Doncaster v Southend preview

Watch Rovers take on the Shrimpers live on Sky Sports 1

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th May 2008

Sean ODriscoll

O'Driscoll: Can he lead Rovers to Wembley?

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Doncaster and Southend go head-to-head for the right to meet Leeds at Wembley.

After a goalless first leg at Roots Hall a week ago both sides will fancy their chances of booking a place in the League One play-off final.

Rovers faced final-day agony during the regular season as they slipped up at Cheltenham to hand Nottingham Forest an automatic promotion place.

Sean O'Driscoll's side are strong at home though, and have lost only one of their last nine fixtures in front of their own supporters.

Southend finished the 20007/08 campaign in impressive fashion and have tasted defeat just once in their last 16 matches.

However, they have failed to win any of their last three and will be aware that they were comfortably beaten 3-1 on their last visit to the Keepmoat Stadium back in December.

Heffernan banned

Doncaster head into the play-off decider without the services of Paul Heffernan.

Striker Heffernan saw red for a butt on Shrimpers' Charlie Mulgrew during the first leg and will play no further part in Rovers' promotion bid.

Rovers were dealt a blow prior to last Friday's kick-off when player of the year Richie Wellens was ruled out with a hernia problem, but the middle man is pushing for a return to action.

Injured trio Mark Wilson (groin), Adam Lockwood (foot) and Steve Roberts (knee) failed to make it back in time for the first leg and are unlikely to be brought back into action at such a crucial stage.

Midfielder Paul Green did manage to shake off his ankle injury in time for the Roots Hall trip however, and should feature again.

Barnard missing

Southend boss Steve Tilson could be without star striker Lee Barnard for the trip to Doncaster.

The former Tottenham striker picked up an ankle knock in the first leg and Tilson will wait until the last minute before making a decision on his inclusion.

Barnard has taken part in light training and is expected to travel with the squad as Southend look to continue in their attempts to bounce back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

Aside from Barnard, the Shrimpers have no fresh injury or suspension worries to contend with ahead of the second leg.

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