan is fit, he should return to the starting XI whilst Andy Williams could also return after an ineffectual performance by Liam Mandeville in that fixture. It is also hoped that Cedric Evina, arguably the club's best player throughout the season, will come back in to provide a threat down the left hand side.

A win in this game would take Rovers five points clear of the bottom four and provide a desperately needed boost to confidence. With it being a local derby to boot the incentive could not be higher to put in a winning performance.

Finally, we would like to pay tribute to former DRFC Media Manager Steve Uttley, who sadly passed away at the weekend. Steve was part of the fabric of the club for many years and was known as a kind, helpful individual to a great many people here. He will be sadly missed by all associated with Doncaster Rovers.