Rovers U18s will be back under the lights at the Eco-Power Stadium for the first time in two years as they welcome AFC Fylde in the FA Youth Cup.
The first round tie will kick off at 7pm on Monday, October 30.
And the visitors will be looking to cause an upset, having already seen off Oldham Athletic and Chester in the qualifying rounds.
Last season
Rovers exited at the first round stage last season following a 3-1 loss to Lincoln City despite Jack Goodman opening the scoring at Sincil Bank on that occasion.
AFC Fylde have already gone one better than last term as they were knocked out in the final round of qualifying at Chester despite 3-1 and 6-2 wins against Burscough and Avro in the rounds previous.
Recent form
The youth team have not been in competitive action since October 7 when they fell to a 1-0 loss at EFL Youth Alliance League high-flyers Hartlepool United.
But Frank Sinclair’s side have recently won friendlies against Chesterfield and Nottingham Forest 4-0 and 3-2 respectively.
The Coasters have had a mixed bag of results in the National League Youth Alliance so far this season. They sit tenth in their division with one win from three games. That win was a 6-0 thumping of Altrincham with their only other successes coming in cup competitions.
The competition
Rovers U18s enter the FA Youth Cup at the first round stage this year – in alignment with the first team’s league placement – and have a prospective eight games in front of them should they find success. The first two rounds are regionalised into a northern and southern section.
West Ham United won last year’s edition with a 5-1 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and Manchester United have enjoyed the most success with 11 titles to their name.
Rovers’ club record in the competition came in the 1987-88 campaign when the youth team finished runners-up to Arsenal over two legs played at Belle Vue and Highbury.
Manager’s comments
Ahead of his side’s crunch cup tie, professional development phase coach Frank Sinclair called for Rovers fans to turn up in their numbers to push the youth team on.
Sinclair said: “We want people to come down in their hundreds and we all want to give the lads an experience that they deserve.
“It was brilliant for the boys last year in front of an away support so we’re hoping it’ll be even better for them at home.
“The families will come in their numbers, our younger age groups will be there but we’d love to have some of our supporters in there too.
“I want our boys to take in that stadium environment and hopefully we can make it a special occasion for everyone involved.
“If we can get our fans in there to have a look at the future of Doncaster Rovers, that would be a great bonus.
“I want our boys to be able to enjoy the stadium experience with our own fans in there watching and hopefully they can write a few stories of their own.”
Ticket information
The James Coppinger West Stand will be open for the match with refreshments available on the concourse.
Ticket prices are as follows:
|
Season ticket holders |
FREE |
|
Over 13s |
£3 |
|
13 or under |
£1 |
Those attending aged 13 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets for disabled supporters are the relevant price per age but a carer ticket is free of charge.
Supporters will be able to pay on the day at turnstiles and season ticket holders should present their cards at the turnstiles to gain free entry.
