Dale conclude Group H in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy with the visit of Sky Bet League One side Doncaster Rovers.
PERMUTATIONS
Ian Watson’s side can still qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, but must win in 90 minutes on Tuesday to stand a chance. If they do pick up all three points, Dale’s fate in the competition then comes down to the tie between Huddersfield Town and Liverpool Under-21s next Tuesday (10th November). A win for the Terriers, either in 90 minutes or on penalties, would mean Dale secure second spot in the group. However, if Liverpool secure two or more points, they will advance, provided Dale don’t turn around a goal-difference deficit of four to the Under-21 side.
A draw for Dale wouldn’t be enough, even with a penalty shootout win, as Doncaster will remain a point ahead. Should Rovers win on penalties, they would need Liverpool not to beat Huddersfield in 90 minutes next week.
A win in 90 minutes for Doncaster on Tuesday would see them qualify, without needing to wait on next week’s result.
ADMISSION DETAILS
Reduced tickets for the game are on sale now right through until kick-off.
Supporters can buy online 24/7 HERE, which is the easiest and quickest way to do so. Your ticket will be saved to your phone, which can then be scanned at the turnstiles. Please make sure you have the updated Fanbase app.
Click HERE for all ticketing details.
MATCHDAY GUIDE
Our Matchday Guide provides you with all of the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Crown Oil Arena on Tuesday.
Click HERE to read in full.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
The game will be shown live on Sky Sports + alongside all other EFL and Jersey Mike’s Trophy games on Tuesday.
Otherwise, you can listen to the match in full courtesy of Dale Player. Click HERE to sign up.
Overseas supporters can watch the match live via the platform. Monthly and yearly passes are available on our streaming service.
TEAM NEWS
Ian Watson has no further injury concerns ahead of the midweek clash but has yet to confirm whether we will see some returning faces.
Bryant Bilongo, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Ryan East, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Jonny Smith are closing in on a return. We’re still a few weeks away from seeing Laurence Maguire, Devante Rodney, Nils Ramming, Kane Taylor, Mani Dieseruvwe and Casey Pettit in action.
Dan Moss and Will Jenkins are out for the forseeable future.
THE OPPOSITION
Overview – Doncaster Rovers made a return to the third tier after just three seasons in 2025 in a title-winning campaign on 84 points. The former Championship outfit had a steady season last time out, finishing 14th with no real fear of falling into the bottom four. However, Rovers have struggled for form this term as they sit two points above the dotted line, with three wins from 13. The Yorkshire side come into the game after one win in five but they have kept clean sheets in all three of their victories so far. The side in red have won one of the two Jersey Mike’s Trophy group games, coming against Liverpool Under-21s thanks to Tommi O’Reilly’s first-half strike.
Manager – Grant McCann – 46yo, appointed May 2023. The Northern-Irishman returned for a second managerial spell with Donny over three years ago, after an initial memorable season where he led the team to a sixth-placed League One finish, where they lost to Charlton Athletic in the semis. He returned to the club and despite seeing them in 22nd place in League Two in February and guided them to a playoff finish before promotion was secured in 2025 after a 2-1 victory over Bradford City.
Last Game – MK Dons 6-1 Doncaster (64′ Thomas).
Top League Goalscorer (2026/27) – Alfie May & Owen Bailey (3).
New Signings
Josh Clarke (GK).
Tommy Simkin (GK).
Neill Byrne (CB).
James Husband (LB).
Isaac Hutchinson (CM).
Tommi O’Reilly (CM).
Leon Ayinde (FW).
Jordan Thomas (FW).
Francis Okoronkwo (FW).
Alfie May (FW).
James Collins (FW).
Will Keane (FW).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
One player who will take to the field in the red and white is Leon Ayinde.
The forward, who was on loan at Boreham Wood last season, made his first permanent move in the summer to Doncaster. Leon made 28 appearances for Dale whilst with Ipswich Town, scoring twice.
We’ll also come up against George Broadbent who made over 20 loan appearances with Dale, back in the 2021/22 season.
Other players include promotion winning duo Aidan Barlow and Tyler Smith.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 119
Rochdale Wins – 37
Draws – 22
Doncaster Wins – 60
Most recent matchup – Doncaster Rovers 4-3 Dale (29th December 2022).
First ever matchup – Doncaster Rovers 0-0 Dale (3rd November 1923).
OFFICIALS
Referee | Martin Woods.
Assistants | Ryan Aldred & Jordan Brooks.
Fourth Official | Joe Simpson.
