Capital One Cup R1 - Bootham Crescent (7:45pm).
Rovers make the short hop to York tonight as they look to avoid an upset against League 2 opposition.Paul Dickov’s men got off to a flyer on Saturday and sit top of the League 1 table following their 3-0 win over Yeovil Town but will be looking to avoid a banana skin at Bootham Crescent; a ground at which they have not featured competitively since November 2003.
On that occasion, Dave Penney’s Rovers were defeated 1-0 by the hosts after Darren Dunning converted a penalty on the hour mark following Simon Marples’ foul in the box.
The reverse fixture at Belle Vue towards the end of the season was as joyful for Penney’s men as it was painful for the Minstermen. The hosts – courtesy of Gregg Blundell and Chris Brown (2) – saw off City 3-1 and all but condemned them to relegation, while Rovers were within touching distance of the Division 3 title.
The sides have only crossed paths once since, in the League Cup first round of the 2012/13 season when Rovers defeated City on penalties at the Keepmoat Stadium.
In a rare instance, the League Cup first round fixtures – played on a Saturday, rather than midweek – proved to be the season openers for most clubs and, roared on by a strong contingent, York put Dean Saunders’ side on the back foot.
Michael Coulson’s 65th minute strike momentarily gave the hosts a fright who were more than thankful when Chris Brown slammed home a spot kick just nine minutes later.
The game would go the lottery of the penalty shootout where Rovers held their nerve and prevailed 4-2 before knocking Hull City out in the second round in another enthralling all Yorkshire tie and succumbing in the third round to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Team News:
York - Midfielder Luke Summerfield is in line to make his first competitive start for City while teenage striker Ben Hirst could also feature.
Rovers - Defenders Reece Wabara and Rob Jones may be rested. Nathan Tyson and Harry Forrester are both nursing knocks, however Jed Steer is eligible and Jamie McCombe has resumed full training.
Last meeting:
11th August 2012
Capital One Cup
Doncaster Rovers 1 (Brown, 74) *Rovers win 4-2 on penalties
York City 1 (Coulson, 65)
Keepmoat Stadium
Attendance: 5243
DRFC - G Woods, P Quinn (L Wakefield, 95), T Spurr, J Husband, R Jones, J Coppinger, D Cotterill (R Blake, 106), M Woods, P Keegan (D Syers, 57), C Brown, K Bennett
YCFC - M Ingham, D Parslow, C Doig, J Fyfield, C Smith, L Bullock, J Smith (M Potts, 112), P Mclaughlin (J Challinor, 87), A Chambers, M Coulson, J Walker (M Blair, 78)
Head to head (at Bootham Crescent):
York 12 wins
Rovers 11 wins
Draws 11
Sky Bet Odds: York - 7/4; Draw 23/10; Rovers 6/4
Join Tom Biltcliffe and Darren Neagle on Rovers Player from 7:30pm.