Rovers on brink of promotion glory
Published Date:
01 May 2008
THIS is it then.
All down to one game and ninety minutes of football.
Succeed, and a once down-and-out club will realise the impossible dream of its fanatical chairman and thousands of supporters.
Fail, and Sean O'Driscoll will have to lift his players once again for the rollercoaster ride of the promotion play-offs.
Unbelievably Rovers' promotion fate is back in their own hands thanks to Saturday's win over Luton and yet another defeat for Carlisle.
Nerves will undoubtedly play a part at Cheltenham.
But if the players take a leaf out of their manager's book they won't have a problem.
Sean O'Driscoll gave the impression of being the coolest man on the planet when I spoke to him this week - despite the fact that he was just on his way to the dentist!
After joking that Saturday was just another game the laid back Doncaster boss then admitted that he had looked at the league table for the first time this season.
He said: "I thought 'we seem to be doing well - we only need to win our last game and we're up'."
But then the Rovers manager adopted a more serious tone and said he believed the players were ready - and up to the task.
He added: "People have praised us for the football we have played this season - but I believe we have got other qualities as well.
"Our belief has been tested on numerous occasions this season and we have come through.
"I've got a game plan in my head for Saturday but I don't know how the match is going to unfold.
"I don't really know what formation Cheltenham will opt for but I'm not going to spend all week worrying about them.
"It's what we do and how we perform that matters.
"I think the Cheltenham manager has described it as a massive cup game against a team from a top division.
"I would agree with that and there is no extra time or replay either - it's all got to be done on the day.
"It will require strength of character but we've got internationals in our side and players who have played in finals and other big games and we will deal with that.
"And, if it doesn't immediately go our way, we have to be able to react in the right manner to make sure it does."
After watching his side completely outclassed by Rovers in the first half last Saturday, Luton boss Mick Harford said if they did go up they would be a credit to the Championship with the football they played.
But O'Driscoll said: "You don't always get what you deserve in this game.
"We just have to go out there and make it happen for ourselves - and the fans who have backed us all season."
Rovers are likely to go into the game without playmaker Brian Stock, who is suffering from an ankle injury, and centre backs Steve Roberts and Adam Lockwood are unlikely to be fit in time either.
James Hayter missed out last week but will come into contention for a place in the squad as Rovers travel to a town more famous for its racecourse aiming to clear the final hurdle.
The full article contains 544 words and appears in Doncaster Free Press newspaper.
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Last Updated:
01 May 2008 11:37 AM
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Source:
Doncaster Free Press
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Location:
Doncaster