Doncaster Rovers supporters will take a trip down memory lane when they make the journey to cheer on their team away at Kidderminster for this weekend’s first round FA Cup clash at Aggborough Stadium.
The cup clash between Grant McCann and Paul Wotton marks the first time that the two sides have faced each other at Aggborough Stadium since 25 October 2003.
That particular fixture was Rovers’ 16th match back in the fourth tier after a five-season hiatus from the EFL after the disastrous relegation of 1998. Kidderminster, at the time, were a more established Football League outfit preparing for their fourth season in the EFL after promotion at the turn of the millennium.
Dave Penney’s side ran out 2-0 winners in Worcestershire, laying the foundations for what would prove to be a tremendous campaign as the club secured back-to-back promotions while storming to the League Two title in the process.
Gregg Blundell and a young Chris Brown found the net for Rovers, in a game which saw Jay McGrath’s father John featured as a substitute. Future first team coach and long-serving midfielder Paul Green also played at the heart of the midfield.
It was the first of two victories Penney’s men would manage over Kiddy that season, with the club also recording a 5-0 win at Belle Vue in the second half of that campaign.
Here we take a look back at the team that played at Aggborough Stadium in front of a crowd of just under 3,400 supporters in October 2003.
5. Mark Albrighton
Mark Albrighton, who scored against Kidderminster at Belle Vue that same season, enjoyed four successful season at Doncaster Rovers from 2002 to 2006. He played for Boston, Cambridge, Stevenage and Kidderminster among others and only called time on his career in 2021 after a stint with Coventry Sphinx in non-league.
6. Rob O 'Brien
Rob O 'Brien, who made his debut at Kidderminster, was released following the club's promotion and went on to have spells in non-league with Harrogate Town, Wakefield, Gainsborough Trinity and Bradford Park Avenue among others.
7. Paul Green
Academy graduate Paul Green was a central figure in the club's successful rise up the divisions. He spent seven years in DN4 between 2001 and 2008 with his final game coming in the League One play-off final win over Leeds United. Strong spells at Derby, Rotherham and Oldham among others followed before his return to Rovers as first team coach.
8. John Doolan
Former Mansfield Town midfielder John Doolan played for Dave Penney's side between 2003 and 2005 and was a regular in the team that won the League Two title. He retired in 2009 and is currently a scout at Sheffield United having previously worked at Everton and Brighton in a similar capacity.