Doncaster Rovers v Tranmere Rovers Match Preview
By Deadly Submarine
August 12 2006
All the News and Statistics ahead of Rovers’ visit to The Earth Stadium to face Doncaster in Coca-Cola League One on Saturday where Rovers will look to avenge a last day defeat at Prenton Park last season and also repeat the excellent result they recorded at the Earth Stadium last time around.
TOTAL TRANMERE – Match Preview
Saturday 12th August 2006 – Kick-Off 3.00pm
Coca-Cola League One at The Earth Stadium
By Deadly Submarine
Saturday sees Tranmere travel to the Earth Stadium (formerly known as Belle Vue) for the final time before Doncaster move to a brand new Stadium before the end of the year in a match where the visiting fans will see former hero Gareth Roberts playing against them for the first time since his summer move to Yorkshire.
In addition to Roberts, there is the added bonus for Rovers fans of being able to barrack former midfielder Sean Thornton as well as seeing a third former player in the shape of Jason Price playing for Doncaster.
In terms of points gained, both sides have had the same start to the new season but in a reverse order. Tranmere of course won their opening game of the new campaign 1-0 at home to Oldham Athletic before losing by the same scoreline in their first away game at Cheltenham on Tuesday night.
In contrast, Doncaster travelled to newly promoted League Two Champions Carlisle Utd on the opening day and lost 1-0 before coming from 1-0 at home to freshly relegated Crewe on Tuesday night to win 3-1.
Ironically, each side has only played two League games since the sides last met on the final day of last season at Prenton Park where two first half goals saw the Yorkshire visitors win 2-0.
Earlier in the season when they met, Tranmere had been the 2-0 victors away from home thanks to goals from Steve Davies and Steven Jennings in what was only their second win at Doncaster in 31 previous matches.
Doncaster are one of the favourites for promotion this season after some handy looking summer acquisitions so Rovers will be looking to get a first away win under their belt at Donny’s expense.
DEADLY SUB USELESS MATCH FACT – Tranmere have not conceded a goal at Belle Vue since February 1984.
Latest Team News
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster have fitness doubts over captain Graeme Lee and midfielder Kevin Horlock and both will face late fitness tests.
James O'Connor has recovered from a stomach injury so could replace Lee if he is unavailable. Horlock if unfit, could be replaced in the starting line-up by former Tranmere player Jason Price.
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere are expected to have winger Kevin Ellison fit again after an ankle injury ruled him out of the midweek defeat at Cheltenham.
Midfielder John Mullin who was substituted in that game due to illness is also expected to be passed fit to play, giving Rovers a full strength squad to choose from.
Match Referee – Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Current Form Guide
Doncaster Rovers:
Last Six At Home – W
Last Six Games – LW
Season Stats (At Home):
P1 W1 D0 L0 F3 A1
Season Stats (All Matches):
P2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A2
Tranmere Rovers:
Last Six Away – L
Last Six Games – WL
Season Stats (Away):
P1 W0 D0 L1 F0 A1
Season Stats (All Matches):
P2 W1 D0 L1 F1 A1
The Hotshots
Doncaster Rovers: Bruce Dyer, Kevin Horlock and James Coppinger – 1 Goal
Tranmere Rovers: Chris Greenacre – 1 Goal
Last Season’s Encounters
29th October 2005 – Coca-Cola League One – Earth Stadium
Doncaster Rovers 0 – 2 Tranmere Rovers
Davies 62
Jennings 90
Attendance: 5,542
Referee: Tony Leake (Lancashire)
6th May 2006 – Coca-Cola League One – Prenton Park
Tranmere Rovers 0 – 2 Doncaster Rovers
Guy 12
Roberts 43
Attendance: 8,343
Referee: Trevor Kettle (Rutland)
Doncaster Rovers Vs Tranmere Rovers
Head-to-Head
All Matches:
P62 W16 D17 L29 F73 A128
At The Earth Stadium:
P31 W2 D10 L19 F23 A67
Match Tickets and Travel Information
For Total Tranmere’s information article on Match Tickets and also for Travel and Stadium Information for The Earth Stadium Click Here!
Doncaster Rovers Web-links
Doncaster Rovers Official Website