Rovers are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend, with the visit of AFC Bournemouth, after losing their first game in eight against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday.
Bournemouth are once again under the stewardship of former player and manager Eddie Howe after the dismissal of previous boss Paul Groves opened the doors for a return south from Burnley.
Howe’s second stint as the Cherries boss has been fruitful thus far; four wins from five has seen a surge up the table and they now sit in twelfth position in the league table with 21 point recorded.
The game on Saturday will mark the first time the two sides have met for five years. The last time Rovers faced Bournemouth, at Keepmoat Stadium, it was the visitors who had the upper hand returning to the south coast with all three points.
Gordon Greer had given Rovers the lead with heading in a 24th minute Martin Woods corner, however it took the visitors just 5 minutes to score the equalising goal through Max Gradel. Joe Kuffour then scored what turned out to be the winner after the break.
Last Match: 25/08/07 – Keepmoat Stadium
Rovers 1 –Greer
AFC Bournemouth 2 – Gradel, Kuffour
Team - Neil Sullivan; James O'Connor, Gordon Greer, Adam Lockwood, Gareth Roberts; James Coppinger, Richie Wellens, Mark Wilson, Martin Woods; James Hayter, Paul Heffernan.
Head to head: (League)
Rovers – 12
Draw – 11
AFC Bournemouth – 11
Team News:
Manager Dean Saunders is hoping that captain Rob Jones will be available for selection after he suffered concussion in the midweek match against Crewe Alexandra.
Winger David Cotterill is back in training and should return to the starting XI. Kyle Bennett is set to miss out on the game with a knee injury.
Wes Thomas has returned to training however will not be available for the game; Steve Fletcher is the only other injury concern for the Cherries.
Weather:
Bright with some sunshine.
Max temperature – 9oC
Min temperature – 7oC
Travel:
Delays at the Lakeside Shopping Village roundabout due to on-going roadworks. Access to the stadium via the Middlebank roundabout.
A630 Balby Road – New section of inbound Bus Lane between Oswin Ave and Greenfield Lane - This will involve 24/7 inbound lane closures, with restricted outbound lane closures, although in the main these will be removed by 1530hrs to cater for the evening peak period.
Rovers Player:
Live and exclusive coverage of Doncaster Rovers v AFC Bournemouth at Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday 10th November 2012 will be available on Rovers Player from 2.45pm. Contact the commentary team via our official Twitter feed @drfc_official throughout the afternoon.
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