TOWN have a big point to prove to Sky Sports viewers.
They appeared live twice last season – and underperformed badly on both occasions.
Crewe cruised to a 2-0 win at Gresty Road in September, 2006.
Then Yeovil were 3-1 winners at Huish Park on a grim Friday night in January.
Town’s previous appearance on the satellite channel before Crewe proved a happy one for Andy Ritchie, but only because he was boss of Barnsley!
His side were 3-1 winners at the Galpharm in the second leg of the League I play-off semi-final, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a trip to Cardiff to take on Swansea, who were beaten on penalties after a 2-2 extra-time draw.
Town’s first appearance live on Sky was against Altrincham in the first round of the FA Cup in November 1990.
Iffy Onuora and Iwan Roberts scored in a 2-1 win.
The first live screening of a Town league match was the 2-1 home Division II (now League I) derby defeat by Bradford City in September 1992.
Gary Barnett scored Town’s goal in front of the ITV cameras.
Back in February 1976, when live matches were few and far between, the Town versus Doncaster Division IV (now League II) derby was the feature match on Yorkshire’s Sunday afternoon highlights show.
Rovers hit back to win 2-1 after Terry Gray had put Town ahead.
Town’s first-ever Sunday fixture was away to Swansea in January 1990.
Current Wigan boss Chris Hutchings, above, scored twice and Robert Wilson got the other as Town won the Division III (now League I) game 3-1.
Sunday’s match is on Sky Sports 1, with the build-up beginning at 3.30.
Town fans intending to attend in person can buy tickets on the day from the leisure centre adjacent to the away end at the Keepmoat Stadium.
l Town Juniors take on Leeds at Storthes Hall tomorrow morning (11.00).
Graham Mitchell’s Under 18 side aim to build on a 1-0 win at Sheffield United in their last FA Premier Academy League match, when Spencer Harris scored with a penalty.
