Rovers return to league action this Saturday when they host Luton Town in League One at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Rovers head into the game in search of a first league win in five games, following a run of one defeat and three draws, two of which were goalless draws at home, as well as a 1-1 draw away at leaders Peterborough United, ending the Posh’s 100 per cent winning start to the campaign last weekend.
Luton, like Rovers, also drew 1-1 last weekend, coming from behind to share a point with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Brief history of Luton Town
Luton play at the 10,356-capacity Kenilworth Road stadium, which has been their home since 1905.
They are nicknamed the Hatters, deriving from the historical connection with the hat making industry in the town, which has been prominent since the 17th century.
The Hatters returned to League One this season following a 10-year absence from the third tier, gaining promotion from League Two in second place last season. They were promoted following a 1-1 draw away at Carlisle United in April, capping off a remarkable season that would see them beat Yeovil Town 8-2 on the opening day at home, as well as picking up a 7-1 win at home to local rivals Stevenage, and a 7-0 victory over Cambridge United, also at Kenilworth Road.
Who’s in charge?
Nathan Jones is the man in charge of the Hatters, with the Welshman at the helm since January 2016. Jones won the League Two Manager of the Month award three times last season as he led the Hatters to promotion as runners-up from the fourth tier. Since taking charge at Kenilworth Road, Jones has racked up 71 wins in 144 games, with 39 draws and 34 defeats, leaving him with an impressive win percentage of 49.3 per cent.
Ones to watch
Danny Hylton
The Hatters striker racked up 21 goals in 39 games in League Two last season, an identical record to the season before that, seeing him become well-known as one of the most prolific strikers across the EFL. Hylton has scored twice in the league already, already on his way to a season he hopes to reach double figures in English football’s third tier for the first ever time.
Eunan O’Kane
The Irish midfielder signed on loan from Championship outfit Leeds United at the end of August. O’Kane’s first club in England was then-League Two side Torquay United and following two successful years in Devon, he earned himself a move to AFC Bournemouth. O’Kane helped the Cherries to two promotions, the first alongside Rovers from League One in 2013, before a first ever promotion to the Premier League in 2015 as Championship winners. O’Kane has also made seven appearances for the Republic of Ireland senior squad.
Sonny Bradley
The central defender signed for the Hatters over the summer following two seasons with Plymouth Argyle. Bradley began his career with hometown team Hull City, however after various loan spells away, he signed for Portsmouth in 2013, before signing for Crawley Town the year after. Two seasons with Crawley were followed by his two with Argyle, helping them to promotion alongside Rovers from League Two, also being named in the Team of the Year alongside John Marquis and James Coppinger.
Last time out
Rovers last meeting with Luton Town saw Alfie May score his first ever goal in professional football, grabbing a late equaliser at the Keepmoat Stadium in February 2017. Jordan Cook put the Hatters ahead nine minutes after the break, before May poked the ball under Luton stopper Matt Macey with ten minutes to go to earn Rovers a point.
Rovers last win at home to the Hatters came in April 2008, defeating Luton 2-0 thanks to goals from Matt Mills and Mark McCammon in front of over 9,000 fans at the Keepmoat Stadium. Rovers would go on to seal promotion the following month via the League One play-offs after a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium.
Tickets for Rovers’ clash with Luton Town are still available via the Club Doncaster Box Office. Get yours now by either visiting in store at the Keepmoat Stadium, by calling on 01302 762576, or online at tickets.clubdoncaster.co.uk.