The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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Doncaster Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 11/08/2003

AFTER a somewhat mediocre draw with Plymouth on Saturday, the Mariners travel to Doncaster Rovers, who have recently returned to the Football League, where they will look to record their first win of the new season.

Home > 2003-2004 Season > Previews > Doncaster (a)


Firstly, congratulations go out to Doncaster Rovers on their return to the Football League and their great start to league life with their 3-1 win at Orient on Saturday. Whilst we also hope that they will give both Hull and Scunny a good whipping later on in the season! As for tonight’s game, however, wishes of good will are put to one side as Town go out to knock out the South Yorkshire side in the first round of the newly named Carling Cup.

Recent Form

 

TownDoncaster
LPlymouth(a)2-2
WLeyton Orient(a)3-1

Doncaster marked their return to the football league, after a five-year absence, in style on Saturday when they travelled to Brisbane Road and won 3-1. Gregg Blundell fired in the all important opener for Doncaster, becoming the first Doncaster player to score in the football league since Gary Messer in April 1998. Blundell’s strike was followed up by a brace from close season signing Leo Fortune West, who looks like an astute signing on a free transfer from Cardiff City. No doubt Town will be in for a tough time against a side that seem more than capable of holding their own in the Third Division.

Doncaster Rovers Facts

Last Season
3rd in The Nationwide Conference. After finishing 3rd in the conference, David Penney’s side won the all important play off final with a "golden goal" from Francis Tierney against the unlucky Dagenham and Redbridge to reclaim their place in the football league. A repeat of the same kind of success this season would be fantastic, but it is achievable as many ex conference teams have shown in recent years.

Manager
David Penney. Appointed in March 2002, Penney guided Doncaster to promotion back to the football league in his first full season in charge. The 37 year old Yorkshireman took over from Steve Wignall, who is now boss at Southend.

Top Players
Michael McIndoe. Signed in the summer from fellow promotion side Yeovil Town. Exciting midfield player who was voted last seasons Conference Player of the Season. Signed after failing to agree new terms with Gary Johnson’s side.

Leo Fortune West. (left) Experienced frontman who has played for Cardiff, Lincoln and Rotherham United to name but a few. Quick, strong and determined, Fortune West will be expected to knock a few goals in at this level this season.

Gregg Blundell. Fortune-West’s strike partner who also has pace to burn. Signed from Northwich Victoria. The 26 year old endeared himself to the Donny fans last season with some eager and determined performances.

Odds To Win
25/1, a decent outside bet.

Team News

 

TownDoncaster

  • Manager Paul Groves could be tempted to ring the changes after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Plymouth, with the most likely change being up front. This could see Laurens Ten Heuvel replaced by either Jonny Rowan or Darren Mansaram.

  • Town have no new injury worries but will have to make do without the services of Alan Pouton, Stacy Coldicott, John McDermott and Phil Jevons.
  • Argyle have full back Paul Connoly suspended, so David Worrell will play instead of him at full back.

  • Doncaster have no new injury worries for the Carling Cup tie, and are expected to stick with the side that did so well at Leyton Orient at the weekend.
  • Probable Starting XI's

     

    TownDoncaster
    Aidan Davison
    Jason Crowe
    Darren Barnard
    Tony Crane
    Simon Ford
    Marcel Cas
    Iain Anderson
    Des Hamilton
    Stuart Campbell (C)
    Michael Boulding
    Laurens Ten Heuvel.
    Andy Warrington
    Simon Marples
    Tim Ryan
    John Doolan
    Jamie Paterson
    Chris Beech
    Steve Foster (C)
    Paul Green
    Michael McIndoe
    Gregg Blundell
    Leo Fortune West

    Subs

     

    TownDoncaster
    Mike Edwards
    Paul Groves
    Jonathan Rowan
    Darren Mansaram
    Andy Pettinger (GK)
    Paul Barnes
    Francis Tierney
    Barry Richardson (GK)
    David Morley
    Ricky Ravenhill

    On This Day

    August 12th 1995

  • Grimsby lost 2-1 on the opening day of the Division One season at Millwall, 2-1 with Steve Livingstone scoring for the Mariners.
  • Sean Parrish was on the scoresheet for Doncaster on the opening day in 1995, as they beat Scarborough 1-0 in front of 2,523 supporters.

  • Last Time Out

    It is 13 years since Grimsby played Doncaster in any competitive competition. This was back in March 1990 when Town were enjoying a successful season under Alan Buckley in the old fourth division, where Town eventually finished runners up to Exeter City. Town won this game 2-1 at Blundell Park thanks to goals from Tony Rees and Dave Gilbert. Doncaster’s goal came from David Jones, but it was not enough to stop Town record their first of what was to become a seven game winning streak. Doncaster finished that season in 20th position, under the management of Billy Bremner.

    Town Team: Sherwood, McDermott, Jobling, Tillson, Lever, Cunnington, Childs, Gilbert, Rees, Cockerill, Birtles.
    Subs: Alexander and Agnew.

    Doncaster Team: Samways, Robinson, Brevett, Rankine, Ashurst, Douglas, Adams, Stiles, Muir, D Jones, Noteman.
    Subs: Turnball and Brockie

    Attendance: 5,536

    Doncaster Head-to-Head (15th on The Opposition Ladder).

    Prediction

    Fishy prediction: A 3-2 to Town Reader's POMs

    Directions

    Click on the link for directions to Belle Vue (left).




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