Doncaster Rovers: Goal difference could be a factor believes Ferguson

Darren Ferguson admits he has given thought to Doncaster Rovers' goal difference situation which could yet determine whether they secure League One survival.
Darren FergusonDarren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson

Rovers have a better goal difference than three of the four teams within their reach as they head into the final two matches of the season, starting at relegated Crewe Alexandra tomorrow.

Fleetwood, who occupy the final safe spot in the division, have a much superior goal difference to Rovers – standing at -4 to Doncaster’s -14.

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Such figures could play a huge role in who remains in League One and who is relegated.

“I have had a look at it because it is important,” Ferguson told The Star.

“I think you have to because if you finish level with Fleetwood, they are way ahead of us.

“But the other teams are behind us, Blackpool, Shrewsbury and Chesterfield.

“I think it could be factor.”

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Chesterfield and Shrewsbury need two points from their final two games to be certain of survival under their own steam.

One win for Fleetwood would effectively be enough to see off Rovers’ attempts to overtake them, such is their goal difference advantage.

And Ferguson insists he will not take a major risk to attempt to overturn the goals figures.

He said: “I’m not looking at it that much where we’ll go for it to get more goals.

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“Shrewsbury, Blackpool and Chesterfield, if they win their games then there’s nothing we can do.

“But if it goes to goal difference, we’re above all three of them, which is really important.”

Ferguson confirmed Gary McSheffrey has returned to parent club Scunthorpe United after being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Richard Chaplow will miss the trip to Crewe due to a hamstring issue but is rated as a 70-30 chance to be fit face Burton Albion on the final day.