Doncaster sign McCarthy

Doncaster Rovers have signalled their determination to play a part in this season's Nationwide Conference title race by signing the Northern Ireland international winger Jon McCarthy. The 32-year-old has moved to the South Yorkshire side on a non-contract basis, following the end of his second spell with Port Vale. He made his debut in Tuesday's goalless draw with Stevenage Borough.

McCarthy, who cost Birmingham City a £1.85m fee the first time he left Port Vale five years ago, suffered two broken legs during his time at St Andrew's. He returned to Vale Park in the summer but was released by the Second Division club as a cost-cutting measure. "He wants to keep playing, and we will see how he does and if he likes us," Dave Penney, the Doncaster manager, said.

Third-placed Rovers can cut Yeovil Town's lead at the top of the Conference to two points if they beat Forest Green Rovers at Belle Vue tonight. So can fourth-placed Hereford United, who trail Doncaster on goal difference. The Bulls visit Burton Albion this evening. Yeovil do not play until Sunday, when they go to struggling Telford United. On the same afternoon second-placed Chester City, who are two points adrift of the Somerset side, entertain Gravesend & Northfleet.

Yeovil, who are on a 12-match unbeaten run, will not be underestimating Telford on Sunday, despite the fact that the Shropshire outfit are only one place above the relegation zone. "They are fighting for their lives," Gary Johnson, the Glovers manager, said. "In my opinion they are in a false position and will provide us with a stiff test."

Elsewhere, the third qualifying round of the FA Cup takes place tomorrow. The Bath University side, Team Bath, who are trying to become the first student outfit since Oxford University more than a century ago to play in the competition proper, visit Newport County.