Tuesday 28 January 2014

'Massive game' at Donny

Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov has stated that tonight's match between Doncaster Rovers and Charlton Athletic is a 'massive game', giving Donny the chance to move four points clear of the drop zone: Doncaster

It's also a massive game for the Addicks and Chris Powell have stayed 'oop North to prepare after their morale boosting win over Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup. Doncaster's morale is also high after their recent win over Wigan. This was their only win since November, but they have scored five goals in their last two home games in all competitions, having failed to scored in any of their previous three matches.

Doom merchants, of whom there are plenty at Charlton, have been wallowing in our position in the relegation places. However, it is worth noting that we have a game in hand over Millwall and two over Doncaster and Sheffield Wednesday. That, of course, makes tonight's game even more vital.

Doncaster strikers Chris Brown (knock) and Harry Forrester will face late fitness tests ahead of the game. Forward Billy Sharp is likely to retain his place in the side. Cedric Evina will be assessed after sustaining a dead leg in the win over Huddersfield. Ben Alnwick will keep his place in goal while striker Yann Kermorgant returns after he was rested at the weekend.

The Addicks have won five of the seven meetings between the two sides, losing the other two. Charlton have won the past two matches at Doncaster with Rovers' only home win a 2-0 victory in the old Division Two in September 1935.

The estimable Blackheath Addick has been having a pop at Shakespeare recently which doesn't go down too well here in Warwickshire. I have reminded him of a Shakespeare quote: 'our doubts are our traitors'.

Odd are: Doncaster 6/4, Draw 12/5, Charlton 17/10. Referee Paul Tierney from Lancashire will ensure that the traditions of northern clogging are upheld. I think this could be the first draw between the two sides.

1 comment:

Burgundy Addick said...

Wyn, I'll happily run around the place doing a Hamlet impression if we win tonight (and if these transfer rumours prove groundless).