Tranmere Rovers are in home action under the Friday night lights, as Doncaster Rovers travel to Prenton Park on 20th October (7.45pm kick-off).
Nigel Adkins’ side lost 2-0 at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, as their winless away run continued, but return to home turf where they are three unbeaten in the league.
Doncaster are 19th and saw off basement side Sutton United 4-1 last weekend but have won just once on the road all season, at Forest Green Rovers in September.
The fixture will mark another instalment in the long list of Friday Night Football matches at Prenton Park, with an electric atmosphere expected under the lights.
It’s also our Rainbow Laces matchday, and we will be celebrating with a shirt display of different coloured Rovers shirts from over the years, as well as a bucket collection for our LGBT+ Supporters Group, Rover and Out.
Team news:
Rovers will be without goalkeeper Luke McGee and captain Tom Davies after their red cards at Crewe on Saturday. Joe Murphy is expected to start in McGee's place.
Jordan Turnbull returns to the side after both a suspension and dead leg.
Jake Leake and Luke Norris continued their recoveries this week. They will join the non-selected group in full training on Friday.
Last time out:
Last five meetings:
7th February 2023 - Doncaster Rovers 2-0 Tranmere Rovers – League Two
SCORERS - None
26th December 2022 - Tranmere Rovers 3-0 Doncaster Rovers – League Two
SCORERS – Hemmings, Morris, Lewis
4th February 2020 - Tranmere Rovers 0-3 Doncaster Rovers - League One
SCORERS – None
6th April 2013 - Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Tranmere Rovers - League One
SCORERS - None
23rd October 2012 – Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Doncaster Rovers - League One
SCORERS – Cassidy
One to watch: Joe Ironside
Doncaster’s talisman, Joe Ironside was a regular fixture in the Cambridge United side that won promotion from League Two in 2020/21.
The forward scored 34 goals in 125 league appearances for the U’s. Two of his three years with the club were in the third tier.
As a youngster, Ironside played in the Academy at Sheffield United and reached the 2011 FA Youth Cup Final. In between his 23 appearances for the Blades came loan spells at a host of non-league clubs, before he finally settled at Alfreton Town.
He didn’t return to playing in the EFL until 2019 when Macclesfield Town acquired his services. The striker, who turned 30 on Monday, has featured in every league match for Doncaster this season, registering five goals and two assists.
Manager: Grant McCann
Grant McCann returned to the Eco-Power Stadium in May, having previously managed Donny in the 2018/19 season.
The 43-year-old began his playing career in West Ham’s youth setup and joined Cheltenham Town in 2003 after two loan spells with the Robins.
A period at Barnsley followed before McCann joined Scunthorpe United, managed by Nigel Adkins. With the Iron, he won the League One Play-Offs in 2009.
His maiden first-team managerial role came with Peterborough United following a five-year stint with the Posh as a player. His opening spell with Doncaster followed, before two-and-a-half years with Hull City where he won the League One title in 2021.
Officials:
Referee - Benjamin Speedie
Assistant Referees - Callum Jones & Declan Ford
Fourth Official - Karl Buckley
Speedie last refereed Rovers in our 1-0 League Two win over Stevenage in February 2022.
Tickets:
We recommend buying tickets for the match online in advance. By doing so, fans can enjoy discounted prices and can download their ticket to their digital wallet or as a PDF.
Tickets will also be available to buy on the day from The Club Store with a £2 price increase after 5pm.
Fans can buy tickets online by clicking here.
Match coverage:
Fans in the UK and abroad can stream the game on iFollow for £10. Purchase your Video Match Pass by clicking here.
You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
X: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers
Match reaction from Nigel Adkins and a player will follow the game on our YouTube channel.