Sat 8th November 2014 (3pm), FA Cup Round One, Woodspring Stadium.
Doncaster Rovers get their FA Cup campaign underway when they make the long trip south to face Weston-Super-Mare of the Conference South.Paul Dickov’s men are currently 75 places above their sixth tier opponents, who are currently languishing close to the foot of the sixth tier of English football.
The Seagulls, who are one of the lowest ranked sides remaining, entered the competition at the second qualifying round stage and have already won three games to get to this stage with wins over Banbury United (3-0), Flackwell Heath (4-1) and Witham Town (2-1).
Rovers are hoping that they are not the victims of a giant-killing; a fate they suffered last season when Stevenage knocked the then Championship side out in the third round.
A similarly long journey awaited Dave Penney’s Rovers side ten years ago when they travelled to face Conference club Exeter City in the second round; after defeating lowly Tiverton Town.
Steve Flack opened the scoring for the Grecians inside half an hour, before midfielder Dean Moxey, now of Bolton Wanderers, scored a speculative effort from the halfway line which left Rovers ‘keeper Andy Warrington red-faced.
Gregg Blundell’s late consolation could not spare Rovers’ blushes as they were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition by the non leaguers in front of close to 5,000 at St James Park.
City were consequently drawn against Manchester United and forced the Red Devils to a replay; the money earned saving the club from near extinction.
Last time out (N/A):
Team News:
Rovers – Enda Stevens is in contention for a start following his recent loan signing from Aston Villa. He will deputise for the injured Cedric Evina (knee) who is out for around four weeks. Fellow loanees Sam Johnstone and Andy Butler are eligible to start. Youth team players Liam Mandeville and Jack McKay have travelled with the squad.
Fancy a flutter? Rovers 4/11, Draw 17/4, WSM 17/2
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