South Stand Barmy Army Blog By Stu Leyland (Warrington Branch)

Saturday

It was a cold, rainy Saturday morning when we set off for our regular pilgramage to the Fortress Keepmoat Stadium. Those monotonous miles down the M62 give you an opportunity to think about the game ahead and dream of putting one over on our hapless rivals the Millers. After releasing my spouse, Michelle at the stadium, I pulled up at our regular watering hole the Woodfield Farm for some male bonding with Phil, Dunc and friends. Our conversation included magnets this week as I had purchased some to fix our famous flag to the back of our South Stand home. We hope to "attract" new members with this! (de dum chhhhh)

And so we move on.

The stadium was filling up nicely as we hoisted our standard into position, while The Pope commented that he was irked by some over zealous stewarding. I've always wondered if the players appreciate our efforts setting this in motion. I would be thrilled to heara player mention our group in one of their interviews. (Hint Hint) The game kicked off with a roar...

Looking back on the game now, I feel that there is a real team spirit  building in the camp. We seem to be working very hard for each other and the goals are flowing freely. I thought we would struggle up front without the injured Mark McCammon as he has been immense for us in that target man type of role. He brings a great deal of strength and with his excellentaerial ability is a handful for any defence. This match again underlined the  quality of James Coppinger. His touch and technique were that of a player of a much higher league. It was a joy to watch. Ironically Rotherham scored the best goals of the game but satisfyingly ended up on the losing side.

Tuesday

Our attendance at the game against Crewe was largely thanks to Famous Dave who generously bought tickets on our behalf as we could not buy them in person.(Come on SMC, where's our online ticketing?)  As we approached Gresty Road, I had a song in my head that Mike and his group had adapted to the tune of The Entertainer. "The Rovers are going to Cardiff!" they sing. How I hope this turns out to be true! This match was the most entertaining I have seen for some time. A six goal thriller that at one stage looked like becoming very one sided when we were two nil up. Credit must go to Dario Gradi's team for not giving up and for playing the game in the right way. I believe Gradi said watching Doncaster was like watching Real Madrid! A backhanded compliment if ever there was one.

I would like to thank Bikka of the up and coming West Stand Barmy Army for his help getting to the game and Ben Maskill for being a lucky mascot.

Cham-pion-ship? We're deadly serious.

Stu