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.

 

 

 

Saturday 12^th August 2006 – Kick-Off 3.00pm

 

Coca-Cola League One at The Earth Stadium

 

 

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.

 

 

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)

 

 

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

 

 

Doncaster Rovers:  Bruce Dyer, Kevin Horlock and James Coppinger – 1 Goal

 

Tranmere Rovers: Chris Greenacre – 1 Goal

 

 

29^th 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)

 

 

                                               

All Matches:

P62      W16     D17      L29       F73       A128

 

At The Earth Stadium:

P31      W2       D10      L19       F23       A67

 

 

For Total Tranmere’s information article on Match Tickets and also for Travel and Stadium Information for The Earth Stadium Click Here!

 

 

Doncaster Rovers Official Website

 

DoncasterRovers.co.uk

 

Doncaster Rovers Mad  

 

Donny Massive (Rivals Site)