After the tremendous win over Wigan Athletic last time out, Rovers face a tough trip to the west coast to face managerless Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
The three goal victory over the Latics gave the Championship a timely reminder of what Paul Dickov’s Rovers are capable of and a win this weekend could potentially see us move into 19th place in the Championship. Conversely a draw would also see Rovers leapfrog Charlton and Millwall who aren’t in League action this weekend.
Previous Encounter
Traditionally visits to the Fylde Coast haven’t been the happiest hunting ground for Rovers in the past, but almost four years ago it brought a memorable result and three points were brought back across the M62 to South Yorkshire.
Rovers travelled over the Pennines after just missing out on what some would call a giant killing in the fourth round of the FA Cup, defeated narrowly by Aston Villa at the second attempt.
The home side started quickly and Neil Sullivan had to be on top form from the off, striker DJ Campbell was first denied by the veteran stopper before Pool debutant Charlie Adam held his head in his hands as Sullivan beat away two fierce drives from the Scot.
Unfortunately though there was little the ‘keeper could do to stop David Vaughan’s 15th minute strike, the midfielder danced his way past two Rovers players before striking a delicious effort into the top corner. The home crowd turned up the volume but within ten minutes Rovers silenced them.
James Coppinger played a delightful through ball for Brian Stock to run onto and he advanced into the box before smashing home from close range. It was a tremendous example of counter attacking football that stunned the home side.
After the break Coppinger was to be the creator for Rover’s second of the game, this time finding ex Blackpool midfielder, Richie Wellens, and he in turn gave Sam Hird the perfect chance to put the visitors in front and Hird didn’t disappoint.
Campbell then took things into his own hands to grab a terrific equaliser; Rovers just couldn’t get the ball off him as he ran fully 50 yards before cooly finishing for the equaliser. But much like the first half, when the home side scored it only served for Rovers to up their game and somewhat inevitably the winning goal came from man of the match, Coppinger.
He picked up the ball just inside the opposing half before smashing the ball home as Rovers to stun the opposition. It certainly provoked a reaction but not one that would affect the scoreline only the number of personnel on the field. After a midfield tussle, Adam was to taint his first outing for the home side as he was red carded for lashing out at Wellens, kicking the Rover’s player in full view of referee, Anthony Taylor, who had no choice but to dismiss the Pool’s midfielder.
It all but killed off any hopes the home side had of getting anything from the game and Rovers took a well deserved victory.
Blackpool Stats
After Rovers scored three last weekend, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see three more next time out against the Seasiders.
The average goals scored in the ten games has been an impressive 3.4 goals per game. In those ten games between the two teams on six occasions one side has scored at three goals or more.
Over the course of history not one game between the sides has ended scoreless in Lancashire, so it could be said that trend will continue this Saturday and especially when you bear in mind the total goals scored between the teams stands at over 120 from the 41 competitive games played.
Sky Bet
Football League Sponsors Sky Bet have Doncaster Rovers as far out as 13/5 to win at Bloomfield Road
Blackpool 1/1
Draw 5/2
Doncaster Rovers 13/5
To open an account with Sky Bet CLICK HERE
* Odds subject to change, correct as of 23/01/14
Coverage
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