When 'The Beast' returned...

Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Torquay United
Coca-Cola League One
Saturday 16th October 2004

Akinfenwa celebrates his goal (Photo: Dan Westwell).

It's quite scary to think that it's exactly 16 years ago today since Adebayo Akinfenwa made a goalscoring return to Doncaster Rovers.

Only months earlier, the larger than life character had ignited Rovers' charge towards the Division Three championship - penning a short-term deal with Dave Penney's side with just over a dozen games remaining and then weighing in with some crucial goals.

His influence was as huge as his popularity. In total, he bagged four goals in nine appearances - including a vital late equaliser in a draw with Darlington at a windswept Belle Vue and also the second goal in a home success over Cambridge United on the day promotion was sealed.

There was a clamour from fans for the club to tie him down on a longer contract and although he actually began the following pre-season at Cantley Park (something which is often forgotten), it wasn't to be. Instead, he penned a deal with fellow League One newcomers Torquay United amidst widespread rumours that he'd said he wanted to be closer to his family in London. 

What was certain now was the 'cult hero' had instantly become the pantomime villain and a target for Belle Vue's boo boys upon his scheduled return.

Rovers players line-up during the minute's silence (Photo: Dan Westwell).

Heading into the fixture, Rovers were winless in four League One outings - including a 5-0 battering at Bournemouth who were managed by a certain Sean O'Driscoll. A victory was needed from somewhere and Torquay were viewed as perfect opponents to pick up three points against given that they themselves had endured a tough start to life at a higher level. 

Following a minute's silence preceding kick-off in memory of the late Syd Bycoft, it came as no surprise that every touch by Akinfenwa during the early stages brought about a chorus of boos and criticism from those who weren't willing to forgive or forget about his departure.

The 'big man' wasn't phased though and silenced his critics in the best possible way after only nine minutes when he was played clean through into a one-on-one with Andy Warrington and subsequent beat his former team-mate at the second attempt to give Torquay the lead.

The big man is mobbed after scoring (Photo: Dan Westwell).

Rovers needed to respond and, as was so often the case back in this era, it was Michael McIndoe who stepped up to the mark - firstly when he finished from point-blank range to equalise before he completed the turnaround on 27 minutes as he tapped into an unguarded net from a James Coppinger pass.

Torquay weren't to be denied though and at the very end of a plucky, determined and spirited second half showing, they snatched a point when Jo Kuffour swooped to meet a flick on from a long downfield ball and sent his shot past Warrington to silence the Belle Vue crowd once more.

An eerie, ponderous mood felt tangible as Brian McFadden's 'Real to Me' played aloud from the PA system at the final whistle. It was another winless game and it meant Rovers were now dangling precariously above the relegation zone.

Next up was Barnsley away... a game which would be even more memorable!