Back to normality on Sunday, hopefully another 3 points towards promotion



Who goin?

Don't know yet. Completely skint, so unless I can bung some money from the parents, I'll stay at home and keep up to date on t'internet.

a repeat of the the last visit wouldn't go a miss

I'm not going.

Other things to do.

The players are good enough to bring back the spoils.

Assuming we can turn out a decent squad what with injuries.



The Bradford game means nothing, we ought to believe we are the best outfit in this league.

And I think we are.

yes i think that there will be a couple of us going.

I can't make it to Gateshead this Sunday unfortunately.



Have a good trip up there if you're going.



Good luck to the lads and let's make it 4 wins from 5 in the league.

Train tickets booked ... I'll be going.

Good man.

The beer scene in Newcastle should be livelier than in Bradford.

Indeed



[size=85(I did have a couple in Leeds on the way home though - see Real Ale thread).[/size

Early team news from the Free Press O'loughlin & Powley return from suspension, Cooke should also return. Robbo a major doubt but Waterman should be ok.

Waterman has had a few niggles recently, if there is a doubt, id say this is the game to leave him out, should have enough for gateshead. If theres no doubt theres no problem. Would rather he be fit for rochdale.

According to the Star Emmett & Robbo out Sunday, Emmett hopefully available v Rochdale away. Better news re Carl Hughes progressing well could be available in 6 weeks.

After all the speculation last week about the team , not much news this week. No official preview , no Olddon . Boring eh !

Doncaster RLFC return to league action on Sunday afternoon and face Gateshead Thunder at their International Stadium.



Dons' head coach Tony Miller is hoping to have Paul Cooke available after a recent Achilles problem and both Nathan Powley and Dean O'Loughlin return following their recent two game bans.



However, Liam Cunningham (ankle) and Mike Emmett (knee) are expected to miss out and skipper Craig Robinson is also a big doubt after straining knee ligaments against Bradford in the Challenge Cup last weekend.



This will be the second time the two teams have met this season at the Gateshead International Stadium - the Dons ran out 48-10 winners back in February in the Northern Rail Cup.



Miller said: "We've got a couple of away games on the bounce and we need to be picking up points to keep us at the right end of the league table.



"It won't be easy against Gateshead on their patch and we're expecting a tough game against an ever improving side."



Thunder head coach Kevin Neighbour is aiming to halt a horrendous run has Gateshead have now lost 52 consecutive matches against non-amateur opposition, in a losing streak dating back March 21, 2010.



But with two bonus points already in the bag from their four league fixtures this year, Neighbour will be confident of collecting a first win soon.



Neighbour said: "The Challenge Cup is now over for us, so we can concentrate fully on not finishing last in the competition.



"It is now a big challenge to the group to stand up and be counted this week."



Loan signing Danny Barker could feature for Thunder, and the game will start at 3.00pm with tickets available for only £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.



*Apologies for the delay and lack of news/updates this week - my laptop has died on me

I agree with you, i said last week it would be nice to hear squad beforehand. Not sure when we have to name squad before games but would be good to see it published on website,give us something to discuss

Handicap Betting ...



Bet365

Gateshead +20pts 10/11

Dons -20pts 10/11

Handicap Draw 16/1

I don't think we really have to, not in the sense that SL clubs do. As our squads are pretty much it

As well as a squadbuilder fund I think we need a DonsNews new laptop fund.

Here, here!

Good luck to the Dons today and I hope the traveling fans have a nice time on the coach.

I won't be there, so that's a good start.

We have to give up 20 or 22 points wherever you look. I'd like to think (especially if Paul Cooke plays) that we are more than capable.

Indeed, especially if the weather is fine, could be 20 up by half time. A win is what is important, but with a good performance, and a few points on the board, it can only build confidence ahead of the rochdale saga

You will be greatly missed on the bus S/O. My wife likes to have a good chat with you.

I notice Hodson is kicking the goals.

Or Hodgson as they keep calling him.



Is Cooke even playing?

Yes Cooke is playing , Hyde on bench.