Last time we went to Doncaster, we were coming off the back of a desperately disappointing home performance and result, Phil Parkinson was under pressure, 3 days later we were headed to play a strong Fleetwood side and if ever a game was a must win, this felt that way…..
We played well and deservedly won at Doncaster in December, a good result especially given we’d been poor in the previous match at SOL. I went to Doncaster last year as a supporter of Phil Parkinson, I’m obviously aware of the pressure building on him, my position this year is unchanged. Our league position is decent, a few weeks ago we were beaten by Portsmouth, (deservedly so, they were the best team we’ve played), I’ve just finished watching Portsmouth draw at Plymouth on SKY, they were shite. This league is more open than ever, there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t be in the top 2 by the end of the month. I wrote yesterday about the bigger picture, so won’t dwell on it now, suffice to say, I think the main issue is the lack of real quality in the squad rather than the management. It’s been bloody obvious what we needed in the last 3 transfer windows – our current owners, (now more than ever), will not be making any decisions that cost a significant amount of money – whatever people’s opinions are on the management, there’s more chance of SD paying someone off at this time than there is William Storey actually being a contender to own a football club.
SAFCBlog Predicts……… DRFC 0 vs SAFC 2
It has been, (rather cynically), suggested by some, that my preview and analysis of our opponents consists of a quick look at their last few results, top scorer and maybe a quick read of Wikipedia…… research is a time consuming process.
As a Doncaster fan who lives in Roker with a Mackem girlfriend and plenty of friends who support SAFC, this is the game I’ve looked for first on the fixture list for the last 3 seasons. I also have the benefit of watching both sides regularly so feel as though I can have a relatively balanced view of how things might pan out this weekend.
After watching us breeze past FCUM in the first round of the FA Cup, it is very easy to get carried away because we looked magnificent. However it’s important to remember that we were playing a club sat in the 7th tier of the football pyramid.
Our last 4 meetings with SAFC haven’t been particularly fun for Rovers with us managing to get just a point from them all. Last seasons meeting at the Keepmoat was a turning point for Phil Parkinson, however I don’t see that being the case this time around. Rovers have managed just 4 points from our last 4 games in the league. Performances haven’t lacked and by all accounts we were unlucky not to walk away with all 3 points for the first game at the new Plough Lane against Wimbledon. But good performances don’t always translate to wins and it’s important to make sure we take our chances when we dominate in games. With Parkinson under mounting pressure as SAFC fail to provide in accordance with the rightly high expectations of the fans, Darren Moore and the first team staff returning from self-isolation and in doubt raring to get back at it and Rovers benefitting from a rest during the international break, it is going to be a good challenge for both sides.
Ones to watch for Rovers:
Ben Whiteman- Midfield-the old clichè- Captain Fantastic- but this man really is. By far the best in terms of quality at the club and is getting increasing attention from other clubs. Scored a contender for goal of the season against Lincoln City last month. We’ll be lucky to keep hold of him in January never mind the summer. He’s got a very bright future ahead.
Josh Sims- Midfield- on loan from Southampton- started his spell very brightly and you feel excited when he’s on the ball. Quick, clever and it’s clear he’s got Premier League experience.
Prediction:
1-1 (Sims- Wyke)
SAFCBlog – Low Research Media – FTM
