Two Doncaster Rovers Supporters Talk To Vital Lincoln City

The last time The Imps faced today’s opponents Doncaster Rovers (managed by Darren Moore) at the Keepmoat Stadium in a League match was August 2019, in front of a crowd of 10,177, including 3,120 Imps. Niall Ennis gave Donny the lead in the 13th minute with an effort from the edge of the area. In the 57th minute, Tyler Walker crossed to the back post and found Jorge Grant, who volleyed with the side of his right boot inside the six-yard box to make it 1-1, with just over 3,000 Imps going absolutely crazy behind the goal. Unfortunately, Jon Taylor scored with just 7 minutes left on the clock to give the hosts all three points.

If you would like to get involved with the conversation on 100% Imps, you can join our Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City Match Thread. We have also published a Lincoln City v Doncaster Rovers Quiz, which can be found at the bottom of the page! Every page view helps us raise money for the Football Club!

Ahead of today’s match, we have done a Q&A with two Doncaster Rovers supporters, so thank you to Aaron and James for answering our questions. The answers have been published on two pages. To get to the second set of answers, press “Click here for the next set of answers!” at the bottom right of the page, or click HERE.

First up, the answers provided by Aaron:

How long have you supported Doncaster Rovers?

Since I was 5 years old. So about 15 years.

Where did you finish last season?

9th.

What do you think of your Manager?

It is a bad game or two currently but “In Moore We Trust”.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.8: Darren Moore (Doncaster Rovers)

What are your hopes and expectations for the 2020/21 season?

My hopes are automatic promotion but the expectations is probably playoffs at the very least.

One(s) to watch?

I would definitely watch out for Josh Sims. The Saint has been a revelation since arriving on deadline day. Club Captain Ben Whiteman is an amazing player. Jon Taylor is Speedy Gonzales with so much pace and Bursik has golden gloves.

Which teams you think will finish in the top six in League One?

Hull City, Doncaster Rovers, Ipswich Town, Peterborough United, Plymouth Argyle and Lincoln City.

Which teams do you think will finish in the bottom four in League One?

Rochdale, MK Dons, Burton Albion and Oxford United.

What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?

Lincoln haven’t surprised me, they have exceeded expectations. I knew though they’d be reaching the Championship soon ever since the Cowley Brothers were in charge. Appleton has been amazing and the signings have been great. Future Premier League team in my opinion.

What do you think the score will be?

3-2 to Doncaster Rovers.

Random fact about your Club?

Munich Air Disaster survivor Harry Greig was a goalkeeper at Doncaster Rovers.

If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?

Jorge Grant, because overall, he is an amazing midfielder, very versatile and has a great eye for creativity.

What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Doncaster Rovers Supporter?

Proudest moment was the first promotion to the Championship in 50 years back in 2008 with a 1-0 playoff final win against Leeds United.

Most embarrassing moment was relegation to League Two a few years ago because it felt like we’d taken steps back from reaching Premier League aspirations.

Who would you say is your most underrated player?

The most underrated player is Brad Halliday. He has been our best right-back for the last few years, period.

Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?

Supporters Club has played a vital part in this club’s support and boosting the spirits of our fanbase.

Which was your favourite match involving Doncaster Rovers?

My favourite match is absolutely 5-1 vs Southend United in the second leg of the 2008 playoff semi-finals. The first leg at Roots Hall was 0-0 so a 5-1 thrashing at the Keepmoat Stadium was amazing.

Which was your least favourite match involving Doncaster Rovers?

My least favourite match was when we lost on penalties in 2005 to Arsenal in the League Cup because they were there for the taking.

Do you have a Former Players Association at Doncaster Rovers?

We don’t unfortunately but I would love one.

What is the best thing about Doncaster?

Best thing about Doncaster is the community spirit no matter what.

Who, in your opinion, is Doncaster’s ultimate club cult hero?

James Coppinger. Leader, Hero, Legend!

Do you consider matches against us to be a ‘Derby’ or just a geographically close one?

Either. Depending on the league situation.

At almost 40, is James Coppinger’s presence in the squad down to sentiment, or is he still worth a place in the side?

No, he is key to the squad. He is experienced, very technical and can lead the next generation on and off the field.

Has Madger Gomes’ form come as a surprise, considering he didn’t score at all last season?

Absolutely! Madger has been wonderful this season and we have got the best out of him.

Do you think Ben Whiteman is likely to finish the season with Doncaster?

Yes. When Struber made comments slagging off Whiteman, he might not be a manager now, but that ruined Barnsley’s chances of swiping him like Swiper from Dora The Explorer and we probably won’t explore any other bids.

How are Lincoln perceived by your fans – non-league upstarts, League One participants on merit or something else entirely?

I would say I think Lincoln City are Championship level because of how they are progressing as a football club.

Which Doncaster player has surprised you with their performances the most so far this season?

Sims. Since he’s been here his consistency is Premier League quality which is what we want for the future.

Outside the Belle Vue ground in the 60s and 70s was a stall selling ‘granny teales humbugs’, or it might have been chestnuts. Can you tell me more about this? I’ve searched online in vain for information.

I haven’t heard about that but that sounds wonderful.

The second set of answers:https://t.co/nMcgnTOokM#DRFC #IRWT #ImpsAsOne pic.twitter.com/ci8Pc8ecmX

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln1) October 31, 2020