Rovers welcome Bradford Park Avenue to the Keepmoat Stadium in the first round of the oldest – and most prestigious – cup competition in the world - the FA Cup with Budweiser (3pm)
Avenue, who currently sit in sixth position in the Blue Square Bet North league table, have reached the first round proper of the FA Cup in successive seasons.
Victory over Ossett Albion secured their place in the hat for round one of the cup, and they were duly rewarded with an away tie at the Keepmoat Stadium for what will be their biggest game in recent history.
Last season, despite losing 8-1 to AFC Totton in the FA Cup, Avenue went on to win promotion from the Evostik Northern Premier division into Blue Square Bet North.
An impressive start to the season has seen Avenue rise to sixth in the league table. An unbeaten October, which included three wins and a hard fought draw against league leaders Chester FC, ensured manager John Deacey was named ‘Manager of the Month’ for the division.
Rovers enter the game on the back of three successive victories; maximum points against Brentford, Tranmere and Notts County has seen Dean Saunders men move up the league table into the play-off positions, and with a game in hand over those around them, Rovers could potentially be just one point behind joint leaders Tranmere Rovers and Sheffield United.
Team News:
Kyle Bennett and David Cotterill are both doubts for the game.
Paul Quinn and Shelton Martis could feature although they will undergo a late fitness test.
Billy Paynter, Martin Woods and Chris brown are all available for selection.
Avenue will be without Ross Daly and Adam Clayton however they are hopeful that Jordan Deacey will be available.
Last Meeting: Horsfall Stadium
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Pre-Season Friendly
Bradford Park Ave - 3 – O’Brien, Holland, Marshall
Rovers - 3 – Cotterill, Bennett 2
Attendance - 296
Teams– Bradford PA – Ben Higginson; Adam Clayton, Martin Drury, Rob O’Brien, James Knowles, James Riley, Simon Baldry, Nathan Hotte, Danny Holland, Jordan Deacey, Jamie Jackson
All Substitutes came on during second half – Alan Hardy, Luke Sharry, Paul Walker, Tom Greaves, Richard Marshall, Matty James, Michael Duckworth, Matt Dempsey, Billy Law, Nick Matthews
Doncaster Rovers – Ben McNamara (Jon Maxted 63 mins); James O’Connor, Liam Wakefield, Tommy Spurr, James Husband (Jake McCormick 59 mins); James Coppinger (Amari Morgan-Smith 59 mins), Brian Stock (Paddy Mullen 76 mins), Martin Woods (David Syers 46 mins), David Cotterill (Chris Brown 67 mins); Kyle Bennett, Robbie Blake (Karl Hawley 46 mins)
Subs not used – Jordan Ball
Weather:
After a cold and frosty start a band of showery rain will cross all parts during the day, falling as sleet or snow over high ground. Feeling cold
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: