Tuesday 13th January 2015 (7:45), Ashton Gate, FA Cup 3rd round replay.
Doncaster Rovers and Bristol City recommence battle at Ashton Gate on Tuesday evening, knowing that the winner will face Premier League opposition and a potentially lucrative televised Cup game.The sides drew 1-1 in the third round at Keepmoat Stadium ten days previously and whoever is victorious will host either West Ham United or Everton on Sunday week.
Following September’s 3-0 drubbing at Ashton Gate where goals from Aaron Wilbraham, Mark Little and Kieran Agard compounded a miserable day for Paul Dickov’s men who had Harry Forrester sent off, the sides met again in the New Year.
This time, Dickov’s side did themselves justice and partially lay to rest one of their poorest displays of the season with a 1-1 draw against the league leaders.
Rovers deservedly took the lead five minutes in to the second half as centre back Luke McCullough notched his first ever senior goal with a well taken swivel, but it wasn’t enough.
Matt Smith, a player who Dickov took from non league to Oldham Athletic, once again showed his pedigree in the cup and, two years on from helping the Latics overthrow Liverpool, nodded a header past Sam Johnstone to keep the Robins alive.
Smith, on loan from Fulham, has scored nine goals in his last five games, including a goal in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Notts County.
However, Rovers are now unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions.
Attendance – 5671
Keepmoat Stadium
FA Cup R3
Bristol City 1 (M. Smith, 75)
DRFC 1 (McCullough, 50)
Last time out (03/01/15):
DRFC – S Johnstone, A Butler, L McCullough, R Wabara, E Stevens, D Furman (N Tyson, 88), P Keegan, R Wellens, H Forrester (K Bennett, 78), T Robinson (C Main, 79), J Coppinger
BCFC - F Fielding, L Ayling, D Williams, A Flint, K Smith (L Freeman, 89), W Elliott, J Bryan, T Kane (M Pack, 83), M Little, M Smith, J Emmanuel-Thomas
Team News:
Rovers – Rovers could name an unchanged side from Saturday’s draw at Oldham. Nathan Tyson could be pushing for a start following his goal as a substitute while Dean Furman is on international duty. Sam Johnstone has returned to parent club Manchester United with a view to a loan at Preston.
City – Todd Kane’s loan from Chelsea expired and he has instead gone to Nottingham Forest.
Fancy a flutter? Rovers 15/4, Draw 13/5, Bristol City 17/20
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