Doncaster Rovers

Rovers enter the game in a good vein of form having collected maximum points in the previous three games.

Victories over Portsmouth, Carlisle and last weekend’s demolition of local rivals Scunthorpe United has seen Dean Saunders’ men climb to third in the table and victory in this evening’s game would see Rovers sit joint top with early pace-setters Tranmere Rovers. 

Manager Dean Saunders described the performance against the Iron as the best since he came to Doncaster and paid special tribute to winger David Cotterill for his contribution so far.

Cotterill, who is the clubs top scorer with seven goals this term, played a major part in all four goals in Saturday’s derby day victory and Dean Saunders believes he is now getting back to his best and enjoying football once again.

Over the years the fixture between Rovers and Oldham hasn’t been kind to the visiting side from Lancashire and even more so when they have played away from their Boundary Park home. 

Oldham are yet to beat Rovers in League competition and with that in mind it arguably would come as no surprise to hear that Rovers have won more games against the Latics than vice versa. 

The only victory for Oldham in Doncaster came in the FA Cup back in November 2007, but they may take hope from the 14 draws between the sides of which eight have been in South Yorkshire. 

But Dean Saunders’ men will be looking to extend an overall winning advantage over Oldham to nine games, currently the records read Rovers wins at 14, whereas the visitors have won just six of the 34 games between the teams.  Of those victories for Rovers, twelve have come in the League with seven of them on home soil along with the Johnstones Paint Trophy win in our opening year at the Keepmoat Stadium.

The biggest victory over the Latics came back in 1947 when Rovers beat Oldham 4-2 as we romped to the Third Division North title helped in no small part by a record 33 wins in a season.

Rovers will be without defender Andy Griffin (hamstring) and Kyle Bennett (knee) for tonight’s game. Jamie McCombe has recovered from a hairline back fracture however has been suffering from a virus and could miss out.

Oldham will welcome back Jose Baxter and Christian Montano after the duo served one-match suspensions.

James Tarkowski (foot) and Robbie Simpson (groin) will definitely miss out.

Light rain will clear throughout the evening allowing long clear periods. Light ground frost is expected.

Max Temperature: 6oC

Min Temperature: 5oC

All inbound night time closures have now been completed. Bus Corridor outbound resurfacing works commence on Monday 26th November for up to 3 weeks (but only Monday to Wednesday nights between the hours of 1900hrs – 0600hrs) The main A630 remains open but the works will operate under temporary traffic signals and a 10 MPH Convoy System.    

 

Delays at the Lakeside Shopping Village roundabout due to on-going roadworks. Access to the stadium via the Middlebank roundabout.