CC Preview: Doncaster v Thatto Heath

Saturday March 5th – 3.00pm

Doncaster will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s cup upset when they face National Conference League Premier leaders Thatto Heath at the Keepmoat Stadium.

The Co-operative Championship 1 outfit went down 26-0 against Siddal at the same stage in 2010 and are fully expecting another stern test against the St Helens based community side.

Doncaster Head Coach, Tony Miller said: “We’re expecting a tough challenge, they’re top of the National Conference League which is a good league and they’re going to be full of confidence.

“We know a bit about them and have watched some video footage of their games so we know they’re a good team and we’re definitely not underestimating them. This will be their Wembley final.

“We suffered an upset against Siddal last year but we are a lot stronger and a lot more settled. We’re a better team and much better prepared having had a proper pre-season behind us but we know it’s not going to be easy.

Thatto Heath have been impressive in the National Conference League Premier this season and are hoping to convert this league form into Challenge Cup success.

Thatto Heath Secretary Martin Eden said: “It’s an excellent opportunity for our players to play against professional players and all the lads are looking forward to it with enthusiasm and confidence.

“Our coaching team saw them against Rochdale last week and identified some opportunities and Siddal showed last season what can be achieved by teams at this level.

“We beat Chorley in the Challenge Cup in the early 90s and enjoyed the experience of playing Sheffield Eagles in the competition last year. Although the score line was quite one sided it was a great experience for our younger players.

“As a top NCL club you’re always looking to pit yourself against clubs from the level above and the team has played very well this season.We beat Leigh East at home in the last Round which was a very significant result.”