We look ahead to Saturday's match with Huddersfield Town at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Back to the comforts of home for Rovers this weekend as we look forward to another Yorkshire derby as Mark Robins brings his Huddersfield Town side over from West Yorkshire to the Keepmoat on Saturday.
Rovers go into the game on the back of four unbeaten games on home soil following the victories against Wigan and Charlton followed by draws against Middlesbrough and Barnsley, Town on the other hand travel from the John Smith’s Stadium with three losses in their previous five away games.
Previous Encounter
When the Terriers travelled to Belle Vue back in August 2004 both sides hadn’t had the best starts to the season, Rovers in 19th place with the visitors some four places higher and three points ahead of the home side.
The highest home attendance of the season to date welcomed the two sides onto the field and the game began in typical derby fashion with both sides struggling to get the ball down and play whilst sizing each other up. However, Rovers were the side who took the game by the scruff of the neck halfway through the first half and in truth never looked back with Paul Green and John Doolan dominating midfield and bossing the game, despite the visitors playing with five in midfield.
James Coppinger continued his early season form for Rovers following his move from Exeter City in the summer as he again caught the eye, but the first chance was created by Michael McIndoe who set up Gregg Blundell. The striker fired at goal but unfortunately his partner Leo Fortune-West inadvertently blocked his goalbound effort.
Moments later though, the breakthrough was to come following good work from Coppinger, the ball was played in from out wide into the feet of Fortune West and the rangy striker finished neatly despite the best efforts of visiting ‘keeper Ian Gray who did manage to get his hand on the ball but couldn’t keep it out.
Midfield domination continued into the second half from Rovers and just ten minutes into the second half the visiting defence buckled again. McIndoe was involved and he linked with Blundell who in turn rolled the ball into the path of Green who hammered home with his second bite of the cherry after his first shot was blocked.
It was more of the same going into the final ten minutes as Rovers continued to dominate, but then with just seven minutes remaining the Terriers grabbed a lifeline when Jon Worthington wriggled free to score from close range. The goal ensured a tense finish to the game as the visitors the poured forward incessantly trying to grab what would have been a cruel equaliser, such was the dominance of Rovers.
Chris Brandon’s eyes lit up when he saw the goal open up for him in the last minute but Mark Albrighton’s timely block brought a cheer from the home supporters as it ensured the three points were Rovers’ as they moved up level with Huddesfield on eleven points after six games.
Huddersfield stats (H)
The game this weekend will be the 19th played in South Yorkshire, Huddersfield have the nod in victories but Rovers can get within one of their tally with three points. The Terriers have emerged on top nine times while Rovers have taken seven wins.
Both sides average over 1.5 goals per game in Doncaster, and all the highest scoring games between the two teams have been played out in South Yorkshire. The highest scoring game between the sides finished in favour of Rovers who won 4-3 in a real battle back in the 1977/78 season. With Rovers highest victory also coming on home soil in 56/57 where the margin being 4-0 to the hosts.
Rovers have won three of the last five games against the Terriers at home, with the visitors taking one win and the other match ending in a draw.
Sky Bet
Football League Sponsors Sky Bet have Doncaster Rovers at 21/10 to record a victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Doncaster Rovers 21/10
Draw 9/4
Huddersfield Town 5/4
To open an account with Sky Bet CLICK HERE
* Odds subject to change, correct as of 07/03/14
Coverage
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