Rovers return to Sky Bet Championship action this evening when Gary Bowyer and his Blackburn Rovers side roll into Doncaster.
Rovers kicked off the 2013/14 campaign, at the Keepmoat Stadium, 13 days ago when Blackpool came to town.
Paul Dickov took charge of his first competitive game as Rovers manager as his team put in an impressive performance against Blackpool.
Although the game ended in a 3-1 defeat, Dickov admitted that there were many positives to take from the performance.
Captain Rob Jones scored a second half equaliser after Blackpool had taken the lead through Steven Davies’ first half strike.
Rovers piled on the pressure and looked the most likely to take all three points. Slack defending from a corner cost Rovers a late goal after Gary MacKenzie rose highest to net.
Rovers went straight on the offensive, however the attempts to grab an equaliser were foiled after ‘keeper Ross Turnbull went up for a corner. Blackpool turned the corner into attack and when the ball fell at the feet at the highly rated Tom Ince he rolled the ball into the back on the empty net.
Capital One Cup action was next for Rovers as we played host to Rochdale in the first round of the competition.
Dale proved tough opposition as Rovers looked to progress. Bongani Khumalo secured Rovers place in the second round draw with an 89-minute winner.
Rovers have now been paired with Leeds United in the next round in what promises to be an entertaining local derby.
Rovers were without a fixture last weekend, due to Wigan Athletic’s involvement in the FA Community Shield, which has given the players a few extra days to prepare for this evening’s fixture.
The Opposition
Like Rovers, Blackburn are looking to record their first victory of the season. On opening day Gary Bowyer's side secured a point at Pride Park against Derby County, in a game that they dominated, courtesy of Leon Best’s 89th minute equalising goal.
Just three days later they crashed out of the Capital One Cup after a shock penalty kick defeat against Carlisle United at Brunton Park.
Back to league action and Bowyer’s Blackburn suffered defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest. The game looked to be heading for a draw however in extra time, after a goalkeeping mistake, striker Darius Henderson scored the winner Forest.
Team News:
New signing Theo Robinson looks set to make his Rovers debut after the pacy frontman put pen to paper on a two-year deal yesterday.
Midfielder Dean Furman will be assessed ahead of the game after completing international duty for South Africa.
Jamie McCombe, Marc De Val and Harry Forrester will all miss the game.
Blackburn will have Hull loanee Tom Cairney available, however striker DJ Campbell is out with an ankle injury.
Defender Grant Hanley should play despite taking a knock to the head whilst playing for Scotland on Wednesday evening.
Weather:Dry evening expected with clear skies
Rovers Player:
Although there are no scheduled road works please allow extra time for your journey to allow for any unexpected delays.
Travel:Live and exclusive coverage of Doncaster Rovers v Blackburn Rovers at Keepmoat Stadium on Friday 16th August 2013 will be available on Rovers Player from 7.15pm. Contact the commentary team via our official Twitter feed @drfc_official throughout the afternoon.