Rovers are once again on the road this weekend as Paul Dickov’s men travel to the capital to face Charlton Athletic at the Valley.
Last time out Rovers travelled to the DW Stadium to face Wigan Athletic in what turned out to be a fantastic encounter.
Rovers entered that fixture as underdogs, according to most bookmakers, however they soon proved that tag was unjustified stunning the home team in the first half.
In just his second start of the season, Theo Robinson continued his blistering start to his Rovers career scoring the opening goal against the Latics. That goal, his second in two games, gave Rovers that belief that manager Paul Dickov had been speaking about ahead of the game.
Chris Brown’s man of the match performance was capped of with his first league goal of the season, which saw Rovers go in at the half time interval two goals to the good.
Rovers looked to start the second half in the same fashion that they ended they first – on the offensive. Owen Coyle utilised the attacking options he had available to him from the bench, with the addition of former Rovers man Marc-Antoine Fortune, in his attempts to get something out of the game.
Ross Turnbull was unable to reach Shaun Maloney’s sweetly hit free kick, from the edge of the area, as the Latics pulled one goal back in the game.
As the final whistle approached Leon Barnett found space in the Rovers 18 yard box before firing into the back of the net.
Billy Paynter almost won it for Paul Dickov’s side however his header cannoned off the Wigan crossbar with ‘keeper Scott Carson beaten all ends up.
The Opposition
Charlton come into the game looking for their first victory of the 2013/14 Sky Bet Championship season having picked up just one point so far on the opening day against Barnsley.
Chris Powell’s side have only played one league game at the Valley so far this season against Middlesbrough.
That game ended in defeat for the Addicks who now sit 20th in the early season table.
Team News
Richie Wellens should feature after recovering well from a dead leg suffered in the draw against Wigan Athletic.
Harry Forrester played 35 minutes of the Central League game against Hartlepool United, however won’t be ready for league action.
Long-term absentee’s Jamie McCombe and Marc De Val remain side-lined.
Weather:
Dry at first with bright or sunny spells, becoming very warm into the afternoon
Travel:
Expect delays on the M1 due to Hull FC supporters travelling to Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final against Wigan.
Please be advised that Leeds United supporters will be using the A1 for their journey to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Rovers Player: