Former scholars round up (02/10/20)

In an attempt to add some structure to what's possibly most unstructured blog in the world, I'll do this (now regular) update on how the former youth team scholars from Doncaster Rovers are getting on nowadays at the start of every month...

Leading the way this month is left-sided defender Branden Horton (above) who is on loan at Redditch United until the New Year. Something of a set-piece specialist, the 19-year-old found the target on what was just his second appearance for his new club against Hanley Town in FA Cup Qualifying - where ex-Premier League striker Ricardo Fuller was in the opposing line-up. Horton then provided an assist in a 1-0 win at Banbury United last Saturday, before he was up against Billy Kee as Redditch drew 1-1 at Coalville Town in midweek.

It's been a while since Jack Muldoon was on Rovers' books - and indeed it was only for a brief period when Sean O'Driscoll was first-team manager, but the forward made a goalscoring return to the Keepmoat Stadium when short-term tenants (and EFL newcomers) Harrogate Town drew 2-2 with Walsall. Aged 31, he also bagged in a 4-0 romp at beleaguered Southend United on the first day of the League Two season.

Another familiar face recently on the score-sheet was Jack Watson who converted from Elliott Walker's cross, as Rossington Main got their first win of the season against Retford in midweek. Cameron Barnett also featured for Rozzo who've taken four points from their first three games, and are next at home when they entertain Nostell Miners Welfare on Tuesday 6th October (7.45pm). 

On Wednesday, Nostell won 4-2 against an Armthorpe Welfare team including Tyler Walker and Conner Williamson, whilst Jordan Linley was on the substitute's bench.

Craig Nelthorpe is a name that will be familiar to many fans as he graduated all the way through to the first team under Sean O'Driscoll. Now in his 30s, the winger is at Belper Town. They won 4-1 at Frickley Athletic in midweek - a game in which he claimed an assist. Alex Peterson was on the substitute's bench for the Derbyshire outfit whilst Brad Grayson didn't feature for the hosts.

On the same night (and in the same division) Stocksbridge Park Steels, where Reece Fielding is nowadays, triumphed 3-0 over Sheffield FC in the local derby. Fielding didn't feature but Cody Prior was involved for the world's oldest club.

Elsewhere, Morgan James will be up against National League North outfit Boston United this weekend. AFC Mansfield, his current team, are the Pilgrims' opponents in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in a game which will be played behind closed doors at the Northolme Ground in Gainsborough due to Boston's new stadium not yet being ready to host games. 

Coincidentally, the Bulls actually beat Gainsborough Trinity, who included AJ Greaves, in the previous qualifying round. The tough-tackling midfielder, under contract at DRFC until next summer, is enjoying a month-long loan with Curtis Woodhouse's team and was on the winning side on his debut against Hyde United a fortnight ago. The Blues also won 5-1 against Whitby Town last time out.

Goalkeeper James Leverton (who penned a deal with Gainsborough in August) was between the sticks elsewhere as Bourne Town drew 1-1 with Irchester United last weekend, whilst another former 'keeper - this time in the shape of Kian Johnson - is now on the books of Worksop Town who host Chester in a relatively 'plum' FA Cup tie tomorrow afternoon.

Over in Ireland, Will Longbottom has seen off another boss at Waterford as John Sheridan recently quit the club in order to fill the managerial vacancy at Wigan Athletic. His replacement, Fran Rockett, will be hoping to guide the Blues into Europe next term as they're in third position with just a handful of fixtures remaining. 

It was announced earlier today that the new National League season will begin tomorrow, as planned, so ex-scholars who'll be hoping to add 'Promotion to the Football League' to their CVs are Liam Mandeville and Jack McKay - both of whom are in the final year of their contracts at Chesterfield, and Andrew Boyce who has penned another year at Eastleigh for whom he has made over 100 appearances since joining them three years ago.

Amongst other familiar old names from previous years, Mitchell Lund is still at Bradford Park Avenue; James Husband has been involved for Blackpool in their recent away games at Stoke City and Gillingham, whilst Harry Middleton and Rieves Boocock were in Cleethorpe's squad who drew 1-1 at Lincoln United in midweek.

Next update in November... if anyone knows the whereabouts of any of the ex-scholars who haven't yet been mentioned across these articles then drop me a comment below.