Fourth in the current form table are hosts to top of the current form guide and welcome back some former colleagues this Tuesday. Sean O`Driscoll and Richard O`Kelly bring Doncaster to a Dean Court that could be strangely buoyant after Saturday`s thrashing of Luton at the weekend. This result lifted The Cherries off the bottom of the table on goal difference, showing that the 10 point deficit they have now received from entering administration is not going to hamper their attempt to beat the drop.
Doncaster beat Bristol Rovers 2-0 at home on Saturday as they continued their fantastic form, which has seen them only drop 5 points in 2008, 3 of those being to a crushing defeat to rivals Swansea. The team is currently sat in 2nd spot, 4 points clear of Forest and Carlisle having played a game more, but 8 points behind runaway leaders Swansea who have played a game less. Thus, if they keep their form up, Championship football beckons. Former players Brian Stock, James O`Connor, and Matty Mills will return but James Hayter is to miss out.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond was very pleased with his side’s win at Luton this weekend, as he told the Official AFCB Website:
‘It was a great win; an important win on an important day. The conditions and the pitch were difficult so it was always going to be a game where mistakes would happen and thankfully it was our day. There`s no doubt we deserved the win and we`ve got to carry that forward? we`re all looking forward to Tuesday`s game.’
Stand-in skipper and ex-Cherry, Brian Stock, spoke to the Official Doncaster Rovers Website after the weekend win against Bristol Rovers:
‘It was pleasing to get the win? To get the three points today was a massive boost to us and an important three points to win? The confidence is now high and we can now go away to Bournemouth on Tuesday evening and hopefully get another result there.’
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
After the Luton game, the only doubt for Tuesday`s match is Warren Cummings who picked up a shin injury on Saturday and was subsequently removed at half time. His replacement then, Jason pearce, would be the likely candidate if the fans favourite didn`t make it. Neil Young is still missing with his calf problem along with long-term absentees Moss, Garry, Foley, and Anderton.
Player to watch: Danny Hollands
The stand-in captain (as Young and Anderton aren`t present) is having a vastly improved second season for the club. Dynamic midfield accompanies his full-blooded commitment that has made him a firm fans favourite this season and a well deserved chance to lead the side. So far in 28 appearances this season, he has bagged 3 goals, something I`m sure he wants to increase.
Doncaster Rovers Team News:
Ex-Cherries local boy and goalscorer, James Hayter will be missing for Donny as he continues to recover from a double hernia operation. However, other former players, Brian Stock, James O`Connor and Matty Mills are all expected to start. Gordon Greer is SO`D`s only other absentee, as Adam lockwood is expected to return from his groin strain.
Player to watch: Brian Stock
Like Danny Hollands, Stocky has been the stand-in captain for Donny recently, and at the weekend, scored a penalty and then earnt a second following one of his free kicks, that are a particular forte of his. He was technically one of the best when with AFCB, but it sounds as if he now possesses the physical element to his side as well, making him a very dangerous midfielder.
Match Facts & Stats
Current Form:
AFCB – L W W L W W
Doncaster – W W L W W W
AFCB at Home:
Played 15, Won 4, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Scored 18, Conceded 29, Points 15
Doncaster Away from Home:
Played 14, Won 6, Drawn 5, Lost 3, Scored 22, Conceded 14, Points 23
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mr A P D`Urso
Assistant Referees: Mr G A Beale & Mr N Radford
Fourth Official: Mr B Holderness
Match Prediction:
As much as AFCB`s current form is good, they are playing an excellent side and their home form is still rather shaky. Hopefully, the team will want to put one over their former employees and replicate the Forest performance. But, I think Donny will pinch it 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
Southend United v AFC Bournemouth (Coca Cola League 1, Saturday 16th February 2008, 3pm)
