It ain’t Rover yet, declare Blues fans

2:25pm Monday 12th May 2008

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DONCASTER Rovers may now well be favourites to progress to the play-off final, but try telling that to the Southend United supporters.

For, despite having seen their side held to a 0-0 draw at Roots Hall on Friday night, the Shrimpers fans are still hopeful of making their way to Wembley.

"It's going to be another very even game because the sides are closely matched, but we can still do it," said East Stand season ticket holder Richard Sawyer, from Rochford.

"They managed to shut out Nicky Bailey and Alan McCormack this time but I think the midfield will be the difference next Friday.

"The key man will be Mark Gower and if the real him turns up then we can go through. I think it will be settled by one goal and I think we're going to get it."

Brian Eaton from Basildon is still also confident that the Shrimpers can see off the Yorkshire side at the second attempt and is excited at the prospect of heading to Wembley.

"That would just be the best day ever," said the 18-year-old.

"We still have a chance of that happening too, but we need to use the midfield and the wingers more.

"We kept on trying to go long too early this time and I also felt he (manager Steve Tilson) should have brought Hal Robson Kanu on, but we're still in it and can definitely do it."

Rayleigh-based Lindsay Mc-Arthur echoed those sentiments and hopes her heroes will be celebrating at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"First legs are often quite nervy so it wasn't a surprise the game was a draw, but we can definitely win there," she said.

"We have a really good away record and the tie is in the balance, so we can certainly win there, especially if Charlie MacDonald comes on and gets more of a game."

West Stand regular Alex Birnie is predicting more of the same and was full of praise for goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, who did well to deny Jason Price midway through the second half.

"Flavs was man of the match for me and he kept us in the tie with that save," said the Rochford-based fan.

"Going there 0-0 we have a chance but if we were going there 1-0 down I think we would have been out of it."

John Everett, from Leigh, will be making the trip to the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday, but was less confident than his fellow fans.

"It's going to be a tough nut to crack up there," said the season ticket holder in the South Stand upper tier.

"Doncaster have shown that they are a good side and it's going to be a real test, but hopefully we will travel up there in big numbers and can cheer the lads on to a great win."