19 Jan 2007

The £32 million stadium has a capacity of over 15,000, with the ability to raise this even further to meet future demand. The neighboring sports complex has an array of facilities including two external full-size floodlit grass pitches, eight floodlit all-weather five-a-side pitches and two floodlit all-weather seven-a-side pitches. The state of the art facility will also be the new home to Doncaster’s main sporting organistaions: Doncaster Lakers Rugby League Club, Doncaster Rovers Belles Women’s football Club and the Doncaster Athletics Club.

Two matches were played on the newly laid turf at Keepmoat Stadium prior to the nail-biting Johnstone’s Paint Trophy semi-final which took place on 9th Jan 2007. The first match, against Huddersfield Town on New Years Day, resulted in a much deserved 3-0 win against the Terriers. On the 6th Jan 2007, Keepmoat welcomed Bolton Wanderers for the third round clash of the F.A. Cup. Doncaster Rovers tried their best to contend but Bolton were worthy winners after their polished performance on the day.

Doncaster Rovers v’s Darlington was the only match to be played on the original fixture date, after overcoming the terrible weather. After a quiet first half, both sides had equal chances to put their team ahead. However, Doncaster discarded former boss, David Penney, out of contention for the trophy by clinching a second half goal in the 54th Minute, scored by striker Paul Heffernan. Darlington battled all the way but it was to be a Rovers night when Jason Price scored a subsequent goal in the fading minutes of the game.

Crewe Alexandra will play Doncaster Rovers in the Northern area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Gresty Road in the first leg of the competition week commencing 29th Jan 2007. The second leg will be played at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium week commencing 12th February 2007 and will be televised on Sky sports.