Robins v Doncaster preview

Doncaster again set off for Gloucestershire to play Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup after the original tie was postponed; both clubs now know that Premiership big boys Aston Villa wait in round four and a money spinning home tie is up for grabs.


Form

Cheltenham
Cheltenham lost an exciting nine goal thriller at home on last time out when being beaten by promotion candidates Peterborough 6-3.
They haven`t played since the 28th December after Saturday`s home game with Millwall also fell to the big freeze.

Recent home form (last game first) LDWDDL

Doncaster
Rovers enjoyed a great festive period with victories over Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
They also haven`t played since the 28th December with Saturday`s home game with Bristol City also being called off.

Recent away form (last game first) WLLDDL

Groundsman Terry Roberts

'If the forecast is right it should be warming up, so I don't anticipate any problems for Tuesday's match.
I will be leaving the covers on the top end of the pitch (in front of the Carlsberg Stand), where the sun is blocked out, to stop the frost getting in any deeper.'

David Bird has recovered from a knee injury and will be fit to play. Cheltenham have a number of players injured, John Finnigan (heel), Shane Duff (Achilles), Damien Spencer (Knee) and Drissa Diallo (Knee) are all expected to miss out. Ashley Vincent will now be suspended for this game after Saturday`s league one clash with Millwall was postponed.

Scored when coming off the bench against Peterborough recently and is expected to lead the attack now Barry Hayles is no longer with the club, scored against Rovers last season when with Yeovil Town.

Quite a few players have been struck down with a bug but hopefully will all be available for the game.
Gareth Roberts and Richie Wellens have both been carrying knocks but the two week lay off without games should see them make this game.
Jason Price will still be missing after picking up a thigh injury recently.
The only other players missing are long term injured James Hayter, Sean McDaid and Gordon Greer.

The Rovers captain and midfielder his in the form of his life and is being linked with a number of Premiership clubs.

The two clubs have met eight times since their path`s first crossed in the conference in 1998.
The most important game between the sides was on the last day of last season when Cheltenham needed a victory to avoid relegation and Rovers needed a victory for automatic promotion, the home side eventually won 2-1 with the Cheltenham keeper Shane Higgs having the game of his life keeping out the Rovers attack

Full history (football league unless stated)
1998/99 Cheltenham Town 2-1 Doncaster Rovers Conference
1998/99 Doncaster Rovers 2-2 Cheltenham Town Conference
2003/04 Cheltenham Town 1-3 Doncaster Rovers
2003/04 Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Cheltenham Town
2006/07 Cheltenham Town 0-2 Doncaster Rovers
2006/07 Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Cheltenham Town
2007/08 Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Cheltenham Town
2007/08 Cheltenham Town 2-1 Doncaster Rovers

Mr Neil Swarbrick will be the man in charge of Tuesday`s FA Cup third round tie between Cheltenham Town and Doncaster Rovers at Whadden Road. Mr Swarbrick so far this season has refereed 19 games; in those 19 games that he`s refereed he`s shown 44 yellow cards and 3 reds.

Cheltenham Town 0-2 Doncaster Rovers Doncaster have finally found their scoring touch and will be too strong for Cheltenham, although the prize of playing Aston Villa in round four will lift the home sides performance.

Southampton v Doncaster Rovers Saturday 17th January 3pm

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