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The Inside Line: Bristol City v Doncaster, 13/09/2014

Stu Radnedge picks out his key battle ahead of City's match with away-day specialists Doncaster on Saturday.


"When you’re undefeated at this stage in the season it’s easy to start to dream of what could be at the end of the season. As one of seven teams in the football league still yet to experience that bitter taste of defeat – City find themselves in the top two and loving League One life.

Saturday’s visit of Doncaster, however, is a real acid test – a match against a side relegated from the Championship last season.
 
One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson being signed, as what can only have been a massive publicity stunt, on a non-contract basis wasn’t enough to save the club from relegation. The 'pop-star', and I use that term loosely, was apparently misled as his takeover bid for the club failed.
 
Boardroom antics aside, the Donny team have begun League One life in a mixed way – not very good at home but more than competent away (won four away – drew one and lost two at home). So the arrival of Rovers at the Gate will certainly be a test to see just how “together” and “high spirited” the Robins are.
 
Doncaster have, as I’m sure you’ll all recall, been somewhat of a yo-yo club between League One and the Championship, and the talent in the squad (with names like James Coppinger, Nathan Tyson, Richie Wellens) includes former Bristol City defender big Jamie McCombe.
 
For me, the result will be decided by two defenders – Mark Little (City) and Cedric Evina. Both players like to get forward – that, for City fans, can not be disputed after we have all seen the devastating impact Little has had already this year when he charges forward. But, Donny manager Paul Dickov will have done his research ahead of this match seeing as the club are so good on their travels.
 
The 22-year-old Evina will, no doubt, look to exploit the gaps left behind Little when he’s on one of those runs, and it will be an entertaining fight on Saturday to see who lands the knockout punch.
 
Little has spoken on the official club website ahead of the match and appears to, for me, clearly set out that we are gunning for promotion (if that could ever be doubted with the squad we have assembled) and nothing is going to stand in our way…
 
But that is easier said than done. Performances and results matter – but which of those two is more important is not for me to say! But, for me, it would be nice to see Agard bag a goal and get something on his tally.
 
He played in a trial match for Rotherham, against Donny, and later signed for the club. Fingers crossed he puts in a performance to enable City fans to realise, and rest assured, that there is life after a certain Sam Baldock and goals are back on the menu in BS3"

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