Retro: Eleven of the best Doncaster Rovers matches of the last 20 years
Life as a Doncaster Rovers fan is pretty bleak right now – so let’s reminisce about better times.
By Jimmy Johnson
Published 12th Apr 2022, 14:30 BST
To help alleviate the pain of Rovers’ current predicament, we’ve put together this list to help you remember that it hasn’t always been this bad.
In fact, it’s actually been quite good on occasion!
If you feel like you’re falling out of love with Doncaster Rovers, give this list a read – it may be what you need to reignite your passion.
If you’ve got any favourite games we may have missed out (it was difficult to pick just 11), feel free to tweet us @FreePressRovers.
If you feel like you’re falling out of love with Doncaster Rovers, give this list a read – it may be what you need to reignite your passion.
5. Vs Wigan (H) - 13/14
It was a tepid January day as this game was played - however, Donny's performance was anything but. From the first whistle to the last, Rovers ran Wigan absolutely ragged. Scoring after eight minutes was Chris Brown, poking home a perfectly weighted pass from Paul Keegan (!). Wigan were deflated as Doncaster bundled in a second, then sealed the deal after a penalty. After months of disappointing performances, this win felt like a godsend. Photo: Alex Livesey
Fancy that - Rovers in a cup final! Donny looked to have things sewn up very early on, as they led by two goals after just five minutes. Bristol Rovers weren't ready to lay down however, as they pegged the Reds back to 2-2 in the second half. Weariness began to set in as the game entered extra time - but a goal from Graeme Lee was enough to see off the Gas and give Donny their first and only EFL cup. Photo: Christopher Lee
7. Vs Aston Villa (H) 05/06 League Cup Fourth Round
How often have you seen Doncaster Rovers not just beat a Premier League team, but completely annihilate them? That's what happened when they played Aston Villa back in 05/06, besting the former European champions 3-0. One of the last great memories of Belle Vue, this was Dave Penney's Doncaster at their electrifying best. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Be honest - whose nerves were jangling before this one? The first leg at Roots Hall proved to be a tight affair and Doncaster were without the suspended Paul Heffernan. Any fears were quickly put to bed as Rovers eviscerated Southend, scoring two early on. Then, we bore witness to arguably Jamie Coppinger's finest moment - he scored not one, not two, but three of the best goals in Rovers' history, ultimately giving the Reds a 5-1 win and a date with destiny at Wembley. Photo: Matthew Lewis