One night in Hereford...

Hereford United 1-2 Mansfield Town

Blue Square Bet Premier

Tuesday 16th April 2013

Players careers are defined by big games and certain incidents and this dramatic night at Edgar Street will be recalled vividly by everyone at Mansfield Town who was there in the 2012/13 season.

It was the defining moment of a whirlwind campaign full of so many memories where a promotion charge grew out of an unlikely FA Cup run which saw Liverpool so very nearly taken to a Third Round replay at Anfield.

Matt Green celebrates the season-defining winner (Photo: Unknown).

Matt Green's dramatic injury-time winner provided pandemonium, euphoria and that once in a lifetime adrenaline rush that everyone dreams of experiencing. It didn't quite seal the title mathematically (that was completed four days later by beating Wrexham), but it did absolutely knock the stuffing out of title rivals Kidderminster Harriers who were waiting and ready to pounce upon any slip up.

After a dreadful, emotionally-draining 2-1 defeat in the rain at Braintree Town the previous Saturday, this was Mansfield's penultimate fixture of the season and, crucially, the lads' game in-hand in the title race. The lads were a point behind Kidderminster in the Blue Square Bet Premier table so it was absolutely imperative they got the win to keep their destiny in their own hands. A defeat would have been utterly disastrous!

It was no secret to anyone that there was no love lost between Martin Foyle (Hereford's manager) and Paul Cox (Mansfield's boss) and it's something which stemmed, in part, from an incident at the reverse fixture quite early on in the season at Field Mill. 

At a time when many Stags fans were unhappy with results, Foyle made many disparaging comments about Cox's style of play within ear-shot of those who'd gathered by the tunnel to cry for his departure as the teams left the pitch at the final whistle - claiming later in his post-match interview that he'd win promotion with such a big budget to spend. The Hereford boss knew his comments would fan the flames and with more iffy results for Mansfield for a good few weeks afterwards, it certainly did, until the dramatic upturn in fortunes in the New Year resulted in a title charge.

Foyle was also good mates with Steve Burr who, by coincidence, was Kidderminster's boss in this era - thus meaning he was always going to get his players fired up and ready to throw the kitchen sink at Mansfield in this game to try and get a good result for his friend!

If any extra spice was needed, that could be found in either the free curries which Hereford were offering to every Season Ticket Holder from Kidderminster who made the short trip to Edgar Street. The fact that several Harriers players had gathered in the directors box directly behind the away dugout - in an attempt to add pressure but no doubt ready to rub people's faces in it if the result was favourable to them, just fuelled tensions even further!

The calm before the storm (Photo: Charlie Slater).

From arriving at the stadium some three hours before kick-off to getting the first glimpse of the somewhat shabby Edgar Street pitch not long afterwards, there was a weird stomach-churning sense of anxious trepidation yet pure excitement in the late-afternoon sunshine. There was absolutely no escaping from the fact that the stage was ready for drama which, one way or another, would give a massive indication as to who would be Blue Square Bet Premier champions.

As expected, Hereford named a full-strength team despite the fact it was impossible for them to get into the play-off positions. It's an understatement to say they had a decent side and amongst their starters were Sam Clucas (who'd go on to sign for Mansfield that summer), Marley Watkins (now at Bristol City), Ryan Bowman (a prolific lower-league striker to this day) and James Bittner (a goalkeeper who was about to produce a performance of a life-time).

As kick-off edged nearer and tensions increased tenfold, discussions in the press box centred around the usual topics but especially on Hereford's decision to put on a 'free curry' for Kidderminster fans! Though strapped for cash and trying to grab every penny possible, what that move had inadvertently done was fire up our players massively, to the point where it had seriously p*ssed off a few individuals!

Despite a 1,000-strong following in a packed out away end; albeit quite some distance behind the goal on the curved Blackfriars Terrace, things got off to the worst possible start in every conceivable way as Hereford took the lead after just eight minutes with Bowman left unmarked following a clever cut-back and in the perfect position to fire home. The sound of a beating drum in the away end was replaced by silence and an echoing chorus of celebrations by the home supporters.

After losing at Braintree, three days earlier, followed by this early hammer-blow, the situation was serious, concerning and many might have started to wonder if everything the lads had worked so hard and strived so much for over the previous few months was about to come undone at the seams!

Evidently shell-shocked for the next few minutes, it took everyone a while to regain their composure but another significant blow came when Lee Beevers - an indisputable warrior at full-back who soldiered on so many times over the course of the season, needed to be replaced by Ritchie Sutton because he'd yet again dislocated his shoulder but this time, it wasn't able to just be popped back in.

Living in the moment provided a flurry of emotions because it was a whirlwind experience and as the half-hour mark approached, there was a sense somewhat that the tide was turning. Despite still trailing 1-0, the lads were in the ascendancy, beginning to dictate play, keep hold of the ball to greater effect and really force the issue as they searched for an equaliser. 

Crucially, this improvement was matched by events on the away terrace at pretty much the same time. In what could be best described as a 'mini-protest' from Mansfield fans, some stormed their way past stewards into the 'No Man's Land' zone and eventually right up to the perimeter fence located only a few metres behind the goal. Vast numbers followed in support on the back of a few fans doing so and straight away, noise levels increased (largely from fans now banging on the loose advertising boards as well as a drum), the support seemed more vast and they were pretty much on top of the action.

On the pitch, despite having a penalty appeal turned down and enduring a nervous moment when Luke Jones appeared to handle inside his own box amidst screams, shouts and pleas for a penalty from the home contingent, an equaliser came when Lindon Meikle burst away down the left flank and delivered a cross towards the back-post where Matt Green managed to head the ball into an unguarded net.

At 1-1, things were firmly poised - though Hereford would have gone in ahead at half-time had John Dempster not been in the perfect position on the post to clear the ball off the line during a terrifying 'heart in mouth' goalmouth scramble deep into first half injury-time.

Alan Marriott was a lucky boy on that occasion but the ever-increasing feelings of utter tension meant the half-time whistle couldn't come soon enough. In whichever direction you glanced or whoever you spoke to, emotions were all over the place with everyone fully aware that a storm was about to follow during what would be a blockbuster second period.

The pressure was cranking up in more ways than one and the lads seized the initiative after the re-start, quickly creating a flurry of chances. Meikle was denied by Bittner in one move before Adam Murray (who was work-rate and desire personified in this team), smashed a shot across a packed goalmouth which lacked the accuracy to find the target or the good fortune to catch a deflection that would have took it goalwards; the ball instead flying agonisingly wide of the post by just a matter of inches!

Sunset had long-since turned to darkness by this point in the night and another huge moment came when Bittner pulled off a miraculous one-handed save - clawing the ball off the goal-line in mid-air after a looping attempt by Green seemed for all the world that it would evade the evergreen 'keeper and nestle in the net. 

Somehow, quite agonisingly - and despite clear-cut chances, it remained 1-1.

Whilst a winner would, effectively, have gone a huge way to securing the title, a defeat would have been disastrous and another horrible 'heart in mouth' moment was endured when Watkins went down inside the Stags' penalty area appealing for a spot-kick. Minutes later, Clucas whistled a shot just inches wide of the post from a long-range free-kick - proving that things were still very much finely balanced!

However, the heat continued to be cranked up massively on Hereford and as the game entered the final quarter-of-an-hour or so, it was 'gung ho' football with the proverbial kitchen sink very much situated in the hosts' own goalmouth.

Matt Rhead (on as a substitute for Lee Stevenson), Murray, Dempster and Adam Chapman were all thwarted at different points as despite the sense of sheer urgency, attack after attack came to nothing! The tensions and raw emotions were unbearable and with the final whistle drawing ever nearer, it was apparent that the entire season was going to be defined by whatever happened in these very moments.

Winning meant absolutely everything to everyone involved and time was fast-running out to avoid a final day showdown whereby, whoever won by the biggest scoreline, would be champions!

Then came injury-time...

Matt Green shoots... (Photo: Unknown).

Four minutes were added for the lads to get the reward they craved and they did so in a moment which will forever go down in Mansfield Town folklore.

Marriott, in possession in his goalmouth, rolled the ball out for a long downfield punt with Rhead the intended target managing to flick the ball on for Green whose strength and positioning meant he was able to hold off a defender before smashing a shot past Bittner to make it 2-1.

In a single moment, there was an explosive release of the anxiety, tension and everything negative which had built up since the capitulation at Braintree just a few days earlier. In a single moment, those feelings were replaced by pandemonium, euphoria and a pure single rush of adrenaline - there were joyous hugs, screams of delight, pure joy, carnage and ecstasy. It was complete euphoria of the highest degree for a few seconds and probably the single best moment in Mansfield Town history!

The previously smug and gleeful faces of Josh Gowling (with his distinctive hairstyle) and Kidderminster's other players - sat just a few yards away, suddenly looked sorrowful, grim and dejected. The hopes of Martin Foyle and Steve Burr - to collude together to stop 'the enemy' from winning the title had failed and they'd watched it fail with their own eyes.

Surprisingly, the rest of stoppage-time was a blur, though it passed surprisingly quickly before more fist-pumping, adrenaline-type celebrations at the final whistle. Andy Todd, an important figure on the coaching staff, copped for some unsavoury abuse in particular from home fans who weren't too happy at what they'd witnessed but he was only too happy to give a bit of banter back to them.

The job had been partly done and Wrexham were dispatched in straightforward enough fashion the following weekend, albeit only by a 1-0 scoreline, to set-up a wild alcohol-fueled bender of a weekend - the like of which don't come around often enough.

In 18 years of watching football, I doubt I'll ever experience such a moment, such a game and such a period as this ever again!

Paul Cox in his post-match interview after such an unforgettable night (Photo: Martin Shaw).

Celebrations (Photo: Unknown).

Doncaster Rovers in the good old days!

Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Cambridge United

Nationwide Division Three

Monday 12th April 2004

Of what is now fast-approaching 1,000 league matches since Doncaster Rovers returned to the Football League, few have caused such a thrill of excitement and anticipation as this one.

Ridiculed and tagged as relegation favourites before a ball was even kicked, labelled as a 'Pub Team' by outspoken critics and even written off altogether following a six-game winless streak, Dave Penney's team defied the odds to stand on the brink of incredible glory going into this Bank Holiday Monday showdown with Cambridge United

The task was simple! 

If Rovers won the game then back-to-back promotions would be achieved and with that would come a place in Division Two (soon to be renamed Coca-Cola League One) - competing against 'big club' ex-Premier League opponents such as Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, Wimbledon, Barnsley and Oldham Athletic for the 2004/05 campaign.

Everyone's expectations, whether it be those involved on the pitch or those watching from the stands, had been thoroughly exceeded time and again and Rovers' unlikely promotion challenge had captured people's imagination right across the town.

Whether it be the local postman, the bloke on the market stall or those who'd returned to their hometown to see some relatives and scoff on a few too many Easter Eggs over the holiday period, it seemed that everyone was donning a red and white hooped shirt sponsored by 'Streetwise Sports' and had flocked to Belle Vue to witness John Ryan's phoenix rising from the ashes of Ken Richardson's regime.

There was an electric buzz of optimism, anticipation, pure excitement, emotion and craving for all things DRFC in this period; a collective togetherness and unity that's rarely seen anywhere in football nowadays. Everyone involved knew these were great, good and golden times to savour! 

The adrenaline rush was phenomenal and with fans having gathered 'en masse' from early in the day to (potentially!) watch promotion unfold, it was no surprise that Belle Vue brimming to its 9,500 capacity by 2.15pm - resulting in hundreds having to be turned away at the turnstiles. The fortunate ones who were inside took in a deep breath, hoped and prepared themselves to back their team whilst those outside scrambled up posts, fences and even up nearby houses to ensure they had a half-decent vantage point of the action.

The scenes were incredible and few DRFC games in the years since (certainly which I've ever been at) have ever come close to providing such a carnival atmosphere, sense of occasion or a date with destiny.

Climb a fence or the ladder up the roof of your house to get a good view if you need to! (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Rovers' opponents Cambridge were in mid-table but nervously peering over their shoulders towards the relegation places and in some disarray. Having sold Dave Kitson to Reading at the midway point of the season, their wild form in the weeks afterwards culminated in John Taylor's sacking and his newly-appointed replacement was Claude Le Roy - a figure who managed Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup and had previously been associated with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, yet had now rocked up in the lowest tier of the Football League!

It all seemed rather strange, if not surreal and the Frenchman (who was present in the away dugout at Belle Vue) would later bizarrely claim that he never even managed Cambridge. It's little wonder with such shenanigans occurring around the club, the U's were relegated just a year later!

Having emerged onto the pitch to rapturous 'Rovers Til I Die' war cries from those packed tightly together on the terraces (and maybe those positioned on uncomfortable-looking vantage points outside), the first half saw Rovers attack towards the Town End but frustrated in their efforts to make a breakthrough.

Adebayo Akinfenwa was denied by the visiting 'keeper in the game's first opening before a set-back soon occurred as Michael McIndoe was forced off due to a facial injury - sustained in slightly different fashion to how he might get one nowadays if his whereabouts were known! His withdrawal paved the way for Paul Green's introduction who, having turned 21 only a few days earlier, probably hasn't had a better birthday weekend in all the years since!

The U's stifled things relatively well for the rest of the first period and then rode their luck to a great extent just after the re-start when another of Penney's youngsters who'd go on to have a decent career, Ricky Ravenhill, struck the upright with a thunderous volley before skipper Steve Foster also went close with a powerful header that forced a save.

With the scoreline still finely poised at 0-0, nerves were starting to jangle that little bit more as each minute passed and what Rovers really needed was a goal. It duly arrived on the hour mark as Akinfenwa sparked total and utter joy and pandemonium on the terraces by prodding the ball home from Greg Blundell's near-post delivery. Suddenly, the promotion dream was on the verge of becoming a distinct reality!

The Belle Vue crowd couldn't hide their pure delight and euphoria. At 1-0, there was now a sense that this was the day, this was the game and it was f**king happening. Months of hard work, graft and determination coupled with hopes, dreams and a burning inner-desire to succeed, to make something special happen and be part of something great was bearing fruit. Everything was being encapsulated in the very events which were unfolding before everyone's eyes.

Before anyone could catch their breath and take in the moment, another explosion of wild jubilation occurred as 'Greenie' produced a brilliant diving header from almost point-blank range after Dave Mulligan's cross to increase Rovers' lead to 2-0, ram home their superiority over everyone else in Division Three and emphasise that this was the day Donny Rovers were going up again!

It was party time!

The final whistle prompted a joyous pitch invasion by those who couldn't hide their delight at what this group of players had achieved. Once it was cleared, those in red and white hoops who'd performed so heroically to produce so many vintage moments soaked up and savoured every last second of their lap of honour. 

'Greenie' took a tumble, later shown on TV, thanks to his captain's decent banter, 'Bayo' busted some dance moves which were a trademark feature during his time at the club and made his such a well-liked figure, whilst flags were waved aplenty to a backdrop of applause, chants of 'We Are Going Up' and 'Are You Watching Richardson?' Air horns were blasted from all corners of the ground with fans indulging in fist pumps, embraces, celebrations and the first talk of whether the big boys from the league above would enjoy coming to Belle Vue.

Tina Turner's 'Simply The Best' - an ever-present feature of the matchday experience in this era (regardless of the scoreline) never sounded so good when it was played over the PA system and it was a fitting song for such a monumental moment in Rovers' thrilling resurgence under John Ryan's ownership.

There was, however, still one job remaining... winning the title! But that's for another time and with a lot more photos to remember the occasion!

Dave Penney's programme notes from the next home game against York City.

The Division Three table confirming Rovers' promotion to a higher level.

Akinfenwa in the thick of the action (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Greg Blundell battles for the ball (Photo: Unknown).

Celebrating the good times (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Adebayo Akinfenwa: A key figure in the promotion battle (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Akinfenwa opens the scoring whilst a young Ricky Ravenhill just randomly slides into the net (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Rovers' directors celebrate together (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Chris Brown enjoys the lap of honour (Photo: Unknown).

Pat and Chas Walker with Andy Warrington and Steve Foster (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Jumping for joy with Paul Green (Photo: Paul Gilligan).

Jamie Price and Andy Warrington before the afterparty (Photo: Unknown).

One team. One ambition. Promotion achieved (Photo: Unknown).

Celebrating at the final whistle!

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 4-2 Bradford City (U18s)

Doncaster Rovers (U18s) 4-2 Bradford City (U18s)

Football League Youth Alliance

Saturday 10th April 2021

Some thoughts on this weekend's game at the Keepmoat Stadium having viewed the footage!

A first half display full of energy, effort and ruthless efficiency was enough for Doncaster Rovers youth team to achieve a confidence-boosting 4-2 win over Bradford City in the Football League Youth Alliance.

On a bizarre morning of sunshine, showers and snowstorms - some of which even occurred at the same time, the goals flowed finely for Rovers who wasted no time in establishing a lead thanks to Will Hollings' first goal of the campaign before Alex Fletcher soon made it 2-0 with a well-placed finish.

Dan Wilds then converted a spot-kick on the half-hour mark and, remarkably, it was 4-0 by the midway point as a visiting defender inadvertently put through his own net whilst attempting to defend a set-piece.

In spite of the eyebrow-raising scoreline, Bradford actually put in a decent enough display in bits and pieces. They totally dominated the second period, using an extra man in midfield exceptionally well to build up a head of steam and deservedly pull back a couple of goals.

Nevertheless, Rovers' ruthless finishing in the first 45 minutes was the key difference and this is something which can hopefully be continued in the remaining two Youth Alliance games this term against Huddersfield (next time out) and Mansfield (in three weeks).

For a variety of reasons it was a very youthful Donny starting line-up with Charlie Bell, named as skipper, being the only second-year included in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Three players from the Under 16s were involved; Alex Fletcher, Jack Raper and Tom Parkinson, whilst Luke Chadwick returned between the posts having missed the past couple of matches.

Tavonga Kuleya, who suffered a nasty-looking injury after only a few minutes of last week's goalless draw with Lincoln City, wasn't involved.

Though the Doncaster skipper didn't sport the armband because his arms were too big for it to fit (allegedly!), it's fair to say 'Charlie [Bell]'s Angels' were fantastic in the early exchanges as they came flying out the traps and imposed their game-plan to great effect.

Within the first few minutes they had only been denied an opener because Bradford's highly-rated England youth 'keeper Darryl Ombang pulled off a full-stretch fingertip save from Will Hollings powerful 20-yard attempt which seemed destined for the top corner. It was a perfect strike but an even better save and having not yet scored this season, the creative Hollings could have been forgiven for wondering if the ball was ever going to end up in the net for him.

The midfielder put in a solid and impressive showing last time out at Lincoln and in Rovers' very next attack he finally enjoyed that big moment of becoming a goalscorer. He showed instinctive reactions to dispossess a Bantams defender who'd just received the ball on the edge of the area before unleashing a firm low strike into the bottom corner which was too much for Ombang to keep out.

With a breakthrough made and confidence evidently high right the way across the team, there was an air of fluidity and rhythm about Rovers' style, movement and overall play and within just a couple of minutes they'd doubled their advantage thanks to a goal by a relative newcomer.

Alex Fletcher hasn't yet begun his scholarship but the nifty right-back who possesses an abundance of talent showed flair to finish off another attack as he was in the perfect place at the perfect time on the edge of the box to drill a shot home following some decent strength and hold-up play by the evergreen Alex Wolny who was also enjoying a fine morning.

It's quite often been a trait in games this term that Rovers either haven't imposed themselves particularly well in the early stages which has brought about problems or they haven't taken opportunities when they've created them, so this was a refreshing, positive and uplifting change from the usual.

Bradford though weren't about to roll over and asked some questions of the home defence without properly forcing the returning Chadwick into action. At one stage whilst under pressure, Michael Nesbitt made a key interception and in a separate incident fellow centre-back Bobby Faulkner was left with a bloodied nose following a collision with an opponent. 

Both teams looked decent and creative in possession as they moved the ball well and demonstrated the potential to pose problems but the key difference was ruthlessness going forward. Rovers were superior in this department and they were soon presented with a chance when Wolny was judged to have been fouled inside the box. The Bantams felt the decision was harsh though Wilds didn't look flustered whatsoever as he stepped up and sent Ombang the wrong way to make it 3-0 before the half-hour mark.

Incredibly, things then got even better for Rovers from a set-piece routine. Raper's delivery into the box was met with a powerful connection, albeit from a Bantams defender, and with the 'keeper rooted to his goal-line the ball flew into the top corner to give the scoreline an even more emphatic look.

Bradford might have felt disheartened at this point because although they'd been out-played and out-battled in some crucial areas, going forward they'd posed questions.

Their best opening came close to half-time when some neat and tidy play, followed by a clever cut-back inside the Donny area saw the ball reach an unmarked striker. His emphatic shot would have reduced arrears had it not ricocheted off Chadwick's chest with the 'keeper alert to the danger and having rushed from his line in a deliberate attempt to narrow the angle.

At the opposite end, in what was more or less the last goalmouth action of the first 45 minutes, Parkinson should have registered his name on the score-sheet to put Rovers 5-0 up. He was the beneficiary of another mix up in the visitors' backline and ended up in a one-on-one scenario though, under pressure and with the 'keeper advancing, his low stab-shot trickled the wrong side of the post.

The second half saw Bradford assert their authority and dominate proceedings as they sought to produce the unlikeliest of comebacks and they went close to pulling a goal back within 20 seconds when an attempt rattled the upright. Rovers, it has to be said, were pretty static in this move.

There was a positive zest, urgency and good attitude within the Bantams' second half play; dictating the midfield battle by virtue of an extra man and spending large swathes of time camped inside their opponents half. Their footballing intelligence meant they posed a dangerous threat and Chadwick was soon tested again from a near-post shot when a better option would have been to either play the ball across a packed goalmouth or go for the far-post.

Rovers defensive shape, on the whole, wasn't bad which meant despite Bradford's superior possession, the visitors were restricted mainly to long-range attempts - those of which were on target proving to be comfortable enough for Chadwick. It was from one of these instances, however, that Bell's time on the pitch came to a premature end; the captain being poleaxed by a venomous strike which hit him fully in the face from only a few feet away.

Wolny was also the recipient of a yellow card, having been deemed to have held onto the ball for too long amidst a mini-melee, as Donny sought to protect their four-goal advantage.

It seemed that Bradford might never make a breakthrough - especially when one of their frontman got in-behind and beat Chadwick with his attempt only for the fully-alert Nesbitt to make not just one, but two superb recovery clearances on the goal-line to protect the clean-sheet.

With around 20-25 minutes remaining on the clock, the West Yorkshire team finally turned their wastefulness infront of goal into something better as they made a deserved enough breakthrough. A powerful shot was saved by Chadwick at his left-hand post but the ball spun away from his clutches and allowed the striker the simplest of finishes from just a matter of millimetres out - giving the visitors hope that they could find a route back into proceedings!

It was evident that Bradford, whose line-up included a mixture of players from across the age groups from Under 16s upwards, possessed some talented individuals with decent ability. They soon further reduced arrears from a set-piece as a corner from the right was put high towards the back-post and a towering headed connection was precise, perfect and ended up in the back of the net for 4-2 - this with a quarter of an hour of the game remaining!

The contest was quickly becoming a challenge of Rovers' capabilities - both mental and physical. Focus, calmness, game-management and intelligence were required from this point to ensure they got the result and hold out against waves of territorial pressure from a Bradford side who were knocking the ball around in a neat but very determined fashion given they had the momentum.

Thankfully, those in red and white hoops 'dug in' sufficiently and showed the attributes to get the job done!

The Bantams were restricted again to largely speculative attempts in the time which remained with Rovers actually creating the best chance on a rare breakaway when Hollings went close to registering his second goal of the morning with a half-volley which was deflected over the woodwork.

Overall, the scoreline was a fair reflection of what unfolded. Doncaster's play in the first 45 minutes was a joy to behold from the ruthlessness shown in goalscoring situations to the way the lads were alert and ready to pounce at the slightest mistake. There was a great, energy, desire and positive attitude shown. Some aspects still require room for improvement - such as transitional periods and tracking, pressing and general focus when not in possession but if these areas can be nailed down and requirements by players in every position can be understood (both in and out of possession), there's no reason why the lads can't finish this season in positive form and enjoy a decent campaign in 2021/22. Make no mistake, this was the best team performance, overall, in the past few weeks and should be a benchmark to 'kick on' from and it was a good result against a good team!

From a Bradford perspective, they'll be left ruing the missed chances and defensive errors which contributed to some of the four goals they conceded. Whilst they were the better team in the second period, had either of their chances (just before and just after half-time) gone in, they might well have set-up a nerve-jangling finish where Rovers would have been clinging on - instead, the deficit was just too much! Nevertheless, the way they expressed themselves on the ball, executed their game-plan in the second half and used the extra man in midfield to their advantage, deserves praise. Based on certain aspects of this performance and also how they've achieved some good results in the second part of the Youth Alliance season, they'll no doubt be a force to be reckoned with next term. 

If more or less the same players from both teams meet again next season when they've got more experience under their belts, it should be another decent and interesting game.

Individually, there were some pleasing performances by those in Rovers colours.

Alex Wolny's link-up play, touch and technique (especially early on) was the best it's been for a while and if he can take that into next year, along with his natural strength and power, then there's a very good player within him who has the potential to have a key effect on things. Generally, the ball sticks well when it goes to him and that can be worth its weight in gold.

Will Hollings' first strike has been a long time coming but thoroughly deserved on the back of one or two recent displays and the hope now is that he can glean confidence from it, express his ability and use it as a springboard to finish the season on a high.

Elsewhere, the defensive trio of Dan Wilds, Michael Nesbitt and Bobby Faulkner (a good old-fashioned centre-back in more ways than one - especially with some of the football-related injuries he's received over the past eight months) deserve praise. Wilds' marshalling and organisation before he moved into midfield after Charlie Bell got poleaxed was good. Nesbitt - returning to the team for the first time in a while, offered value - especially with a couple of good interceptions and his goal-line clearances, whilst the way Faulkner has stepped into the team and not looked out of place in recent weeks, has been admirable.

Some of the younger lads who featured who'll be scholars next year (and apologies for not mentioning the names of the substitutes - that's because I don't have them yet!) did well. Of those who started, Tom Parkinson might feel as though he should have scored a goal but he's shown promise recently - whether it be last time out at Lincoln, with a predatory finish in midweek when he mugged a defender against Sheffield United, or in a recent game against Hull City. His progress will be interesting to watch close-up next year.

Alex Fletcher put in a good shift, took his goal well and offers plenty of energy - clearly from an attacking viewpoint as well as a defensive one, whilst there's similarities already between the technical ability possessed by Jack Raper and that of Will McGowan - someone who was absolutely instrumental in last season's title success. With more games, more experience and day to day full-time coaching especially, he'll only become an even better player so, very much like Tom Parkinson, his progress will be good to track.

So there were lots of positives and pleasing aspects about what unfolded and next up for the lads is an away game on the lush green grass of Huddersfield Town's fantastic Canalside Training HQ - with Rovers away at the Terriers next Saturday (17th April).

Former scholars round-up (08/04/21)

Andy Butler’s appointment as manager has heralded a new beginning for the former youth teamers currently on the books at Doncaster Rovers.  

Generally overlooked by previous boss Darren Moore, the four lads who’ve been involved so far during Butler’s tenure - Louis Jones, Branden Horton, Danny Amos and AJ Greaves, have collectively already made 16 appearances between them in just over a month.

By way of comparison, Moore only fielded youth team graduates 13 times in Football League games during his entire year-and-a-half reign; proof enough that there will be more opportunities should Butler land the manager’s job on a permanent basis!  

Branden Horton in action at Cantley Park in a game last season.

Since I penned this article looking at the specific numbers behind the youth team graduates who’ve progressed into the first team, Horton (pictured above) made his Football League debut and also started in some games - including in the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Easter Monday.  

The only ex-scholar on the books right now yet to make his professional debut is centre-back Ben Blythe - a key figure in last season’s youth side who’ll be keen to appear before the end of the season.  

Another prominent figure in the same title-winning Youth Alliance team of 2019/20 was Lirak Hasani. However, a technicality in the wording relating to his loan move to Gateshead (whose National League North season has now been cancelled) means that, ridiculously, Hasani is unable to play again this term.  

Furthermore, Liam Ravenhill, who appeared for the first team in a couple of cup games in November is now back playing with the youth team and scored in the recent FA Youth Cup defeat to Peterborough whilst some words on current skipper Ethan Bojang’s time with Gambia at the relatively recent U20 African Nations Cup can also be found here. 

Elsewhere, two former scholars from different eras went head-to-head on Good Friday as Eastleigh met Chesterfield in the National League and it was the Spireites who came out on top - earning a 1-0 win thanks to Liam Mandeville’s first goal this season (see video). Chesterfield are now in the Play-Off positions with Eastleigh, where Andrew Boyce has been an ever-present over the past month, in ninth spot - a point outside the top seven.  

One player still under contract at the somewhat laughably-named Technique Stadium (the current name for the Spireites’ home) is Jack McKay. The striker is on loan at Aidrieonians, where his twin brother Paul McKay also plays nowadays, and scored in a 4-2 defeat to Partick Thistle upon resumption of the Scottish League One season on Saturday 27th March.

Airdrie are currently in fourth spot in their division and just within the Play-Offs, with three games remaining of what is now be an 18-game campaign, with SPFL member clubs having voted to reduce the season due to its earlier suspension because of lockdown restrictions.

Jack McKay in action for Airdrieonians! (Photo: Daily Record).

Back in England and in the Football League, some other former scholars are eyeing up a promotion push over the coming weeks.  

Despite an injury crisis, Blackpool are currently on a 13-game unbeaten streak in League One and James Husband has played in four games over the past month - the most recent of which was a 1-1 draw with Burton Albion on Tuesday 16th March. Jerry Yates - very much ‘the one who got away’ given that he was in the DRFC academy set-up to U16s level but not given a scholarship, has continued his incredible form and now has 20 goals for this term - proving he is a very good striker!  

In League Two, Jonny Maxted’s Exeter City are on the fringes of the Play-Offs (though he hasn’t featured for the Grecians since January), whilst Jack Muldoon scored in a 1-0 win for Harrogate Town at Barrow on Tuesday 2nd March to take his tally for the campaign to 12 goals.  

When youth teamers are released they sometimes end up playing football on the other side of the world and that’s exactly what's happened with Jordan Tucker - not someone who has previously been mentioned on this blog but who featured for Rovers in 2017/18 - notably in the FA Youth Cup.  

The big defender is now turning out for South West Queensland Thunder in Australia - a club who, theoretically, compete in the country’s second tier. Based in the city of Toowoomba, Tucker has played in most SWQ games over the past month - including a 3-0 victory over Souths United and in a 1-0 defeat to Brisbane City whose squad include some former internationals. 

Nathan Dimou, on Rovers’ books only this time last year, is also playing back at home in Australia and was most recently at Adelaide Comets - some 1,000 miles away from Toowoomba! 

Some former scholars are also getting game-time in America including James Morris (at Seattle Redhawks) and Lewis Scattergood (at Stetson University).  

Jordan Tucker on a promotional poster ahead of SWQ's big game against Brisbane City!

Finally - and much closer to home, Leyton Beck (in the Under 16s set-up last season) got a couple of goals as Rossington Main Reserves hammered Bawtry Town, 9-0, upon the long-awaited resumption of the Doncaster Rovers Saturday League less than a week ago.  

With lockdown restrictions lifted, some lads have also returned to training and may well participate in behind-closed-doors friendlies over the next few weeks.

The next update on the whereabouts of former scholars will be after the early May Bank Holiday, but if you list last month's round-up, click here!