Matt Smith: Rovers are looking for ‘revenge’ against Crewe tomorrow night as they look to maintain Butler’s winning start to life as manager
By Mark Harrison
March 8, 2021

After successive home wins, Doncaster Rovers look to further boost their promotion hopes with a victory against Crew Alexandra in Cheshire on Tuesday night.

Rovers have had immediate success under new manager Andy Butler, who has taken over after Darren Moore’s shock departure for Sheffield Wednesday, with two 2-1 wins at home against Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle.

Butler downplayed the impact his appointment has had on the team’s performance, he said: “It’s not a new manager bounce, it’s been down to the players and their performances and attitude.”

Crewe are unbeaten in their last 10 home league games and have been flirting with the playoff spots throughout the season. They suffered a heavy defeat to Lincoln on Saturday however.

Butler said he is aware of the threat they will pose, he added: “It will be a tough challenge, they’ll be looking to bounce back after the weekend’s result.”

Doncaster have lost their last 3 away league fixtures. When asked how he will try and change their form away from home Butler said: “Just keep demanding more from players from the last two games. I’ve said to a lot of the players to put the games before to bed and move on. We just have to prepare right and get the mindset right.”

Doncaster Rover’s  Predicted line-up

Crew Alexandra’s predicted line-up

Midfielder Matt Smith talked in his press conference today about playing for Butler: “I want to do well for him and I know a lot of the lads want to do well for him too because of what he was for us as a player.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s fixture, Smith said: “I think it’s going to be a good game. They’re a difficult team to play against and we were disappointed to lose to them, so we want to get revenge on them for last time.”

The match will be played at Alexandra Stadium and Kick-off is 7pm on March 9th.