As the Tour de Yorkshire rolls into town this weekend, football matters turn west as Rovers look to navigate the penultimate stage of an unlikely race to survival.
Victory over Coventry last Saturday put us in the remarkable position of being able to guarantee our run in this relegation battle continues on to the final day. It is now seven points from three games after the turnaround finally began, and Rovers will feel that their next opponents Crewe are there for the taking.
The Alex are rock bottom of the league, relegated a couple of weeks ago and now certain to finish in 24th place. They haven't won in fifteen outings dating back to February, and have managed just six victories in the league all season.
But Rovers know a thing or two about wretched runs and how to end them. Two weeks ago, we humbled the division's best side in Wigan and have found belief, consistency and that crucial cutting edge to give ourselves a fighting chance. Rovers need to overhaul two teams to survive, and there remain four within reach.
Darren Ferguson will also be able to draw on the never-say-die spirit that saw us come from 2-1 down in injury time to remarkably win the reverse fixture back at the Keepmoat in December, one of the most incredible finishes in the history of the stadium. Rovers are now on a four match unbeaten run against Crewe, and should be confident of making it five tomorrow afternoon.
Gary McSheffrey is out for the season after going off injured against former club Coventry, meaning Nathan Tyson will have to fill the considerable boots of a man who brought toughness, experience and assists aplenty to the team, whilst Richard Chaplow is also out injured after a good run of form, but he may return for the final game against Burton.
