DPL v Tranmere Rovers

I’m hoping that my words will not be wasted by a freezing pitch causing a postponement. But it is the South which is expected to be slowest to unfreeze in the lasted burst of winter cold.

Things have been happening at Doncaster Rovers recently though, comings and goings. Knoyle’s departure by way of sale to play-off rivals Stockport County was not anticipated and on the face of it a notable loss. Perhaps he felt that his manager’s decision not to put him in an attacking role where he seemed most effective was not in his best interests. As you know, I have yet to be convinced that Schofield is good enough to lead us to promotion and Knoyle had twittered his concerns about the club’s “ambitions" in his farewell message.

There is no doubt that Rovers have a poor defensive record and it would be a lot worse if we did not have a decent goalkeeper. Perhaps Knoyle is more of a loss at the other end of the pitch, but in a team where no area is actually strong, Schofield cannot be criticised for signing defenders. Whether two young loanees from clubs in the two top Leagues will provide what we are after will become apparent, we hope, in the not-too-distant future.

What is also significant is that the team we play on Saturday were very successful against us in their 3-0 win only a week or two ago. It means that what seems to have been an improvement since then from the rather dismal display on that day will be on test. Tranmere have collected 8 points from 12 since then in the shape of 2 wins and 2 draws, so their poor run which they broke against us has continued - 2 away wins and 2 home draws.

I am going to be optimistic and suggest that the pressure on our visitors to win 3 away in a row will be too much and we will break that run with a 1-0 win - Hurst the scorer.