Match Day Thread Doncaster Rovers v Pompey

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Pompey and Doncaster were both left to lick their wounds following last season’s League One play-offs.

While the Blues were narrowly beaten over two legs by Sunderland, Rovers suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat to Charlton.

But it is the south Yorkshire outfit who appear to have made the quicker recovery from the disappointment of missing out on Championship football.

Darren Moore’s men are currently sitting ninth in the table and – like their next opponents – have games in hand on most other sides in the division.

Part of the reason for that is Bolton’s controversial decision to postpone August’s scheduled fixture, which might still see Wanderers punished.

Doncaster have lost just one of their six league fixtures on home soil so far this term, with Peterborough the latest side to leave empty-handed a fortnight ago.

They are seeking a return to the second tier for the first time since their brief stay in the 2013/14 campaign.

Both of last season’s fixtures finished all square, including a goalless encounter at the Keepmoat Stadium.

That game saw the home side finish with midfielder Ben Whiteman between the sticks following keeper Marko Marosi’s late dismissal.

TEAM NEWS

Lee Brown is back in contention after returning from injury following six weeks out with an Achilles injury.

It means that Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are the only players currently missing for the Blues.

Alex Baptiste (Achilles), Matty Blair (groin) and Cameron John (ankle) are all sidelined for the hosts, who also have doubts over Niall Ennis (hamstring) and Kazaiah Sterling (leg).

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 10 wins
Doncaster: 6 wins
6 draws

At Doncaster
Pompey: 5 wins
Doncaster: 3 wins
3 draws

TICKETS
Pompey have sold out their initial allocation of tickets, but fans can pay on the day at the Keepmoat Stadium.

OFFICIALS
Referee: Andy Haines
Assistants: Simon Clayton and Craig Taylor
Fourth Official: Abbas Khan

BETTING
Doncaster are the 7/5 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 13/8.

 

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The Keepmoat Stadium

 

Match is underway !

 

Attempt missed. Benjamin Whiteman (Doncaster Rovers) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Alfie May. 1 minute.

 

Pompey have their first effort on goal when Brown's cross finds Marquis on the edge of the box.
He spins and gets a shot away but his effort lacks purcahse and Dieng gathers. 6th minute.

 

Afternoon 3rd eye ! Three points needed today.......

 

Attempt missed. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Ben Close following a set piece situation. 10 minutes.

 

Alfie May (Doncaster Rovers) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Kieran Sadlier. 11 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Jon Taylor (Doncaster Rovers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Reece James with a through ball. 18 minutes

 

Yellow card for Tom Naylor for a foul on Alfie May. 27 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Jon Taylor (Doncaster Rovers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kieran Sadlier. 28 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Jon Taylor (Doncaster Rovers) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by James Coppinger with a cross. 28 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Kieran Sadlier (Doncaster Rovers) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box. 34 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. Brad Halliday (Doncaster Rovers) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by James Coppinger. 37 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. James Coppinger (Doncaster Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Kieran Sadlier. 38 minutes.