THE DONS are hoping to turn the clock back more than 20 years in Sunday's Northern Rail Cup Final against Salford at Bloomfield Road.
The last time that the two clubs met in cup football, the Dons caused a massive shock when beating a star-studded Salford side 18-12 in the first round of the 1985-86 Challenge Cup at Tattersfield.
"It is going to be a massive forward battle and whoever wins that will probably win the game," said 27 year-old forward Craig Lawton last night. "We've got to match them in terms of both physicality and mobility.
"We've got to play the ball quickly when we have got possession and get up in their faces and try and slow them down and stop their half-backs dictating the game.
"If we can hold our own in the forwards I think that we have the backs to win the game - though we know that they have also got good backs.
"It is a wide pitch like the Keepmoat Stadium, which will suit our half-backs, Luke Gale and Kyle Briggs, because they like to play an expansive game.
"It will also suit Kyle Wood when he comes off the bench. He ripped Workington apart when he came on last Friday and the chairman describes him as our secret weapon.
"We have got to get off to a good start - the last thing that we want is for them to get away from us in the first 20 minutes.
"We have got to control the ball and play out our sets (of six tackles) but at the same time we have not got to be negative; it is just a case of being selective with our off-loads.
"We will also need to maintain our discipline and not give away needless penalties.
"I am sure that is something that head coach Ellery Hanley will be stressing before we go out because he is massive on discipline.
"Ellery has probably played in more big games than anyone in the last 30 years so he knows what it is all about.
"But he is not someone who talks about his own career a lot - though he doesn't have to because we all know what he achieved.
"He is very calm and he is one of the most honest guys that I have ever met, which helps because you believe in what he tells you."
The Dons received a boost at last night's training session when goal-kicking stand-off Briggs proved his fitness after suffering a hip injury in last Friday's game.
Full-back Shaun Leaf, who suffered a neck injury in the same game, also resumed training after sitting out Monday's session.
"Shaun wasn't able to do everything, but he was much improved and I am confident that he'll be okay for Sunday and that we'll be at full strength," said Dons No 2 Tony Miller.
The club have teamed up with Northern Rail to lay on a special train to take fans to the game.
The supporters' train will depart from Doncaster Station at 8:50am, calling at Bentley (8:52), Adwick (8:57) and arriving at Blackpool at 11.19. The return journey will depart Blackpool North at 6pm,
Return ticket prices are £15 for adults and £10 for children.
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