Bradford City vs Doncaster Rovers: LIVE updates as Bantams skipper tips Rovers for promotion push
and live on Freeview channel 276
As many as 20,000 fans are expected at Valley Parade for the mouth-watering opening-day clash, which has been billed as ‘one the standout games of the season’.
Indeed, both sides would expect to be in the promotion mix at the end of the season. Today be the first test of their credentials.
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Hide AdSpeaking ahead of the clash, Bradford captain Richie Smallwood said: “It is a massive fixture for the league.
“It is two big clubs who should not really be in this division, and I think it is one of the standout games of the season. It will be one where we can put down a marker, which we want to do.
“We know they will be up there, so it would be nice to get a win.”
Doncaster will be backed by 2,000 travelling supporters in West Yorkshire.
Scroll down for live updates.
Bradford City vs Doncaster Rovers LIVE
Key Events
- Doncaster haven’t won on the opening day since the 2018/19 season
- Both sides tipped for promotion push - and each has tipped the other to compete this term
- Rovers beginning life back in the fourth tier for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign
Smart save Mitchell - and an early change
Vadaine Oliver breaks free and his low strike is parried away by Mitchell.
Boos echo around the ground as iam Ravenhill is replaced by Jack Degruchy.
Osadebe leaves the field of play
He’s taken off on a stretcher with his leg strapped and head in his hands.
Bradford player down hurt
Emmanuel Oadebe looks to be seriously hurt and is receiving treatment from both medical teams after Liam Ravenhill’s challenge.
The young midfielder, 19, has been booked and is on the receiving end of some hostilities from the home crowd. Gary McSheffrey and his teammates help console him.
First chance
A Bradford cross evades everyone after Tomlin and Jamie Walker combined to get the better of James Maxwell.
Rovers formation
Looks like a 4-4-1-1 with Hurst on the left-hand side and Ravenhill on the right.
Rovers looking to sit in their shape early on, as they did in the Huddersfield friendly.
Rovers to start
Some boos as the majority of players take the knee, although mostly applause.
22/23 is under way!
Atmosphere is building
It might be raining but the University of Bradford Stadium, as it’s known these days, is rocking. Around 2,000 Rovers fans doing their bit, too.
Under 10 minutes to go...