Doncaster - Scout Report

Doncaster Rovers have drawn three of their last six games in League One, with two wins coming from Rochdale AFC and Bradford City. Their last defeat was to promotion chasing Sheffield United, the final score was 1-0 to the Blades as Jamie Murphy scored the decisive goal.

Two days ago on the 6^th of December, Doncaster beat Oldham 1-0 in the second round of the F.A Cup, Oldham Athletic's exit came as a result of an own goal.

Within League One Doncaster Rovers currently sit 16^th, they scored eight times in their last six games conceding only five times. Recent cup games have seen the Vikings score five from two, conceding one in the process.

Run down of their last six games.

Saturday 15^th November – Doncaster Rovers 0 Sheffield 1

Tuesday 18^th November – Weston-S-Mare 1 Doncaster Rovers 4

Saturday 22^nd November – Rochdale 1 Doncaster Rovers 3

Saturday 29^th November – Crewe Alexandra 1 Doncaster Rovers 1

Tuesday 2^nd December – Barnsley 1 Doncaster Rovers 1

Saturday 6^th December – Oldham Athletic 0 Doncaster Rovers 1 (F.A Cup)

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Nathan Tyson 6, Theo Robinson 4, James Coppinger 4 and Curtis Main 4.

Persistent Foulers; Harry Forrester 2 Red Cards and 4 Yellow Cards, Paul Keegan 4 Yellow Cards, Kyle Bennett 4 Yellow Cards and Reece Wabara.

The Key Players.

Andy Butler, Paul Keegan, Marc De Val, Kyle Bennett, James Coppinger, Harry Forrester and Nathan Tyson.

Nathan Tyson the former Notts loanee has found himself consistently starting for Doncaster Rovers, he is a tricky player who uses his pace to his advantage and score when presented a golden opportunity.

Paul Keegan, Marc De Val, Kyle Bennett and James Coppinger are Doncaster Rovers creative midfield, who are all able of creating play and scoring. Spanish born Marc De Val hasn't yet scored, however he's came close to scoring some spectacular efforts.

Andy Butler is a solid defender who will be Doncaster's main defensive threat to us, this was highlighted by Walsall fans who stated earlier in our home game this season that he was the missing link within the current Saddlers squad.

Harry Forrester is a promising striker who Notts fans should be aware of from his time playing for Brentford, although his goal scoring record is hardly impressive – the football he shows on the field can be.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Doncaster are a direct, physical side who like to use their players with pace in order to gain space for chances. Typically they're not afraid to take chances from outside of the box or from distance, yet when on the flanks they mix low balls with floating crosses which causes confusion for the opposition defences.

They don't fail to create chances, with their creative players being able to mix how the Vikings attack their opponents.

Their main strengths come from break down play, players cleverly move in order to create space which they use to exploit. Smaller teams are often frustrated by the height of the Doncaster players, which is another added strength.

Doncaster are more offensive than defensive, their attacking players will be a threat to any side within League One and all must be marked duly.

With regards to weaknesses it appears Paul Dickov side scramble defensively and are prone to error when hit directly via the centre of the park, either with pace or flowing passes which gain forward ground. Teams have to be wary when they pack players into their own penalty area, as limited space is often given to opposition teams.

Notts might be presented with more chances from outside of the penalty box rather than inside, so players like Thompson, Jones and Noble will be useful.