It wasn’t a promotion season, just a first season back in League One; there were bad games and there were good games and, over the course of the campaign, there was inconsistency. Nevertheless performances, if not results, led to optimism for the future and perhaps a play-off push next time around. The beauty of football is that you never know what’s round the corner and there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of our club, Bristol Rovers. This is very much a personal opinion of games played during the season and I am grateful to Andy Downie, the club’s Media Officer, and JMP, for allowing me the use of the match action photos. The stadium images and any of the post match interviews are my own, as you can probably tell! Keith Brookman FRIENDLIES 1st July 2022 Melksham Town 1 Bristol Rovers 6 (Collins, Lawrence, Greenslade, Gibbons, Jones, Saunders) Bristol Rovers First Half: Anssi Jaakkola; Luca Hoole, Jamie Egan, James Connolly, Trevor Clarke; Paul Coutts, Jerry Lawrence, Sam Finley; Harvey Greenslade, Aaron Collins, Lucas Vaughan. Second Half: Jed Ward, James Gibbons, Will Larvin, Alfie Kilgour, Sam Heal, Antony Evans, Zain Westbrooke, Josh Grant, Harvey Saunders, Ryan Loft, Ryan Jones 9th July 2022 Porto 3 Bristol Rovers 0 Teams unknown – Match played behind closed doors in Portugal. 12th July 2022 Bath City 3 (Fletcher 30 & 39, Cooke (pen), 53) Bristol Rovers 1 (Loft, 12) Bristol Rovers: James Belshaw, Luca Hoole, Alfie Kilgour, James Connolly, James Gibbons, Antony Evans, Josh Grant, Sam Finley, Harry Anderson, Aaron Collins, Ryan Loft Substitutes (not used): Jed Ward, Jamarni Langlais, Will Larvin, Ross Mason, Theo Lynden, Jaheim Allen Bath City: Jo Wright, Joe Raynes (Triallist B, 86), Danny Greenslade, Jordan Dyer, Kieran Parselle (Jack Batten, 50), Luke Spokes (Tom Smith, 64), Elliot Frear (Rex Mannings, 77), Cody Cooke, Chris Lines (Triallist A, 82), Dan Hayfield, Alex Fletcher (Kitan Jaiyeoba, 58). Attendance: 1,908 12th July 2022 Chippenham Town 1 (Triallist C (14) Bristol Rovers 4 (Marquis 1 & 24, Saunders 29 & 55 Bristol Rovers: Anssi Jaakkola, Jamie Egan, Trevor Clarke, Sam Heal, Ryan Jones, Paul Coutts, Zain Westbrooke, Jerry Lawrence, Harvey Saunders, Harvey Greenslade, John Marquis (Lucas Vaughan, 46). Substitutes: Charlie White, Olly Phillips, Josiah McKayle, Lewis Pinchard, Charlie Perkins Chippenham Town: Will Henry, Eddie Jones, Ethan Hill, Spencer Hamilton, Triallist A, Joe Hanks, Will King, Joe Parker, Alefe Santos, Triallist B Triallist C. Attendance: 343 16th July 2022 Swansea City 3 (Price (pen), Congreve, Cullen) Bristol Rovers 2 (Collins (pen), Loft) Game consisted of two one hour long sessions. Teams and referee unknown Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Connolly, Clarke, Hoole, Finley, Evans, Rossiter, Westbrooke, Marquis, Anderson, Collins, Loft, Jones, Saunders, Heal, Jaakkola, Ward, Egan, Greenslade, Lawrence, Triallist. Swansea City: Fisher (Benda, 61), Latibeaydiere (Garrick, 76), Wood (Cooper (B), 91), Darling (Ogbeta, 91), Naughton (Manning, 76), Grimes (Cooper (O), 91), Fulton, Congreve, Price, Sorinola (McFayden, 76), Obafemi (Cullen, 76). Substitutes: Paterson, Ntcham, Williams. 19th July 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 (Flint (og, 58), Saunders (78)) Stoke City 0 Bristol Rovers: James Belshaw, James Gibbons, Luca Hoole, James Connolly, Trevor Clarke, Jordan Rossiter, Antony Evans, Zain Westbrooke, Harry Anderson, Aaron Collins, John Marquis. Substitutes: Jed Ward, Anssi Jaakkola, Jamie Egan, Harvey Greenslade, Jerry Lawrence, Ryan Loft, Harvey Saunders, Sam Finley, Ryan Jones. Stoke City: Joe Bursik, Morgan Fox, Aden Flint, Phil Jagielka, Sam Clucas, Tyreses Campbell, Liam McCarron, Gavin Kilkenny, Josh Laurent, D’Margio Wright-Phillips, Tom Sparrow. Substitutes: Frankie Fielding, Lewis Baker, Jacob Brown, Josh Tymon, Ben Wilmot, Eddie Jones, Emre Tezqel, Jack Griffiths. 24th March 2023 Aston Villa 1 (Kellyman, 85) Bristol Rovers 3 Coburn (16), Loft (57), Marquis (64) Match played behind closed doors. Bristol Rovers: James Belshaw, James Gibbons, James Connolly, Lewis Gordon, Calum Macdonald, Sam Finley (Jerry Lawrence, 81), Antony Evans, Luke McCormick (Glenn Whelan, 70), Scott Sinclair (Grant Ward, 46), Ryan Loft, James Coburn (John Marquis, 60). Aston Villa: James Wright, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Ashley Young, Leander Dendoncker, Calum Chambers, Alex Mporeno, Arjan Raikhy, Ollie Watkins. Substitute used: Omari Kellyman (probably replaced Diego Carlos on 67 minutes) the only substitute named in match reports.
July.
Forest Green Rovers.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 30 July 2022 Bristol Rovers 1 Collins (71) Forest Green Rovers 2 Moore-Taylor (55), Hendry (89) Referee: Robert Lewis Attendance: 9,064 The earliest ever opening day league game against last season’s League Two Champions provided an opportunity for the Rovers of Bristol to take all three points. The last time that happened was back in 2011 when, at Kingsmeadow, AFC Wimbledon were beaten 3-2. You have to go back even longer for an opening day win at home; 2001 to be precise, when a Steve Foster goal was enough to see off Torquay United. This was the third league meeting between the sides; the Gloucestershire side came out on top in last season’s encounters, winning 2-0 at home and securing a goalless draw at The Mem. Missing skipper Paul Coutts through suspension, Sam Finley through injury and Nick Anderton following a bone cancer diagnosis, manager Joe Barton fielded three players making their league debut for the club, namely summer signings James Gibbons, John Marquis and Jordan Rossiter. In addition, there was a rare first team appearance for Zain Westbrooke, who spent part of last season on loan at Stevenage. Barton’s side dominated possession for the opening 25 minutes but the visitors sat back and comfortably soaked up the pressure and, in the process, denied Rovers any clearcut goalscoring opportunities. As they grew in confidence Forest Green began to assert themselves on the game and carved out a number of openings which should have seen them comfortably ahead at the half time whistle. That they weren’t was down to goalkeeper James Belshaw and the woodwork. The overworked Rovers keeper’s two best saves came from efforts by Reece Brown and Jamille Matt, while it was an effort from Matt that hit the post with Belshaw making a despairing dive to his right. Ten minutes into the second half the visitors went ahead and, given the way they had taken control of proceedings, it came as little surprise. The scorer was Jordan Moore-Taylor who headed past Belshaw after being the first to react to Regan Hendry’s corner from the left. Barton changed things around 13 minutes later, sending on Harvey Saunders and Ryan Loft to add more bite to his side’s attack and it was Saunders who set up the equaliser for Aaron Collins in the 71st minute. It was his persistence on the ball that allowed him to set up last season’s top scorer for his first of the new campaign and at that point it looked as though the spoils would be shared. Hendry, though, had other ideas, and with a minute of normal time remaining he hit a stunning left foot curling shot past Belshaw from the edge of the area and it was game over. And so the win so desperately craved by supporters and players alike, particularly for defender Anderton, never materialised. There were, however, heartwarming tributes to the defender. Both sides warmed up in tops with his image on the front and squad number (16) on the reverse and there was a minute’s applause for him in the 16th minute. Collins’ first action after scoring was to hold Anderton’s shirt aloft to show the defender he is in everyone’s thoughts. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons, Hoole, Connolly, Clarke (Saunders, 68), Rossiter, Westbrooke (Loft, 68), Anderson, Evans, Collins, Marquis. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Whelan, Lawrence, Jones. Forest Green Rovers: McGee, Godwin-Malife, Moore-Taylor, Cargill, O’Keefe (Casey, 86), Davis, Stevenson, Hendry, McAllister (Bernard (90 + 5), Brown (March. 82), Matt. Substitutes: Little, Jones, Thomas, Bunker
FGR August 2022 Turnstile Queue
FGR August 2022 Anderton T-shirt.
FGR August 2022. James Gibbons in action on his Rovers league debut.
FGR August 2022. Another debut boy, Jordan Rossiter, in the thick of the action.
FGR August 2022. A determined Trevor Clarke challenges for the ball.
August.
Burton Albion.
The Pirelli Stadium Saturday 6 August 2022 Burton Albion 0 Bristol Rovers 4 Evans (4), Connolly (12), Collins (40 & 44) Referee: Ross Joyce Attendance: 3,363 The build up to this game saw manager Joe Barton dispense with the services of three senior players, namely Trevor Clarke, Zain Westbrooke and Alex Rodman. While the decisions on Westbrooke and Rodman came as little surprise, the release of Clarke caused a few raised eyebrows amongst supporters as the defender had only recently been handed a new two year deal. New signing Lewis Gordon was announced at 1.45pm and the former Watford and Brentford youngster had his customary photo with a Rovers shirt taken on the pitch just prior to that, before taking his place in the starting XI. Referee Ross Joyce, who took charge of the 2015 Conference Final between Rovers and Grimsby Town and who sent off Paul Coutts in last season’s game at Rochdale, provided an early talking point in this game when he sent off Conor Shaughnessy inside the first minute for denying Aaron Collins a clear cut goalscoring opportunity. The incident, just outside the area, saw Collins fall inside the box and, indeed, had the whole incident occurred the other side of the line, then Rovers would have had a penalty and Shaughnessy a yellow card. As it was Rovers were awarded a free kick and three minutes after the red card had been brandished Antony Evans opened his account for the season when he drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net past a poorly organised Burton defensive wall. Evans turned provider on 12 minutes when his high, curling cross to the back post gave James Connolly the opportunity to score his first Rovers goal since joining the club on a permanent basis. The home side looked well beaten even at that point in proceedings and were fortunate not to fall further behind as Harry Anderson, Sam Finley, Evans, Ryan Loft and John Marquis all went close to adding to Rovers’ goal tally. As it was, it was left to Aaron Collins to cause further damage. In the 40th minute he wrongfooted the Burton defence as he feigned to go right but went left instead and beat goalkeeper Ben Garratt with a left foot shot high into the roof of the net. Four minutes later he was played in by John Marquis down the left and beat Garret with a right foot shot inside his near post to make it eight goals in his last four league games. It had been a devastating show of strength from Barton’s side, who had controlled things from the off and although they were four goals to the good they maintained their concentration levels after the break and managed the game so well, which hasn’t always been the case when playing against ten men! Marquis hit the bar in the second half but there were no further goals, in spite of attempts from Evans, Collins, Harvey Saunders and James Gibbons Burton registered their first on target effort in the 68th minute but Davis Keillor-Dunn was denied by the brilliance of James Belshaw. Second Year scholar Jerry Lawrence was handed his Rovers league debut two minutes from time with Rovers in cruise control. Burton Albion: Garratt, Brayford, Hughes, Shaughnessy, Hamer, Oshilaja, Onyango (Ahadme, 62), Smith (Castro, 62), Keillor-Dunn, Borthwick-Jackson (Butcher, 46), Adeboyejo (Powell, 62). Substitutes: Sinisalo, Gilligan, Moult. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons. Hoole, Connolly, Gordon (Saunders, 73), Finley (Whelan, 66), Evans (Lawrence, 88), Anderson, Collins, Loft (Kilgour, 88), Marquis. Substitutes: Ward, Jones, Greenslade. ALSO Former Rovers loanee Victor Adeboyejo was in the Burton Albion starting XI while another former Gas loanee, Chris Beardsley, was a member of the Burton management team. Glenn Whelan collected Rovers only yellow card of the afternoon Sam Finley began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Antony Evans when he was substituted Debuts for Lewis Gordon and Jerry Lawrence Four substitutes used Six added minutes
Burton. Inside the Pirelli Stadium prior to kick off.
Burton. New signing Lewis Gordon was unveiled before kick off
Burton. Aaron Collins goes for goal
Burton. James Connolly is grounded but he and Ryan Loft can feel another goal coming on.
Burton. Harry Anderson leads the chase!
Crawley Town. (League Cup 1)
The People’s Pension Stadium Tuesday 9th August 2022 Crawley Town 1 Nichols (73) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: David Rock Attendance: 1,860 By my reckoning this was the 152nd League Cup tie to be played by Rovers in all its many guises; currently known as the Carabao Cup, it’s a competition which the club hasn’t fared very well in during recent years. This, though, was surely an opportunity to make progress; away to a second tier club who had lost both opening games by the same 1-0 scoreline and who made six changes ahead of the game. Rovers’ boss Joe Barton claimed not to have enough senior players available to him to make wholesale changes and judging by the nine substitutes he was permitted to name for the game that certainly appeared to be the case as no fewer than five of the nominated replacements were current Academy players. It must have made 38 year old Glenn Whelan, who was sat alongside them, feel positively ancient! Barton made just one change to the side that had hammered Burton Albion just a few days previously, recalling Alfie Kilgour in place of the injured James Gibbons. His side started the match brightly and Aaron Collins hit one effort into the side netting before seeing a weak effort comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Corey Addai. The home side’s best opportunity of the half arrived when goalkeeper James Belshaw cleared as far as former Rovers striker Tom Nichols but, in a one on one situation with the shot stopper, the keeper came out on top and atoned for his error. After what I would term as a lethargic first half I thought that Rovers would take the game to their opponents after the break and, for a while, they did just that. Crawley were indebted to keeper Addai three minutes in, as he made a fine save from Collins who had been played in by John Marquis. The striker then hit a shot over the bar as did skipper Sam Finley, while Ryan Loft really should have opened his season’s account when he glanced a header wide of the target from Luca Hoole’s whipped in cross from the right. It was a costly miss by the former Scunthorpe striker as the home side took the lead just two minutes later. Jack Powell played in Nichols, who saw his first attempt saved by Belshaw. However, the keeper couldn’t hold the ball and it rebounded back to the diminutive striker who swept the ball into an empty net. Disappointingly, there was no response from Rovers; in fact, it was Crawley who almost scored again when substitute Aramide Oteh saw his shot hit the outside of the post. There were very few positives to be gleaned from this Rovers performance which, if anything, strengthened Barton’s argument that more signings were needed. Three tough league games lay ahead for Barton’s side ahead, though he would have the benefit of seeing his skipper, Paul Coutts, return to action following a four match suspension when Rovers were due entertain Oxford United in the first of those fixtures. As an aside, Nichols was wearing the captain’s armband for Crawley while former Rovers’ skipper Tony Craig looked to be enjoying playing against his former club! Crawley Town: Addai, Conroy (Johnson, 46), Francomb, Craig, Powell, Nadesan (Balaggizi, 84), Francillete, Hessenthaler (Jenks, 90+2), Ogungbo, Nichols, Appiah (Oteh, 63). Substitutes: Greensall, Khaleel, Ransom, Gallacher. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Kilgour (Jones, 89), Connolly, Gordon (Saunders, 65), Anderson, Finley (Whelan, 64), Evans, Collins, Loft, Marquis. Substitutes: Ward, Greenslade, Lawrence, Sesay, White, Burden. ALSO Former Rovers players Tom Nichols and Tony Craig were in the Crawley Town starting XI, while another former Gas player, Dominic Telford, was not in their squad Yellow cards were issued to Antony Evans and Ryan Loft Sam Finley began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Antony Evans when he was substituted Three substitutes used one of whom, Ryan Jones, has yet to make his Rovers league debut Seven added minutes
There’s a lot of red inside Crawler’s Stadium!
John Marquis gets ahead of his marker.
Alfie Kilgour beats former team mate Tom Nichols to the ball.
Aaron Collins on the ball.
James Connolly was the player put up for interview following our cup exit.
Oxford United.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 13th August 2022 Bristol Rovers 1 Marquis (34) Oxford United 0 Referee: Oliver Langford Attendance: 8,297 Following the Carabao Cup performance at Crawley, manager Joe Barton made two changes to his starting lineup for this game; out went Alfie Kilgour and Ryan Loft and in came Glenn Whelan and Harvey Saunders. New signing Lewis Gibson was named on the bench along with Jordan Rossiter, who was returning to the squad after being injured on the opening day. The 59th league meeting between the clubs kicked off at 12.30pm in sweltering conditions and the two evenly matched sides created very few openings in the first half an hour. Sam Long rattled the crossbar, with James Belshaw beaten, from a 15th minute corner and almost immediately Rovers might have taken the lead but Sam Finley was denied by a superb Simon Eastwood save. The two former Rovers players in the Oxford side, Billy Bodin and Matty Taylor seldom featured for the visitors. Bodin was anonymous and the only time you realised that Taylor was anywhere near the ball was when he was booed by Rovers’ supporters! The goal, when it arrived, was a thing of beauty, no doubt after hours of practice on the training ground. Rovers won a free kick out on the right following a foul on Saunders and up stepped Antony Evans who, we all thought, would swing a cross into the back stick where it would be attacked by central defenders Hoole and Connolly. However, the midfield maestro fooled us all as he squared the ball inside to Finley who lifted the ball over the Oxford defenders and as Eastwood came off his line to avert the danger in nipped Aaron Collins who touched it on to John Marquis and he gleefully knocked the ball home to register his first league goal for the club. As half time approached Oxford could, and probably should, have been reduced to ten men after Marquis was pushed in the back by giant central defender Elliott Moore. With the Rovers striker flat on his back it looked as though Moore slapped him in the face. Referee Oliver Langford was only yards away from the incident and decided a yellow card was sufficient punishment for the Oxford man, though from the stands it looked like a certain red. Eight minutes into the second half Oxford should have equalised when the unmarked James Henry headed over the bar with only Belshaw to beat. That, in all honesty, was the only time they really troubled Rovers in the entire second half and Barton’s side put in a determined performance to deny the visitors. Even the use of five substitutes, for the first time ever in a league match, didn’t upset the balance of the side and there was almost a second goal when one of those substitutes, Ryan Loft, won possession deep inside the Oxford half and set off for goal, though he could only prod a tame effort into the arms of a grateful Eastwood. In truth, it was a masterclass in game management from Barton’s side who have now matched their 2015/16 start to the season by taking six points from the first nine available. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Anderson, Hoole, Connolly, Gordon (Gibson, 79), Finley (Coutts, 70), Whelan (Rossiter, 59), Evans, Saunders (Grant, 79), Marquis (Loft, 79), Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour. Oxford United: Eastwood, Long, Muir, Findlay, Seddon (Jones, 89), McGuane, Brannagan, Henry (Bate, 64), Browne, Bodin (Goodrham, 73), Taylor (Joseph, 64). Substitutes: Rodriguez, Brown, McGinty. ALSO Former Rovers players Billy Bodin and Matty Taylor were in the Oxford United starting XI Yellow cards were issued to Harvey Saunders and Josh Grant Sam Finley began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Paul Coutts when he was substituted Debut for Lewis Gibson Five substitutes used for the first time in a league match First Rovers goal for John Marquis Nine added minutes
Beautiful afternoon for a game of football!
Hands on approach from Antony Evans!
Harry Anderson by passes Billy Bodin.
Goalscorer John Marquis faced the press after the game.
Wonder what Bannister and Warboys made of it!
Barnsley.
Oakwell Tuesday 16th August 2022 Barnsley 3 Cole (3), Williams (13), Benson (56) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Darren Drysdale Attendance: 9,689 Following their impressive performance against Oxford United Rovers travelled to Barnsley, newly relegated from the Championship, hoping to make it three wins on the bounce. Gasheads travelling to Oakwell suffered a treacherous journey, enjoying sunshine, enduring grey skies and suffering in torrential rain, so bad that the outside lane of the motorway resembled a river! That passed, though, and it was dry before the night’s venue was reached; a perfect evening for football, or so we thought. The heavens opened as the teams emerged from the tunnel for kick off and didn’t stop for the next 90 minutes! Skipper Paul Coutts was recalled to the starting lineup, in place of Glenn Whelan, but Rovers began on the back foot and stayed there all night! Devante Cole squeezed the ball into the net from an impossibly tight angle on the left after only three minutes and a wicked deflection from a Jordan Williams effort just 10 minutes later completely wrong footed James Belshaw and gave Barnsley a two goal advantage. That the home side didn’t score again in the opening period remains a mystery as they totally dominated proceedings. Cole and Callum Styles saw attempts saved by Belshaw, while other Barnsley efforts drifted wide of the upright or were blocked by some desperate Rovers defending. The closest Rovers came to scoring in the half, indeed in the game, arrived with five of the 45 minutes remaining when Aaron Collins played in Harvey Saunders and his ball into the box was cut out as John Marquis eyed up his second goal in as many games. A triple substitution and a change of formation at the start of the second half had very little effect, as Barnsley continued to dominate and added a third goal on 56 minutes when Belshaw’s clearance from a Saunders back pass found Josh Benson and he quickly rifled the ball back past the keeper and into the net from some thirty yards out. The keeper did superbly well to deny his former team mate, Luke Thomas, a goal when he managed to touch the ball away from the midfielder as he was about to pull the trigger. Rovers continued to battle away, but failed to create a goalscoring opportunity and their inability to master the conditions and a very good Barnsley side showed that there is a great deal of work to be done if they are to establish themselves at this level. It’s early days, though, and far too soon to be critical of performances after only four league games. The manager was, as always, totally honest about the evening’s performance and refused to criticise any individual. It was a poor performance collectively, of that there can be no doubt. However, there’s a long season ahead and the transfer window remains open for another two weeks which gives the manger time to assess his squad and bring in reinforcements, whether that be by making permanent signings or utilising the loan market in the way he did so successfully last season. Barnsley: Collins, Cundy, Andersen, Kitching, Williams (McCarthy, 74), Connell, Benson, Styles, Thomas (Wolfe, 74), Cole (Marsh, 83), Aitchison (Norwood, 62). Substitutes: Walton, Oduor, Hondermarck. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Anderson (Kilgour, 84), Hoole, Connolly, Gordon (Gibson, 46), Finley (Loft, 67), Coutts (Whelan, 46), Evans (Rossiter, 46), Saunders, Collins, Marquis. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Lawrence. ALSO Former Rovers loanee Luke Thomas was in the Barnsley side Yellow cards were issued to Sam Finley, Paul Coutts and James Connolly Paul Coutts began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Glenn Whelan when he was substituted Five substitutes used Five added minutes
Barnsley. Inside Oakwell.
It was dry when we arrived!
It began to rain at kick off and never stopped - just ask John Marquis!
Barnsley. Harry Anderson takes part in an aerial duel in the rain!
Portsmouth.
Fratton Park Saturday 20th August 2022 Portsmouth 3 Ogilvie (32), Pigott (pen,82), Dale (90 + 2) Bristol Rovers 1 Collins (61) Referee: Gavin Ward Attendance: 18,842 There’s a Naval Dockyard at Portsmouth, but for Bristol Rovers the place, and Fratton Park in particular, is a Graveyard as Rovers haven’t beaten Portsmouth at Fratton Park since 1975. Joe Barton made three changes to his starting lineup, but it was the formation that had everyone scratching their head about prior to kick, and they were really none the wiser once the game began. It looked like 3-3-3-1 from this observer’s place in the press box, with a move to a back four when the home side attacked, Paul Coutts usually being the man to funnel back. I might be entirely wrong, though, as when asked a direct question about his formation in his post match press conference, the manager suggested that the reporter figure it out for himself! As far as the game was concerned, it was nip and tuck for the opening 20 minutes and then it became quite lively following a late tackle by Glenn Whelan on Louis Thompson on the halfway line right in front of the dugouts. Yes, Whelan was late, but the feeling was that Thompson caught his studs in the turf as he fell, causing serious damage, confirmed afterwards a double leg break. With the home crowd, and most of the Pompey staff baying for blood, or at least a red card, Whelan was booked, Thompson was stretchered off and the game resumed after a lengthy stoppage. The incident appeared to unnerve Rovers and they conceded the opener just after the half hour mark when a corner taken by Michael Jacobs found the unmarked Connor Ogilvie who headed into the top corner of the net with James Belshaw well beaten. That was the score at the break and Rovers claimed an equaliser on 61 minutes after former Portsmouth striker John Marquis caught Sean Raggett in possession and slipped the ball inside to Aaron Collins who took full advantage and gleefully slotted home his fourth league goal of the season. The goal lifted Rovers and a much more even contest appeared to be heading for a draw until two controversial penalty incidents inside the last 10 minutes swung the game in Pompey’s favour. On 82 minutes Belshaw parried away a shot on goal and Harry Anderson completed the clearance. Trouble is, Joe Pigott decided to go to ground, claiming he was fouled by the Rovers player. Referee Mr Ward agreed, gave a penalty and Pigott sent Belshaw the wrong way with his spot kick. Four minutes later there was a clear push, by Joe Rafferty, in Collins’ back as he burst into the area and he was sent sprawling. A clear penalty, or at least you would think so. Mr Ward, though, decided there had been no contact (quite how he reached that decision is beyond me!) and Rovers’ hopes of salvaging a point were scuppered by a poor decision by the match official. Two minutes into stoppage time Owen Dale made it 3-1 when he headed home from Dane Scarlett’s cross and the wait for a win against Pompey on their own ground continues. Portsmouth: Griffiths, Rafferty, Morrison, Raggett, Ogilvie, Dale, Pack, Thompson (Lowery, 24), Jacobs (Pigott, 77), Bishop (Hackett, 77), Curtis (Scarlett, 64). Substitutes: Oluwayemi, Swanson, Robertson. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Connolly, Gibson (Kilgour, 76), Rossiter (Loft, 74), Whelan (Anderson, 46), Coutts, Finley, Evans, Marquis (Saunders, 81), Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Gordon, Lawrence. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Portsmouth side Yellow cards were issued to Glenn Whelan, Lewis Gibson, Paul Coutts, Sam Finley and Jordan Rossiter Paul Coutts was skipper Four substitutes used Fourteen added minutes
Inside Fratton Park prior to kick off.
Aaron Collins who scored Rovers’ consolation goal.
Sam Finley escapes the attentions of two Portsmouth defenders.
Jordan Rossiter on the ball.
Joe Barton undertaking his post match interview.
Shrewsbury Town.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 27th August 2022 Bristol Rovers 1 Loft (68) Shrewsbury Town 1 Bowman (80) Referee: Sam Purkiss Attendance: 8,576 After two away games, in which they had conceded six goals and scored only once, Rovers returned to The Mem looking to bounce back with three points. The manager’s team selection became a bit of a headache, when it was announced prior to the game that central defender James Connolly could be missing for up to eight weeks with a stress fracture of the lower back. Alfie Kilgour replaced him and there were two other changes, which saw Glenn Whelan and Sam Finley drop to the bench with Lewis Gordon and Harry Anderson restored to the starting lineup. The tone of this stop start game was set in the opening ten minutes as it seemed that every time a Shrewsbury player was tackled he went to ground requiring treatment from the medical team. Once the referee had fallen for that old trick on a couple of occasions the visitors realised they could use it at every opportunity…and they did, to great effect. Let’s not kid ourselves, though, as this was a poor performance from Rovers and they struggled to make an impact in the opening 45 minutes. Their best opportunities came from an Antony Evans free kick which Chey Dunkley blocked, though he knew little about it, and Alfie Kilgour’s header which came back into play off the foot of the post. At the other end James Belshaw proved, once again, to be Rovers’ star man and kept the Shrews at bay, especially with a save to deny Tom Baylis five minutes before the break. The game continued in the same vein in the second half, though the visitors looked sharp on the break and Belshaw again denied Baylis before Rovers, perhaps unexpectedly, made the breakthrough. Collins, leading goalscorer so far this season, played a delightful ball through to substitute Ryan Loft after turning his marker, and the big man took great delight in stroking the ball past Marko Marosi to register his first goal at the Mem. At that point, it was hoped that Rovers would take the game to their opponents and go on to win comfortably. However, that wasn’t the case and it was Shrewsbury who came more into the game and looked the team most likely to score. There was less rolling around on the ground after they conceded and their medical team were able to get their breath back as they searched for an equaliser. It duly arrived with ten minutes remaining and came after three successive corners. The third one did the damage and came in from the left. With Rovers’ defence all at sea another substitute, Ryan Bowman, got on the scoresheet when he rifled the ball into the net from six yards, the expected challenge just not materialising. And so the points were shared, but not before Taylor Moore saw a shot blocked and Belshaw produced another excellent save to deny Bowman his second goal of the afternoon. The result, and the performance, left Rovers frustrated by the tactics employed by Shrewsbury and, to be honest, if they play like this every week then I’m surprised anyone pays money to watch them! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Kilgour, Gibson, Gordon (Loft, 61), Coutts (Finley, 61), Rossiter, Anderson, Evans, Collins, Marquis (Saunders, 77). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Whelan, Lawrence, Sesay. Shrewsbury Town: Marosi. Pennington, Dunkley, Flanagan, Da Costa (Bowman, 54), Baylis (Bloxham, 73), Moore, Leahy, Nurse, Shipley, Udoh (Pyke, 41). Substitutes: Burgoyne, Caton, Craig, Barlow ALSO Former Rovers defender Luke Leahy was in the Shrewsbury side, while another former Rovers defender, Steve Cross, was in the commentary box Yellow card issued to John Marquis Sam Finley began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Paul Coutts when he was substituted Three substitutes used Ryan Loft’s first goal at the Memorial Stadium Thirteen added minutes
Waiting for the turnstiles to open.
Antony Evans hoping to get a cross in.
Ryan Loft celebrates his first goal at The Mem
Lewis Gordon gets in a challenge.
A determined run by Harry Anderson.
Plymouth Argyle. (Papa John's Trophy, group match)
Home Park Tuesday 30th August 2022 *Plymouth Argyle 1 Hardie (pen, 58) Bristol Rovers 1 Loft (50) *Plymouth won 4-3 on penalties Referee: Carl Brook Attendance: 2,298 Rovers went into this Papa John’s Trophy group match with a stronger side than expected, though to see defender Trevor Clarke starting did come as a little bit of a surprise. After being given a new two year deal and featuring the opening game of the season he had been told by manager Joe Barton that he wouldn’t feature again and should find a new club. Presumably Clarke and Barton had kissed and made up, though the manager wasn’t around to give his side of the story. Illness prevented him travelling and so Andy Mangan was in charge for the evening. Jerry Lawrence, who made his league debut at Burton, was handed his first senior start while veteran Glenn Whelan was selected as a central defender. A pulsating first half it wasn’t, though there was lots of honest endeavour from both sides. The home side should have taken a first half lead, but a 28th minute header from skipper Joe Edwards came back into play off the crossbar and the same player was denied moments later by Anssi Jaakkola’s smart save. Rovers finished the half strongly, though, and Luca Hoole blasted one shot wide of the upright and then saw another effort well saved by Callum Burton. The second half, in comparison to the opening 45 minutes, proved to be a thoroughly entertaining contest with play switching from one end to the other with remarkable rapidity. Rovers went ahead on 50 minutes when Lawrence played a ball over the top for Ryan Loft to chase. His strength carried him past Macauley Gillesphey and he fired a shot that went into the net through Burton’s legs. Argyle were level within eight minutes when a wayward back pass by John Marquis was intercepted by Morgan Whittaker who was tripped by Clarke. The resulting penalty saw Ryan Hardie convert with ease. And that was it as far as goals were concerned, though both sides created goalscoring opportunities. After substitute Aaron Collins was denied by Burton’s save, Whittaker, Finn Azaz and Jordan Houghton all went close for the home side, though Rovers might have snatched victory in the final minute when a Harvey Saunders shot was blocked by Gillesphey. While young Harvey Greenslade was sent on from the bench for his senior debut with 12 minutes remaining, the standout Rovers performer, as far as this writer was concerned, was Whelan. His performance was a masterclass in how to read the game. Sure, at 38 years of age his legs may have gone, but his brain certainly hasn’t! What an example he must be in the dressing room, and to the younger players especially; if only he were ten years younger, though if he was, he probably wouldn’t be playing for us! The tie, as it ended in a draw, was settled by penalties. Collins, Luke McCormick and Ryan Jones scored for Rovers, while Antony Evans saw his effort sail past the upright and Greenslade’s effort was saved by Burton. Azaz, Gillesphey, Houghton and Niall Ennis scored for Argyle while Adam Randell skied his kick over the bar. Plymouth Argyle: Burton, Gillesphey, Halls, Lonwijk, Edwards (Mumba, 46), Endacott, Houghton, Randell, Hardie (Ennis, 74), Whittaker (Issaka, 82), Jenkins-Davies (Azaz, 66). Substitutes: Cooper, Butcher, Forkuo. Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Hoole (Greenslade, 78), Gordon, Coutts (Evans, 62), Clarke (Jones, 71), Rossiter, Whelan, Lawrence (McCormick, 62), Marquis (Collins, 62), Loft, Saunders. Substitutes: Belshaw, Kilgour. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Plymouth side though Mark Hughes was on the touchline as a member of the Argyle management team A Yellow card was issued to Harvey Saunders Paul Coutts began the game as skipper and the armband passed to Glenn Whelan when he was substituted First senior start for Jerry Lawrence First senior appearance for Harvey Greenslade First Rovers cup goal for Ryan Loft Five substitutes used Six added minutes
Home of the Green Army.
Lewis Gordon and Ryan Loft in the thick of the action.
Trevor Clarke keeps a close eye on the situation.
A determined run by Harvey Saunders.
Andy Mangan was on press duty in Joe Barton’s absence.
September.
Morecambe.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 3rd September 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 2 Morecambe Loft (29), Thomas (80) Morecambe 2 Weir (12), Phillips (53) Referee: Dean Whitestone Attendance: 8,821 Two of the club’s deadline day signings were in the matchday squad for this game, namely central defender Bobby Thomas, on loan from Burnley, who started the match and Fulham loanee Sylvester Jasper who was on the bench. The third of the trio of new arrivals, Middlesbrough’s Josh Coburn, will have a wait of a few weeks for his inclusion as he recovers from injury. Aaron Collins almost gave Rovers the lead after only two minutes when his left foot shot hit the post and rebounded into play. For a while Rovers were in impressive form, taking the game to Morecambe at every opportunity. However, with 12 minutes on the clock they were stunned as their visitors took the lead when Jensen Weir rifled in an unstoppable shot from just outside the area after Rovers defenders failed to pick him up at a short corner taken from out on the left. It took a while for Joe Barton’s side to recover their composure but they gradually worked their way back into the game and equalised on 29 minutes. The creator was Collins, currently in the best form of his Rovers career. When he crossed the ball in from the right, Ryan Loft was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range to register his third goal in a week. There were no further goals in that opening period, though it ended as it had begun with Collins hitting the woodwork for the second time in the match. Eight minutes into the second half Morecambe hit Rovers with a classic counter attack which led to their second goal. Caleb Watts picked out the run of Kieran Phillips and the Morecambe man went on to beat James Belshaw with a clinical finish. There was little to choose between the sides after that, though substitute Trevor Clarke saw a well placed volley blocked by a packed Morecambe defence before Rovers conjured up a scrappy equaliser ten minutes from time. When the ball was delivered in from the right, Morecambe’s defence failed to deal with the danger and Thomas was on hand to slam the ball into the net from close range to mark his debut with a goal. It was a disappointing result for Barton and his side, who failed to take three points against one of the expected strugglers in League One for the second week running. The manager seems to still be experimenting with his lineup and personnel and it is to be hoped when all are fit that he will be able to play a settled side. For now, though, performances look to be a little disjointed. Former Rovers keeper Adam Smith made a return to the Mem and was called on to replace the injured Connor Ripley in the 87th minute, while Rovers’ Lewis Gibson missed out on a family reunion through injury. His brother Liam was in the side. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Kilgour (Jasper, 71), Thomas, Gordon (Anderson, 71), Coutts (Clarke, 71), Finley (McCormick, 62), Evans, Collins, Marquis (Saunders, 62), Loft. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Whelan. Morecambe: Ripley (Smith, 87), Love, Rawson, Bedeau, Gibson (Cooney, 82), Shaw, Fane, Taylor (Connolly, 75), Weir, Watts (Mayor, 82), Phillips. Substitutes: McLoughlin, O’Connor, Rooney ALSO Former Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith was in the Morecambe squad and made a late substitute appearance Yellow cards were issued to Bobby Thomas and Luke McCormick Debuts for Thomas and Sylvester Jasper Thomas marked his debut with his first goal for the club Ryan Loft’s goal was his third in successive games Paul Coutts was skipper, Antony Evans took the armband when he was substituted Five substitutes used Nine added minutes
Pre match drinks at Ollie’s Bar.
Sylvester Jasper, pictured on his Rovers league debut.
Bobby Thomas celebrates a goal on his Rovers league debut.
Another goals celebration, this time from Ryan Loft.
A determined run from Aaron Collins.
Ipswich Town.
Portman Road Tuesday 13th September 2022 Ipswich Town 2 Chaplin (23), Evans (55) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Alan Young Attendance: 22,209 As well as being a night for football, it was a night for nostalgia as well as Rovers and Ipswich fans paid tribute to our late Queen and also to Marcus Stewart who played for both clubs and has recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. A montage of goals shown on the big screen beforehand, of the goals Marcus scored for the Tractor Boys showed what a truly great striker he was. Both sets of players warmed up in T shirts bearing Stewart’s name on the back and there was a tremendous round of applause from all sides of the ground in the 11th minute (his Ipswich squad number). As for the tribute to our late monarch, an impeccable one minute silence was observed, the national anthem was played and an image of Her Majesty displayed on the big screen prior to kick off. The pre-match rituals seemed to inspire the home side more than Rovers and they were quickly out of the blocks and Luke Woolfenden saw his second minute header touched on to the bar by James Belshaw. Freddie Ladapo, Wes Burns, Leif Davis and Woolfenden again all went close before Rovers’ defence was breached with 23 minutes on the clock. When Sam Morsy cut the ball back into the box from the left Conor Chaplin was on hand to sweep the ball past Belshaw and into the bottom corner of the net. Not content to rest on their laurels, Ipswich went in search of a second goal and continued to create chances, the best of which fell to Burns but he was denied when Belshaw touched his header around the post. Outstanding defending by Joe Barton’s side kept Ipswich at bay and in the final minutes of the half Rovers created two superb opportunities which might have seen them go into the break on level terms. First off Antony Evans hit a curling long range effort which hit the woodwork and rebounded into play and then Trevor Clarke, played in by a clever Aaron Collins backheel, saw his shot touched behind by Christian Walton. Four minutes into the second half Luca Hoole’s thundering drive was well saved by Walton and, as far as goalscoring opportunities were concerned, that was it for Barton’s side and it was game over in the 55th minute when Ipswich scored again. A shot from Leigh Evans took a slight deflection on its way to goal, whch wrong footed Belshaw, and entered the net at the near post. Ipswich remained in control in spite of a hard working and determined performance from a Rovers side lacking a cutting edge and the closing stages turned into disaster for Barton and his side. Bobby Thomas was booked twice inside four minutes and departed the field of play in the 85th minute, while a 90th minute innocuous challenge by Alfie Kilgour on Chaplin was deemed worthy of a red card by referee Alan Young. Thankfully Kilgour’s card was rescinded on appeal later in the week. Ipswich Town: Walton, Donacien, Woolfenden, Burgess (Ball, 62), Burns (Edwards, 82), Evans, Morsy, Davis (Leigh, 68), Chaplin, Harness (John-Jules, 68), Ladapo (Ahadme, 68). Substitutes: Jackson, Hladky Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Kilgour, Thomas, Gordon, McCormick (Coutts, 62),Finley, Evans ( Whelan, 78), Anderson (Saunders, 17), Collins (Jasper, 78), Clarke (Marquis, 62). Substitutes: Westbrooke, Jaakkola ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Ipswich Town side Yellow cards Luca Hoole, Bobby Thomas Red cards Alfie Kilgour and Thomas - Kilgour’s red card rescinded on appeal Sam Finley was skipper Five substitutes used Nine added minutes
No words needed.
Showing support for Marcus Stewart
Lewis Gordon finds himself surrounded!
Trevor Clarke on the attack.
Alfie Kilgour sees red
Lincoln City.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 17th September 2022 Bristol Rovers 3 Collins (18 & 65), Loft (60) Lincoln City 6 Diamond (14, (pen), 45, 56), House (7 & 61), Virtue (51) Referee: Tom Nield Attendance: 8,078 It was such a crazy game it’s difficult to know where to start, so let’s get the niceties out of the way; the tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth prior to kick off was outstanding, the minute’s applause for Nick Anderton in the 16th minute brilliant and the minute’s applause after 70 minutes for her late majesty impeccable. And so on to the football and the nine goals witnessed by the crowd of just over 8,000. When the manager failed to choose his only recognised central defender, Alfie Kilgour, available after his Tuesday night red card at Ipswich on Tuesday had been rescinded you wondered about what was to unfold. Joe Barton opted for a back three of Luca Hoole, Glenn Whelan and Lewis Gordon and it’s safe to say they were unable to cope with a Lincoln front line who, up until this game, had scored just two away goals. Rovers made a bright start and could have been ahead as early as the second minute had Luke McCormick not hit his shot, from a good position, over the bar. Five minutes later the visitors were ahead when their star man Jack Diamond burst down the left before crossing to Ben House who coolly slotted his shot past James Belshaw. Diamond doubled the lead on 14 minutes, sending Belshaw the wrong way from the penalty spot after Whelan was adjudged to have fouled House inside the area. Aaron Collins took advantage of a Lincoln defensive error shortly afterwards, when he intercepted Regan Poole’s intended back pass and rounded keeper Carl Rushworth before rolling the ball into an unguarded net. Antony Evans struck the post with a 29th minute free kick and then Ryan Loft looked odds on to equalise but was denied by Poole’s desperate goal line block. Diamond then restored Lincoln’s two goal advantage on the stroke of half time. Harry Anderson’s attempted clearance hit McCormick in the back and fell into Diamond’s path and he comfortably beat Belshaw. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed six minutes into the second half when Matty Virtue volleyed goal number four past a bewildered Belshaw and Diamond completed his hat trick five minutes later when poor defending allowed him the opportunity to fire a fifth goal past Belshaw. Ryan Loft scored his fourth goal in as many games when his low angled drive beat Rushworth. That was on 59 minutes but Lincoln weren’t quite done and scored their sixth goal, through House, two minutes later. Collins scored his second goal of the afternoon on 65 minutes and that was the end of the scoring. A 6-3 home defeat was something not anticipated by anyone beforehand and, to be honest, there could have been many more goals. Rovers looked good going forward but were let down by some very sloppy defending and the manager, in trying to explain his decision not to select Kilgour in his post match interview, didn’t really convince me, or anyone else, why he opted for an inexperienced back line. Hopefully that was a one off and his side will bounce back…quickly! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Whelan, Gordon, Anderson (Marquis, 62), Finley, Evans, McCormick (Saunders, 62), Clarke (Coutts, 62), Loft (jasper, 77), Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Westbrooke. Lincoln City: Rushworth, Eyoma, O’Connor, Poole, Roughan, Oakley-Boothe (Jackson, 74), Virtue, Sorensen, Garrick (Vernam, 46), House (Hopper, 80), Diamond (Robson, 88). Substitutes: Sanders, Davenport, Wright. ALSO No former Rovers players in the Lincoln City side Yellow cards Antony Evans, Sam Finley Sam Finley was skipper Four substitutes used Twelve added minutes
Aaron Collins, who added two more goals to his tally.
Paul Coutts wins this challenge.
Luke McCormick gets in a challenge.
Accrington Stanley.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 24th September 2022 Bristol Rovers 0 Accrington Stanley 1 Pritchard (54) Referee: Lee Swabey Attendance: 8,906 One week on from the defeat against Lincoln City Rovers had the opportunity to bounce back with another home game, against Accrington Stanley. Manager Joe Barton made three changes to his starting lineup; he was without the services of Luca Hoole, who was away on international duty with Wales, and he left out Glenn Whelan and Antony Evans. In their places came Alfie Kilgour, Bobby Thomas and skipper Paul Coutts. So, having not gone with a recognised central defender the previous week, he went with two this time around, though persisted playing three at the back instead of a four. To my mind Lewis Gordon, one of the back three, is a full back or wing back and not a central defender. The visitors began brightly and Sean McConville, who had made his 400th appearance for Stanley seven days earlier, hit an early effort over the bar. The expected Rovers response to their last home defeat never really materialised and although Aaron Collins worked tirelessly up front he received little support from his colleagues and it was the striker who had his side’s first real opportunity of the half though he dragged his 17th minute shot wide of the upright. Accrington should have scored the game’s opening goal after James Belshaw went walkabout midway through the first half. The keeper saw danger when Joe Pritchard received the ball out on the left and rushed out of his area in an attempt to avert any danger. However, Pritchard took the ball around him and got in a cross which was cleared by Rovers before Tommy Leigh could direct a header into the unguarded net. As an uninspiring first half drew to a close, Collins was just wide of the mark with another effort, but a drab opening period that had seen Rovers lacking energy and inventiveness ended goalless. Belshaw made a smart second half stop from Mitch Clark seven minutes after the restart and two minutes later Stanley were ahead. Coutts was caught in possession in the middle of the park by Pritchard and headed for goal. He was stopped in his tracks by Thomas at the expense of a corner. That was quickly taken by McConville and his cross reached the unmarked Pritchard who headed past Belshaw. Both sides huffed and puffed after that, and although Rovers forced goalkeeper Lukas Jensen into a couple of routine saves the closest they came to a goal arrived eight minutes from time when Collins crashed a shot on to the angle of bar and post. Defeat saw Rovers extend their run of league games without a win to seven and there were rumblings of discontent amongst a crowd of almost 9,000 as the players left the pitch. What they didn’t want to hear was the manager saying the goal came about because the ball boy had given the ball back to the corner taker too quickly. The fact is that his defenders weren’t switched on to what was happening and reacted to the short corner far too late. At the same time, the lack of a cutting edge up front was a major concern. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Kilgour, Thomas, Gordon, Anderson (Jasper, 73), Coutts (Rossiter, 58), Finley, McCormick (Marquis, 66), Clarke (Evans, 58), Loft, Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Whelan, Saunders. Accrington Stanley: Jensen, Clark, Thame, Astley, Rodgers, Conneely (Martin, 63), Whalley (Hamilton, 71), Coyle, Pritchard, McConville, Leigh (Sangare, 88). Substitutes: Delfouneso, Sloane, Savin, Fernandes. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Accrington Stanley side Yellow cards Antony Evans, Ryan Loft Paul Coutts was skipper and then Sam Finley after he was substituted Four substitutes used Eight added minutes
John Marquis tackles Accrington’s Ryan Astley.
Luke McCormick. Feels this challenge.
Antony Collins and Ryan Loft in the thick of the action.
Alfie Kilgour at the post match press conference.
October.
Exeter City.
St James Park Saturday 1st October 2022 Exeter City 2 Brown (72, pen), Nombe (81) Bristol Rovers 2 Marquis (62), Loft (90+2) Referee: Declan Bourne Attendance 7,816
Prior to the match much was made of Joe Barton’s preview in which he said that he didn’t like the Exeter management team given that they turned us over twice last season. However, his comments were taken out of context by some who don’t appear to have read them in full as he did go on to say that he respected what they had done in getting Exeter promoted and that they were a very good team. Motivation enough for Exeter, you would think, although there didn’t appear to be any bad blood in the technical area throughout the 90 minutes. Barton made four changes to his starting lineup for the match, only one of which was enforced; Harry Anderson was ruled out through injury, while Paul Coutts, Alfie Kilgour and Trevor Clarke were all dropped and found themselves on the bench. A fairly sterile first half saw Rovers create the best opportunities and it was in form striker Aaron Collins who came closest to breaking the deadlock; he saw one effort blocked by a home defender on 11 minutes and dragged a shot just wide of the target seven minutes later. Ryan Loft tried an audacious lob from inside the centre circle when he spotted former Rovers loan keeper Jamal Blackman way off his line, but the striker wasn’t accurate enough and the ball was well wide of its intended target. The goal that sparked the game into life arrived just after the hour mark and was scored by Barton’s side; all three strikers were involved as Loft found Collins wide on the left and his ball to the far post saw John Marquis sweep the ball home from close range. At that point it looked as though Rovers had done enough to seal victory as Exeter seemed strangely subdued. However, the Grecians were handed a lifeline 10 minutes after Rovers’ opener when Antony Evans, playing as a right sided wing back in this match, dragged Jack Sparkes to the ground inside the area. Referee Declan Bourne had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Jevani Brown, who had scored twice from the spot the previous week, stepped up to drive his penalty low to James Belshaw’s left for the equaliser. Belshaw went the right way, but was beaten by the power and the placement of Brown’s effort. The keeper then handed Exeter the lead with nine minutes of the game remaining when he rushed out of his area in an attempt to head clear. However, the ball bounced over his head which allowed Sam Nombe to run in behind him and roll the ball into an empty net. It wasn’t quite game over, though, as Rovers kept plugging away and scored a deserved equaliser two minutes into stoppage time. Substitute Sylvester Jasper hounded home defender Jake Caprice and won possession of the ball before laying it back to Sam Finley. The lightening quick forward continued his run down the left, took a return pass from Finley and stood the ball up to the back post where Loft headed home to record his fifth goal of the season. A point was no more than Barton’s side deserved. Exeter City: Blackman, Key, Sweeney, Hartridge, Caprice, Harper, Collins, Sparkes, Brown (J), Nombe, Stansfield (Smith, 69). Substitutes: Jay, Chauke, Cox, Brown (S), Borges Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Thomas, Gordon, Rossiter, Finley, Evans, McCormick (Jasper, 82), Collins (Kilgour (90+2), Marquis, Loft. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Coutts, Clarke, Saunders, Whelan. ALSO Jamal Blackman, a former Rovers loanee, was in goal for Exeter Yellow cards were issued to Antony Evans and Sam Finley Finley was skipper Two substitutes used Seven added minutes Two days after the game the Exeter management team left to join Rotherham
The sign outside St James Park.
Sam Finley heads clear.
John Marquis is in a hurry to celebrate!
Ryan Loft, who scored the last gasp equaliser.
Ryan Loft pictured during his post match interview.
Crystal Palace U 21's. (Papa John's Trophy, group match)
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 4th October 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 Kilgour (45), Clarke (73) Crystal Palace U-21’s 0 Referee: James Oldham Attendance 1,058 I, along with many others, am no longer a fan of this competition and haven’t been since it was opened up to include U-21 teams from 16 Premier League clubs. Still, it’s another opportunity to see some of our fringe players get a run out and although successive Rovers managers have said they care very little about it, I wonder what their reaction would be if we were to reach a Wembley Final? To date no Premier League U-21 side has reached the final, but I guess it’s only a matter of time before that happens though hopefully the EFL will tinker with the format again soon and bar the Premier League from taking part although the chances of that happening any time soon are a long way off because of the lucrative sponsorship deal signed with Papa John’s hence it currently being known as the pizza cup! I digress; at least we were handed an opportunity to play one of the most successful Premier League Two sides around. Palace youngsters were, we are told, one of the best U-21 sides around, so it was time to find out. I have to be honest and say they didn’t look very special at all in the first half, though they were very physical. They seldom ventured out of their own half and the only chance they created came with the last kick of the opening 45 minutes when Anssi Jaakkola was forced to dive to his left to turn John-Kymani Gordon effort around the post. Prior to that they had kicked Alfie Kilgour in the head as he ventured forward in an attempt to0 reach a corner and almost knocked Sylvester Jasper’s head off in a crude challenge aimed at stopping him causing the Place defenders any further trouble down the left flank. In spite of all this, Kilgour stayed on the pitch until the break and it was just as well he did as he powered home the game’s opening goal with a header from a corner, taken by Paul Coutts, in first half stoppage time and before Jaakkola’s save. Palace did come out of their shell a little bit after the break and knocked the ball around well though they posed few problems in the way of goal threats. Rovers’ scored a deserved second goal 17 minutes from time, with Trevor Clarke firing a 20 yard effort past goalkeeper Joe Whitworth with his right foot and that, we thought, was that. However we reckoned without the dark arts that Palace seem to be well versed in despite their tender ages (only two of the starting lineup weren’t teenagers). Five minutes from time Clarke was hauled to the floor by Kofi Balmer, as he again scampered down the left, and then dragged along the floor by the same player. Quite how he escaped with only a booking is beyond me, but he was more fortunate than Glenn Whelan, who received his marching orders from referee James Oldham in the melee that followed Balmer’s misdemeanour. The visitors almost pulled a goal back when a ball into the Rovers box hit Clarke and rebounded on to the crossbar before being cleared. To be honest, Palace didn’t deserve a goal and thankfully they went home empty handed. Manager Joe Barton was scathing in his comments about Palace in his post match press conference and threatened to field a youth team in the final group game against Swindon Town. However, to say that the match officials were on work experience wasn’t entirely correct as James Oldham appears to have been officiating in the EFL since 2019. Other than that the manager’s comments were spot on! Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Kilgour (Thomas, 46), Hoole (Gibbons, 62), Whelan, Saunders (Loft, 71), Westbrooke, Coutts, McCormick (Gibson, 62), Jasper, Marquis (Coburn, 46), Clarke. Substitutes: Belshaw, Finley. Crystal Palace U-21’s: Whitworth, Gordon, Balmer, Grehan, Ola-Adebomi, (Akinwale, 57) Omilabu, Phillips, Watson (Mooney, 73), Cadogan (Raymond (73), Ozoh, Rodney. Substitutes: Izquierdo, Imray, Bell. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Crystal Palace side Yellow cards were issued to Harvey Saunders, Trevor Clarke and Ryan Loft Paul Coutts was skipper A red card was issued to Glenn Whelan Five substitutes used
There wasn't a big queue at the ticket office
Congratulations for Alfie Kilgour.
Trevor Clarke on the ball.
John Marquis gives chase.
Josh Coburn was on post match press duty.
Cambridge United.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 8th October 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 Taylor (og, 17), (Coburn (56) Cambridge United 1 Ironside (35, pen) Referee: Ben Toner Attendance: 9,007 Rovers went into the game hoping to build on an impressive away performance at Exeter a week earlier and also looking to claim three points for only the third time this season. Given that their last league win was against Oxford United way back on 13th August, they were also looking to complete a Varsity double! Manager Joe Barton was missing Alfie Kilgour and striker John Marquis who were injured in the battle against Crystal Palace a few days earlier, but on loan Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn made his Rovers league debut and James Gibbons returned after injury. Cambridge included former Rovers defender George Williams in their starting lineup, along with Harvey Knibbs whose father, Ralph, is very familiar with the Memorial Stadium having made 436 oval ball appearances for Bristol over the course of 14 years. Barton’s side started as though they meant business and went close early through Antony Evans and Coburn and it came as no surprise when they took the lead. The goal came just as the 16th minute applause for Nick Anderton was fading, so it was an appropriate time to score. The goal wasn’t a classic, though, by any stretch of the imagination and was initially credited to Luca Hoole who appeared to get the slightest of touches on an Evans free kick which keeper Dimitart Mitov seemed to fumble over the line. At least that’s how it looked from the stand though the replay showed that defender Greg Taylor had got the final touch, completely wrong footing his goalkeeper and denying Hoole a rare goal. Rovers continued to press and should have had a penalty for a fairly blatant hand ball by a Cambridge defender, missed only by referee Ben Toner. However, the match official did award a penalty…at the other end of the pitch. A long ball played up to the unmarked Sam Smith gave James Belshaw no option but to come off his line in an attempt to take the ball off the striker’s feet. Unfortunately, though, he brought Smith down, and a penalty was the obvious outcome. The keeper was booked and then comfortably beaten by Joe Ironside from the resulting penalty. All of a sudden the visitors were a different proposition and were denied a second goal by Belshaw who made a superb save from Smith. They continued in the same vein after the break and Belshaw made two outstanding stops early in the half, a close range effort from Ironside and another attempt by Smith. Just when it seemed it was a matter of time before the visitors scored again, Rovers broke away and scored themselves. With 56 minutes on the clock Aaron Collins, who has been in blistering form so far this season, left visiting defender Jubril Okedina trailing in his wake as he bombed down the left before delivering the perfect ball in to Coburn. The striker had anticipated the cross and gleefully smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range, thus becoming the second player this season, after Bobby Thomas, to score on his Rovers league debut. It can’t be denied that there were a few anxious moments for Rovers before the final whistle, but they dug in to take all three points and complete that aforementioned Varsity double! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons (McCormick, 78), Hoole, Thomas, Gordon, Rossiter, Finley (Coutts, 87), Evans (Clarke, 87), Collins (Jasper, 78), Loft, Coburn (Gibson, 67). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Saunders. Cambridge United: Mitov, Okedina (Lankester, 68), Jones, Taylor, Williams, Digby, Brophy, Smith, (Okenabirhie, 78), May (O’Neil, 62), Knibbs (Tracey, 78), Ironside. Substitutes: Rossi, Janneh, Mannion. ALSO Former Rovers defender George Williams was in the Cambridge side while another former Rovers player, Gary Waddock, is assistant head coach with the U’s Yellow cards were issued to James Belshaw, Josh Coburn, Aaron Collins and Ryan Loft Sam Finley was skipper and Paul Coutts took the armband when he was substituted Debut for Josh Coburn who became the second Rovers player, after Bobby Thomas, to score on his debut this season Five substitutes used Ten added minutes
Luca Hoole thinks he’s scored, but it was later given as an own goal.
Luke McCormick thinks about his next move!
Luca Hoole faced the press after the game.
Lewis Gordon on the ball.
MK Dons.
Stadium MK Tuesday 10th October 2022 MK Dons 0 Bristol Rovers 1 Evans (pen, 76) Referee: Scott Oldham Attendance: 6,466 In spite of a home win against Cambridge United just a few days earlier, manager Joe Barton still made three changes for the trip to face MK Dons at one of the best grounds outside of the Premier League. Skipper Paul Coutts was recalled, as was Luke McCormick and Lewis Gibson while the three to make way, Luca Hoole, Antony Evans and Sam Finley, all found themselves on the bench It was a shame, therefore, that only 6,466 spectators were inside the stadium as the game kicked off. As Rovers fans were quick to remark that the atmosphere reminded them of being in a library it wasn’t unreasonable to wonder why Bristol doesn’t have a stadium like this that both clubs could call home, thought I guess that idea isn’t palatable to many Gasheads reading this! I digress; back to the game and although Barton’s side began brightly it soon became obvious we weren’t going to be treated to a free flowing game of football. True, Gibson fired wide and Aaron Collins had a shot blocked early on, but we had to wait almost until the half time whistle before an excellent Rovers move almost ended in the game’s first goal. Josh Coburn found Collins wide on the right and the Rovers man got in a superb low cross as he saw Ryan Loft ready to pounce. Unfortunately for the Rovers striker, though, goalkeeper Jamie Cumming dived full length to touch away the cross as he slid in. At the other end the home side saw a shot from Matthew Smith blocked by the ever improving Jordan Rossiter. It wasn’t a half that will live long in the memory. Rovers seemed hesitant against one of the worst MK Dons side I can remember and I think I’ve only missed two of the previous 14 league encounters between the sides. Personally I felt that Rovers needed the width that Harry Anderson and Sylvester Jasper could provide. At least they would give the front two a service they had been lacking, but what do I know? Four minutes into the second half Bradley Johnson headed straight at James Belshaw while at the other end Loft hit a ferocious drive straight at Cumming. Then came Rovers best move to date, on 65 minutes, when James Gibbons hooked the ball into the box following corner out on the left and Gibson’s powerful header seemed destined for the top corner of the net until Cumming, at full stretch, somehow managed to touch the ball around the post. Rossiter flashed a shot just wide of the upright before, with 14 minutes left on the clock, Rovers won their first penalty of the season when Loft was hauled down by Johnson in the area. Substitute Evans, on in place of Josh Coburn, sent Cumming the wrong way with the resulting penalty and it was game over. Suprisingly, the goal did nothing to shake MK from their slumbers and at this rate they will be sleepwalking their way to relegation. MK Dons: Cumming, Jules, O’Hora, Lewington, Oyegoke, Smith (Barry, 80), Johnson, McEachran (Robson, 71), Harvie, Kayode (Dennis, 59), Grigg. Substitutes: Tucker, Holland, Grant, Ravizolli. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons (Hoole, 71), Thomas, Gibson, Gordon, Rossiter, Coutts, McCormick (Finley, 62), Collins (Anderson, 82), Loft, Coburn (Evans, 71). Substitutes: Jasper, Clarke, Jaakkola. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the MK Dons side, for whom Dean Lewington was playing his 777th league game Yellow cards were issued to Aaron Collins and Bobby Thomas Paul Coutts was skipper Four substitutes used Rovers were awarded their first penalty of the season Back to back league wins for the second time this season Eight added minutes
Stadium MK - unfortunately the side doesn't have a fanbase that can fill it!
It's a great ground though.
Ryan Loft gets away from his marker.
Acrobatics from Jordan Rossiter.
Antony Evans is spot on!
Cheltenham Town.
The Completely-Suzuki Stadium Saturday 15th October 2022 Cheltenham Town 1 Sercombe (pen, 54) Bristol Rovers 4 Collins (15 & 45+2), Evans (24), Thomas (42) Referee: Samuel Barrott Attendance: 5,145 Manager Joe Barton must look forward to the time he can name an unchanged side; it hasn’t happened yet this season, but it looks as though he’s getting closer! For this game against the Gloucestershire Robins he made just two changes from the side that beat MK Dons in midweek and they saw Antony Evans and Sam Finley return to the starting XI while the men they replaced, Luke McCormick and Josh Coburn dropped to the bench. Although there have been three cup meetings in recent years these sides hadn’t met in the league since 2013/14 and the last visit to Whaddon Road, now known as the Completely-Suzuki Stadium (what a mouthful that is!) was a goalless affair. On this occasion, once Rovers got into their stride, you just knew that this game would be full of goals as Barton’s side bossed proceedings from start to finish. Aaron Collins, who else, opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he capitalised on a horrendous mistake by home goalkeeper Luke Southwood and defender Ryan Jackson. The keeper rushed to the edge of his area to clear a long ball, but Jackson also went for the same ball. The calamity duo both missed it allowing Collins to nip in and roll the ball into an empty net. Eight minutes later Collins turned provider as his cross, from the left, to the back post saw Antony Evans rushing in to power a header into the Cheltenham net. Bobby Thomas scored the second goal of his fledgling Rovers career when he rose, unchallenged, to nod in number three following a Paul Coutts corner out on the left. That was in the 42nd minute and Collins made it four two minutes into first half stoppage time when central defender Caleb Taylor completely missed a long clearance by goalkeeper James Belshaw and, quick as a flash, the in form striker pounced to run on and slot in his eighth league goal of the campaign after rounding the hapless Southwood. Four first half shots on target and four first half goals. Could it get any better? It was the second time this season that Rovers have scored four in the first half of an away game (Burton Albion was the other) and the 1,430 Gasheads inside the motorbike ground! were hoping to see a goal at their end as all four goals had been scored in front of the home end. The fifth goal of the afternoon came at the same end, from the penalty spot. Jackson was fouled in the area – some said it was Finley, others said Coutts. Does it really matter, though? The resulting spot kick was emphatically converted by former Rovers midfielder Liam Sercombe. It wasn’t to be, unfortunately, but Rovers managed the game well without really exerting themselves. They always looked capable of stepping up a gear. Game management is what you call it, I think. Whilst it was an outstanding team performance, two players deserve an honourable mention; Collins, for his opportunism and non stop running and Coutts who put in a perfect skipper’s performance, encouraging and rollicking his team mates in equal measure. Cheltenham Town: Southwood, Long, Taylor, Freestone, Jackson, Sercombe, Bonds, Williams, Broom, Perry (Norton, 82), N’Lundulu (Olayinka, 82). Substitutes: Bradbury, Brown, Chapman, MacDonald, Adshead. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons, Thomas, Gibson (Hoole, 90), Gordon, Coutts, Finley (McCormick, 80), Rossiter (Anderson, 69), Evans, Collins (Clarke, 90), Loft (Coburn, 69). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Jasper. ALSO Former Rovers players Ryan Broom and Liam Sercombe were in the Cheltenham side while another former Rovers player, Marcus Bignot, is a member of the Cheltenham management team A yellow card was issued to Lewis Gibson Paul Coutts was skipper Five substitutes used Third successive league win Eight added minutes
Gasheads at Cheltenham
Another goal for Bobby Thomas.
Aaron Collins helped himself to two goals.
Antony Evans was also on the scoresheet.
Aaron Collins pictured during his post match chat with the media representatives.
Swindon Town. (Papa John's Trophy, Group match)
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 19th October 2022 Bristol Rovers 3 Loft (63), Anderson (77), McCormick (83) Swindon Town 0 Referee: David Rock Attendance: 1,700 After the last group game against Crystal Palace U-21’s, manager Joe Barton had threatened to field a youth team for this final group game against Swindon Town. He didn’t do that, but he did make ten changes from the side that had so comprehensively beaten Cheltenham Town the previous Saturday. Bobby Thomas was the only survivor from that side while Jerry Lawrence was the only youth team player to get a run out. As for Swindon, already destined to finish bottom of the group, they made nine changes to their starting XI though they gave a good account of themselves in the early exchanges. Former Rovers defender Cian Harries was included in their lineup. Lawrence saw an early shot blocked by a Swindon defender, while Anssi Jaakkola saved smartly from Morgan Roberts before Rovers were handed a one man advantage 13 minutes before the break when Ciaran Brennan, already booked for a foul on Harry Anderson, hauled down Josh Coburn. It was another yellow card offence and referee David Rock had no choice but to send the Swindon man trudging towards the tunnel. Two minutes before the break he was joined back in the dressing room by team mate Ricky Aguiar who received a straight red for a late challenge on Alfie Kilgour. As a result, the nine men of Swindon faced an uphill battle against a Rovers side made stronger with the half time introduction of striker Ryan Loft followed, midway through the half, by a triple change that saw Barton send on Sam Finley, Antony Evans and Aaron Collins. By that time Loft had already broken the deadlock with a 63rd minute goal of sublime quality. The big striker had already headed one opportunity over the bar but, when played in by Sylvester Jasper, he calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Solomon Brynn who had rushed off his line in an attempt to clear. Once behind, there was no way back for the nine man Wiltshire Robins and it seemed only a matter of time before Rovers would add to their goal tally. The second goal duly arrived 13 minutes from time, thanks to Harry Anderson who brought the ball under control on the edge of the area and lashed a shot into the top corner of the net, giving Brynn absolutely no chance of saving. That wasn’t the end of the goalscoring as Luke McCormick added the first goal of his second spell with the club seven minutes from time when he finished off what was probably his best game since his return when he was played in by Trevor Clarke and eased past his marker before slotting the ball past Brynn. At that point in the evening Rovers headed the group and were guaranteed a home game in the knockout stages. However, Plymouth Argyle’s late goal against Crystal Palace U-21’s down at Home Park saw them finish as group leaders. Second placed Rovers will face an away trip unless they draw another Premier League U-21 side which would guarantee another game at the Mem. Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Hoole, Kilgour, Thomas (Evans, 68), Clarke, Anderson, Lawrence (Loft, 46), Westbrooke (Finley, 68), McCormick, Jasper, Coburn (Collins, 68). Substitutes: Belshaw, Gordon, Coutts. Swindon Town: Brynn, Lavginier, Iandolo, Brennan, Harries, Reed, Aguiar, Darcy (Minturn, 34), Parsons (Adeloye, 59), Roberts, Shade. Substituites: Brann, Fox, Keyes, Cowmeadow, Massey. ALSO Former Rovers defender Cian Harries was in the Swindon Town side while former goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall is a member of the Swindon management team No yellow cards Alfie Kilgour was skipper Four substitutes used Fifth consecutive win in all competitions Five added minutes
The mem looks a bit empty!
Harry Anderson on the ball.
A determined Josh Coburn in action.
A rare appearance for Zain Westbrooke.
Plymouth Argyle.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 22nd October 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 Coburn (48), Collins (57) Plymouth Argyle 2 Azaz (14), Randell (45+2) Referee: Christopher Pollard Attendance: 9,258 Prior to kick off manager Joe Barton revealed that skipper Paul Coutts could be missing from action for a few weeks following a training ground injury and, as if to confirm that point the influential midfielder made his way across the pitch to the dugout on crutches and wearing a protective boot. The manager also revealed that on loan midfielder Sylvester Jasper had returned to his parent club, Fulham. He would later elaborate on the reasons for that move in his post match press conference but, reading between the lines, the player wasn’t happy with his lack of game time. It might also have had something to do with the fact that Barton had signed free agent and former Rovers Academy graduate Scott Sinclair earlier in the week and he duly took his place on the bench as he began his second spell as a Rovers player. Argyle came to the Mem as league leaders and their first half performance showed why, and how, they have reached that position. Rovers, let’s not forget, came into the game on the back of a six game unbeaten run and having won their last three league games, so the stage was set for an epic encounter and we weren’t to be disappointed. The visitors gained the upper hand with a 14th minute goal of stunning quality from on loan Aston Villa midfielder Finn Azaz who curled a left foot shot that went in off the post. It truly was a magnificent effort. Aaron Collins missed a gilt edged opportunity to equalise when he found himself in a one on one situation with goalkeeper Michael Cooper, but the shot stopper came out on top in this particular duel and the opportunity wasn’t taken. Then came another stunning Argyle goal two minutes into first half stoppage time. Adam Randell collected a clearance 25 yards from goal and lashed a shot past James Belshaw. Barton decided to change tactics at the start of the second half, sacrificing Luca Hoole for striker Josh Coburn and playing three up top. He was rewarded two minutes into the second half when Collins crossed from the right and Coburn bundled the ball over the line at the near post. There were half hearted complaints from the Argyle defenders that the striker had handled, but the goal stood. Rovers, roared on by the majority of the 9,258 crowd, were in the ascendancy and Argyle on the ropes and so it came as no surprise when the equaliser arrived. Inevitably, it was Collins who scored at the end of a move started by Jordan Rossiter and aided by a Ryan Loft backheel. When the ball reached Collins he did what he does best and stroked the ball past Michael Cooper to register his ninth league goal of the campaign. After a constant battering, Argyle did venture forward late on, while Rovers kept searching for an opening that would give them all three points. Late on Sinclair was sent on in an attempt to break the deadlock, some 17 years and 196 days since his last appearance in a Rovers shirt. He didn’t manage it, but what a game! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole (Coburn, 46), Thomas, Gibson, Gordon, Rossiter, Finley, Evans, Anderson (Gibbons, 65), Loft (Sinclair, 89), Collins (McCormick, 83). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Clarke, Saunders. Plymouth Argyle: Cooper, Wilson, Lonwijk, Galloway, Mumba, Houghton, Randell (Butcher, 77), Edwards (Grant, 67), Whittaker (Hardie, 62), Azaz, Ennis. Substitutes: Burton, Craske, Jenkins-Davies, Edworthy. ALSO Former Rovers player Mark Hughes is a member of the Plymouth Argyle management team Yellow card issued to Ryan Loft Sam Finley was skipper Seven games undefeated in all competitions Four substitutes used Seven added minutes
The mem awaits Gasheads and Greens!
Aaron Collins hit the goal trail again.
Antony Evans tries to get past his marker.
Bobby Thomas gets a header away.
Sheffield Wednesday.
Hillsborough Wednesday 26th October 2022 Sheffield Wednesday 1 Smith (45+2) Bristol Rovers 1 Coburn (60) Referee: Oliver Langford Attendance: 22,006 After taking a point against league leaders Plymouth Argyle, Rovers travelled to Yorkshire to take on third placed Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Once again manager Joe Barton made changes to his starting XI, leaving Harry Anderson and Luca Hoole on the bench whilst bringing in Josh Coburn and James Gibbons. Although Wednesday made the early running and were out of the blocks quickly, the first real chance of the game fell to Rovers with only five minutes on the clock. Loft won possession inside the Wednesday half, allowing Aaron Collins to seize on the ball. He raced into the area where he faced a one on one situation with goalkeeper David Stockdale. The striker delayed his shot, though, and the shot stopper was able to save with his legs. At the other end Bobby Thomas made the first of several important blocks of the evening and Lee Gregory headed over while Josh Windass saw his effort saved by James Belshaw. Having surrendered possession to the home side for close on 15 minutes Rovers gradually played their way into the game and the Wednesday fans, so noisy at the start of the match, were silenced when they realised it wasn’t going to be an anticipated walkover for their side. James Gibbons almost opened the scoring with an own goal, but Belshaw managed to save to ease his team mates blushes but then, with Rovers seemingly heading to the half time break all square, they conceded the night’s opener. We were deep into stoppage time when George Byers was allowed too much time by Lewis Gordon and he was able to cross to Michael Smith who powered a header past Belshaw to give Wednesday the lead. If anyone thought that sgnalled the end for Rovers then they were very much mistaken as Barton’s side came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half, though Belshaw did make one outstanding save from Lee Gregory in the 53rd minute after Gordon was again caught out down the left. On the hour mark, though, and in front of 780 travelling Gasheads who included former loan defender Connor Taylor in their ranks, Rovers conjured up a magical equaliser. Evans collected the ball some thirty yards from goal and sent the ball forward to Collins. However, the striker sold the Wednesday defence a dummy and allowed the ball to pass between his legs. Waiting behind him for the opportunity was Coburn, who calmly lifted the ball over Stockdale and into the roof of the net. It was the striker’s third goal in five league games and after the game he was dubbed the Teesside Haaland by goalkeeper Belshaw. That was the end of the scoring for the night, but not the drama; with three minutes remaining Anderson became the first Rovers substitute to be substituted this season when he went off with what was later thought to be a groin strain. And then, with the 90 minutes up, Belshaw produced the save of the evening when he spectacularly touched Smith’s header over the bar and Stockdale, not to be outdone, saved with his legs once more to deny Collins. Sheffield Wednesday: Stockdale, Palmer, Ihiekwe, McGuinness, Brown (Wilks, 68), Johnson, Byers, Bannan, Windass, Smith, Gregory (Dele-Bashiru, 79). Substitutes: Dawson, Iorfa, Mighten, Paterson, Vaulks. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons, Thomas, Gibson, Gordon, Evans, Rossiter, Finley, Collins, Coburn (Sinclair, 81), Loft (Anderson, 31) (McCormick (87). Substitutes: Connolly, Clarke, Hoole, Jaakkola. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Sheffield Wednesday side Yellow card issued to Jordan Rossiter Sam Finley was skipper Three substitutes used First time this season a Rovers substitute (Harry Anderson) is substituted Eight games undefeated in all competitions Game was live on SKY Ten added minutes
Josh Coburn was back on the goal trail.
Ryan Loft gets a shot away.
Jordan Rossiter challenges Barry Bannan.
Gasheads at Hillsborough.
James Belshaw speaks to the media representatives after the game.
Derby County.
Pride Park Saturday 29th October 2022 Derby County 4 McGoldrick (5,24, 40), Collins (12) Bristol Rovers 2 Thomas (35), Evans (45+3 (pen)) Referee: Martin Coy Attendance:27,841 Although they played two FA Cup ties at Pride Park in the noughties, this was Rovers’ first ever visit to that venue for a league match. Once again manager Joe Barton was forced to make changes to his starting XI. Ryan Loft, who limped out of the game at Hillsborough three days earlier, was missing, as was Lewis Gibson who picked up a slight injury in the same game and was a non starter this time. In came Luke McCormick, surely overdue a performance after struggling to make an impression in his second spell at the club, and Luca Hoole who was handed the left sided central defensive role. That latter selection did seem a little bit strange, given that recognised central defenders Alfie Kilgour and James Connolly were on the bench. Backed by an away following of almost 3,100, Rovers were playing their third crucial game in a week and, following their showing against Sheffield Wednesday, many of that amazing away support were backing them to return to Bristol with three points under their belts. Those thoughts were quickly blown out of the water by a Derby side keen to impress their own fans and they quickly raced into a three goal lead. David McGoldrick struck first, after only five minutes. A poor pass by James Gibbons who was attempting to find Hoole, was intercepted by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing who found McGoldrick and he raced on to beat James Belshaw quite comfortably. Seven minutes later, a corner from the right was glanced on by Haydon Roberts and there, waiting at the back post and completely unmarked, was James Collins who was left with the simplest of tap ins. McGoldrick scored again after 24 minutes when he turned Hoole and fired a fierce shot into the roof of the net. Bobby Thomas pulled a goal back for Rovers, hitting a tremendous shot high into the roof of the Derby net when the ball rebounded to him after the home side’s inability to clear Josh Coburn’s header. That was in the 35th minute, but five minutes later McGoldrick claimed his hat trick when he dispossessed Thomas, who was trying to play his way out of trouble at the back and hit a shot past Belshaw from a tight angle. Three minutes into first half stoppage time Rovers again reduced the deficit, Antony Evans firing home a penalty after Coburn had been brought down by Craig Forsyth. It gave hope of a possible dramatic second half comeback, but that never materialised as the home side comfortably saw out the second half with consummate ease. For Barton’s side, it was probably a game to far in what had been a hectic week. There were positives, though, and that came in the shape of the manager’s substitutions; both James Connolly and Scott Sinclair showed enough to be considered for starts very soon. The unfortunate Trevor Clarke, though, may have to wait for another opportunity after he became the second Rovers substitute to be substituted in consecutive games and yet the crude challenge which eventually left him unable to continue, saw hat trick hero McGoldrick go unpunished. Derby County: Wildsmith, Mendez-Laing (Thompson, 80), Cashin, Forsyth, Roberts, Smith, Bird, Hourihane, Dobbin (Sibley, 67), Collins, McGoldrick (Osula, 71). Substitutes: Stearman, Loach, Oduroh, Rooney. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons, Hoole (Connolly, 57), Thomas, Gordon (Clarke, 57) (Saunders, 85), Finley, Rossiter, McCormick (Sinclair, 57), Evans, Collins, Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Westbrooke. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Derby County side A yellow card was issued to Lewis Gordon Sam Finley was skipper Four substitutes used Second consecutive game when a Rovers substitute (Trevor Clarke) has been substituted Rovers play in front of 49,847 fans in the space of three days Nine added minutes
Pride Park awaits a Gas invasion.
Antony Evans celebrates his goal.
Scott Sinclair in a Derby sandwich!
A determined run by Sam Finley.
James Connolly faced the media afterwards.
November.
Rochdale. (F.A. Cup 1)
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 5th November 2022 Bristol Rovers 1 Sinclair (65) Rochdale 0 Referee: Will Finnie Attendance 4,679
I have to say I’m no longer convinced about the so called magic of the FA Cup even though I think it’s one of the greatest cup competitions around. Over the years its status has, in my opinion, been devalued by Premier League sides, and even many in the Championship, fielding weakened sides against so called inferior opposition – until they get within shouting distance of a Wembley Final and a possible place in Europe, of course! Over 4,500 hardy souls arrived at the Memorial Stadium for a game against Rochdale in the first round of this year’s competition eager, no doubt, to see goals as last year’s two league encounters produced 13 of them, with Rovers scoring four on both occasions. Promotion has left us a division above the Dale and for this encounter we saw Scott Sinclair make his first ever start for the club, some 17 years and 210 days after his initial substitute appearance on Boxing Day 2004. He replaced Josh Coburn whose parent club, Middlesbrough, didn’t want him cup tied, while James Connolly replaced Luca Hoole who was relegated to the bench. If I say that the first half was distinctly underwhelming, apart from the class shown on the ball by Sinclair, then you will gather that it was devoid of any notable moments, though here were two occasions when it looked as though the deadlock might be broken. Aaron Collins saw his tenth minute effort turned round the post by Richard O’Donnell, while at the other end Bobby Thomas almost gave the visitors the lead with a spectacular own goal on the stroke of half time. The defender slid in to clear a cross from the right, but succeeded only in touching the ball on to the near post, with James Belshaw well beaten. Fortunately, the rebound was kind and dropped straight at the keeper’s feet, sparing defensive blushes all round. Rochdale, who stuck rigidly to a 4-5-1 formation during the opening period, were a little more adventurous after the break. Six minutes after the restart that wily old fox Ian Henderson should have scored the goal that would have seen him break the Rochdale goalscoring record. A younger version of the striker would have tucked his chance away, but the veteran version sliced a golden opportunity wide of the upright. Belshaw then made an outstanding save from Devante Rodney as the visitors sensed that they had a chance of progressing to the second round. They reckoned without Sinclair, though. With 65 minutes on the clock Antony Evans crossed from the right, James Gibbons nodded on to the back post to Sinclair who arrived unnoticed by the Dale defenders and calmly slotted home from close range. The goal was enough to settle the tie, though there were other goalscoring opportunities. Sinclair might have scored again but was denied by the legs of O’Donnell, while Belshaw saved well from Jimmy Keohane before the final whistle. Joe Barton’s side did just about enough to win, while the magic of the cup came in the form of a first start and first goal for the returning Sinclair. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons, Thomas, Connolly, Gordon, Finley, Rossiter, McCormick (Saunders, 63), Evans (Clarke, 79), Sinclair (Whelan, 79), Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Hoole, Kilgour, Westbrooke. Rochdale: O’Donnell, Keohane, Graham, Ebanks-Landell, John (Seriki, 66), Kelly (L) (Brierley, 40), Diagouraga (Sinclair, 86), Rodney (Kelly (O), 86), Ball (Malley, 66), Odoh, Henderson. Substitutes: McNulty, Nelson, Rayhaan, Kelly (B). ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Rochdale side A yellow card was issued to James Gibbons Sam Finley was skipper Three substitutes used First Rovers goal for Scott Sinclair Seven added minutes
The view from the press box.
Welcome!
Goalscorer Scott Sinclair in the thick of the action.
James Gibbons gets in a challenge.
Luke McCormick keeps his eye on the ball.
Fleetwood.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 12th November 2022 Bristol Rovers 2 Coburn (58), Collins (80) Fleetwood Town 2 Rooney (14 & 90 + 9) Referee: Robert Madden Attendance 8,829 With former Fleetwood manager Joe Barton now in charge at Rovers and a couple of his former Fleetwood players now at the Mem, this promised to be quite a game. With Antony Evans making his 50th league start for the club the manager made two changes to his starting XI; when will he ever be able to name an unchanged side? Josh Coburn and Lewis Gibson returned to the side at the expense of James Connolly and Luke McCormick though the changes had little effect on a poor first half performance when the visitors looked the better side by far. It came as little surprise when Fleetwood took the lead after just 14 minutes. It came after Shaun Rooney picked up on Lewis Gibson’s clearance and lashed the ball past James Belshaw. His goal celebrations in front of the Thatcher’s End didn’t go down well with Gasheads and he antagonised them even more on two later occasions when kicking the ball into the crowd after it had gone out of play. It was 39 minutes before Rovers fashioned their best chance of the half and then Gibson headed over from an Evans free kick with only goalkeeper Jay Lynch to beat. Barton, no doubt as frustrated as anyone with his side’s first half showing, made a change at the break and elected to switch from a back four to a back three, bringing on Connolly for James Gibbons and deploying Scott Sinclair and Lewis Gordon as wing backs. It worked a treat and Rovers took the game to their visitors from the off. The pressure was relentle4ss and with Aaron Collins leading Fleetwood a merry dance it seemed only a matter of time before Barton’s side would draw level. The equaliser duly arrived with 58 minutes on the clock and it was the industry of Collins that let to Coburn scoring his fourth goal in only his fifth league start; he just happened to time his run into the box to perfection to slam a low cross from the left from his strike partner high into the roof of the net. Collins squandered two good goalscoring opportunities as Rovers continued to dominate, one effort landing on the roof of the net and the other drifting agonisingly wide of the upright. He wasn’t to be denied, though, and with ten minutes remaining he rose above defender Josh Earl and planted a firm header beyond Lynch and into the net to put his side ahead. With tempers becoming frayed out on the pitch and Barton still apparently seething that referee Bobby Madden had denied his side what he thought was a blatant penalty following a foul on Collins (the striker was booked for simulation) the manager was shown a red card in the 89th minute after confronting the match official. Seconds later the fourth official indicated there would be a minimum of seven minutes added time. In the ninth minute of those seven (work that one out!), Fleetwood equalised when Rooney capitalised on some poor defending to head into the bottom corner. Wisely, perhaps, the manager didn’t undertake press duties post match but handed responsibility to his deputy, and another former Fleetwood man, Andy Mangan. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Gibbons (Connolly, 46), Thomas, Gibson, Gordon, Finley, Rossiter, Evans, Sinclair (Hoole, 86), Collins (Marquis, 90), Coburn (Saunders (90 + 4). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Clarke, McCormick Fleetwood Town: Lynch, Baker (Holgate, 65), Nsiala, Earl, Rooney, Sarpong-Wiredu (Batty, 72), Vela, Warrington (Lane, 86), Andrew, Morton (Omochere, 72), Mendes-Gomez (Garner (J), 86). Substitutes: Stolarczyk, Garner (G). ALSO No former Rovers players in the Fleetwood Town side Yellow cards were issued to Lewis Gordon, Aaron Collins, Jordan Rossiter and James Belshaw Manager Joe Barton was issued with a red card Sam Finley was skipper Ten added minutes Fleetwood’s equaliser came in the ninth minute of second half added time even though the board showed only seven!
Remembrance weekend was observed prior to kick off
Tempers became a little bit frayed!
Aaron Collins was again on the goal trail.
Aaron Collins was on press duty.
Peterborough United.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 19th November 2022 Bristol Rovers 1-0 Peterborough United Sinclair (53) Referee: Peter Wright Attendance 8,635 Peterborough United arrived at the Memorial Stadium in fourth place despite losing the same number of games (seven) as their hosts; just one draw as opposed to the six managed by Rovers was the difference. Joe Barton made one change to his starting XI and that saw James Connolly return in place of James Gibbons, a switch that had proved so successful in the second half of the game against Fleetwood Town seven days earlier. Although they put in a strong first half performance, Rovers had no goals to show for their efforts and failed to take advantage of the possession they enjoyed. Nevertheless, Barton’s switch from a back four to a back three, with Scott Sinclair and Lewis Gordon operating as wing backs on the right and left respectively, seemed to give a better balance to the side and Peterborough were no match for them. They might not have scored in that opening 45 minutes, but Aaron Collins was denied a goal by Lucas Bergstrom’s fine save while Antony Evans might have done better when presented with two good opportunities just after the midway point of the half. As for Peterborough, an early Jack Marriott effort, deflected through to James Belshaw, was all they could manage. The second half began with Rovers continuing where they had left off in the first; in the ascendancy, and it came as no surprise when they finally broke the deadlock just eight minutes after the restart. When Collins found Sam Finley with his pass, the skipper had options to his left and to his right, but he spotted the run of Sinclair into the box and picked him out with an inch perfect pass. There was no hurried shot from the player who has returned to the club where it all began, but a sublime left foot effort curled around the keeper and into the net. Cue scenes of celebration from Sinclair as he slid on his knees in front of the Thatcher’s End to celebrate his first ever Rovers league goal. Peterborough’s hopes of a comeback were dented on 76 minutes when they were reduced to ten men following the red card brandished to Ronnie Edwards. The defender brought down Josh Coburn, who had already shrugged off one illegal tackle, and was deemed to be the last man so was shown red by referee Peter Wright. By this time former Gas striker Jonson Clarke-Harris had entered the fray for Peterborough and there were a few hearts in mouths when he lined up an 84th minute free kick from a distance Gasheads were used to seeing him score from. On this occasion, though, he blasted his effort over the bar. He then glanced a headed wide of the target before Belshaw pulled off the save of the match when he denied Ricky Jade-Jones what would have been an undeserved equaliser. This really was an outstanding team performance by Barton’s side and although Sinclair was voted Man of the Match, there really was only one player deserving of that accolade and that was skipper Finley who totally bossed the show. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas, Connolly, Gibson, Sinclair, Finley, Rossiter, Evans (Gibbons 90 + 4), Gordon, Collins, Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Clarke, McCormick, Saunders, Marquis. Peterborough United: Bergstrom, Thompson (N), Kent, Edwards, Butler (Knight, 79), Fuchs, Kyprianou (Randall, 62), Poku (Jade-Jones, 46), Burrows, Mason-Clarke (Thompson (B), 62), Marriott (Clarke-Harris, 62). Substitutes: Watts, Blackmore. ALSO Former Rovers striker Jonson Clarke-Harris entered the fray as a second half substitute A yellow card was issued to Bobby Thomas Sam Finley was skipper One substitute used First Rovers league goal for Scott Sinclair Ten added minutes
Quite a celebration from Scott Sinclair!
Josh Coburn has Peterborough diving at his feet!
A determined run by Aaron Collins.
Colchester United. Papa John's Trophy.
There weren't many more people there by the time the game kicked off!
The teams are out!
John Marquis goes close.
Bobby Thomas heads clear.
Boreham Wood, F.A.Cup 2.
The Memorial Stadium Sunday 27th November 2022 Bristol Rovers 0 Boreham Wood 2 Evans (18), Stephens (30) Referee: Samuel Barrott Attendance: 4,769 We were told, before kick off, that illness had swept through the Rovers camp ahead of this second round FA Cup tie, and whilst the cynical amongst supporters might have said the club were getting in their excuses early, Joe Barton’s team selection reflected the fact that some of his best players were unavailable. National League side Boreham Wood, who reached the fifth round of last season’s competition before bowing out against Everton at Goodison Park, were certainly going to be no pushovers this season, and so it proved. Skipper for the afternoon was James Connolly who, at 21, is certainly one of the youngest to wear the armband in recent times though Lewis Hogg was only 19 years and 249 days old when he led the team out against Derby in the FA Cup some twenty years ago. The visitors, who sat just outside the National League play off places before kick off, were led by 37 year old manager Luke Garrard who had made no secret of how he had analysed Rovers. He said he had identified a weakness in Rovers defending from set pieces and that he doubted his side would play too much football on the ground. His comments proved to be spot on, as we shall see. Rovers were the brighter of the two sides for the opening 15 minutes and after Antony Evans had curled a shot wide Aaron Collins, enjoying a great deal of freedom down the right, saw a shot blocked by James Fyfield while Ryan Loft’s ambitious overhead kick also missed the target. And then came the opening goal for the visitors, from a corner. There were 18 minutes on the clock when Zak Brunt played the ball to the unmarked George Broadbent on the edge of the area and his first time shot looked to take a deflection on its way into the net. It did, and it later transpired that it had hit his team mate Will Evans who was credited with the goal. Rovers couldn’t seem to muster a response and clearly one or two players were underperforming; possibly the effects of the illness we had already been told of. Things got worse for Barton’s side on the half hour mark as the visitors scored again when, following another corner schoolboy defending afforded David Stephens the opportunity to loop a header over a stranded James Belshaw. The manager, who had remained passive in his technical area in the first half had obviously made his feelings clear in the dressing room during the interval as he made four changes to his side at the start of the second half. I suspect his hardest decision was knowing which four to replace as the first half performance was so poor he could well have sent on 11 new players! The second half display was marginally better, though nowhere near good enough and although Harvey Saunders and Luke McCormick saw efforts blocked and keeper Nathan Ashmore save another Saunders effort, it never looked as though Rovers would score and they limped out of this season’s FA Cup at the second hurdle. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas (Gibbons, 46), Connolly, Gibson, Sinclair, Evans (McCormick, 46), Whelan (Finley, 46), Gordon (Clarke, 46), Collins, Loft (Saunders, 66), Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Hoole. Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Evans, Stephens, Fyfield, Coxe, Broadbent, Payne, Brunt (Rees, 76), Ilesanmi, Ndlovu (Marsh, 71), Newton. Substitutes: Elliott, Lewis, Williams, Sousa, Andrade. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Boreham Wood side James Connolly was skipper though Sam Finley took the armband when he went on at the start of the second half A yellow card was issued to Trevor Clarke Five substitutes used Eight added minutes
Storm Clouds over the Mem!
Bobby Thomas gets in a challenge.
Sam Finley on the ball.
No FA Cup goal for Josh Coburn.
December.
Bolton Wanderers.
University of Bolton Stadium Friday 2nd December 2022 Bolton Wanderers 1 Charles (90+3) Bristol Rovers 1 Coburn (2) Referee: Robert Lewis Attendance: 16,786 I have to admit to not being there for this game because, after hundreds of negative Covid tests and an arm like a pin cushion I tested positive in the build up to the match. This report, therefore, owes much to the written reports I’ve read and to the commentary I listened to on Radio Bristol whilst watching THE World Cup match between Brazil and Cameroon at the same time! Once again the manager rang the changes following the FA Cup defeat to Boreham Wood. Into the starting lineup came skipper Sam Finley, fellow midfielder Jordan Rossiter and Trevor Clarke. Out went Lewis Gordon, who was attending a family funeral, Glenn Whelan and Ryan Loft who was suffering from the illness that had spread through the camp. The side couldn’t have made a better start, as they were ahead after only 70 seconds. Aaron Collins received the ball straight from kick off and picked out the run of Antony Evans down the right. He, in turn, delivered a low cross into the Bolton area where Josh Coburn was on hand to force the ball over the line from close range. It was the on loan Middlesbrough striker’s fifth goal in nine league games and two of those nine outings have been from the bench! The goal frustrated the home supporters, who had turned up anticipating an easy ride against a fellow League One side dumped out of the FA Cup by non league opposition in their previous game. While Rovers remained composed for most of the opening period, the home side did threaten on one or two occasions. James Belshaw touched one effort from Elias Kachunga over the bar and Dapo Afolayan sent a shot over the bar, while Jon Dadi Bodvarsson saw his effort saved by Belshaw as the half drew to a close. The second half was mostly one way traffic towards Belshaw’s goal, though dogged defensive work from Rovers kept their opponents at bay. With 15 minutes remaining Belshaw again came to his side’s rescue. When Dion Charles capitalised on a defensive slip and raced clear it seemed odds on that he would score, though Belshaw had other ideas and touched the substitutes’ shot round the post. A Kieron Sadlier attempt was blocked by the massed ranks of Rovers defenders but, with midfielder Amadou Bakayoko driving them on, Bolton applied constant pressure on Rovers’ back line. That pressure finally paid off three minutes into the five minutes of second half stoppage time when, after a succession of corners, the ball was cleared as far as Charles who curled a shot into the roof of the net for an equaliser his side will claim they deserved. They are probably right, but when you concede an equaliser so deep into stoppage time, it feels like a defeat rather than a draw and it’s not the first time it’s happened to Barton’s side this season. Nevertheless, it was another point gained on the road and left his side ensconced in mid table with a similar number of points to many of those around them. Bolton Wanderers: Trafford, Jones, Toal, Johnston, Bradley, Morley, Thomasson (Williams, 36), Beck (Sadlier, 73), Alofayan, Kachunga (Bakayoko, 63), Bodvarsson (Charles, 55). Substitutes: Sheehan, Iredale, Lee. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas, Connolly, Gibson, Sinclair, Evans, Rossiter, Finley, Clarke (Gibbons, 68), Collins (McCormick, 90+2), Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Marquis, Saunders, Whelan. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Bolton side though former player Ali Gibb is their Senior Academy Physiotherapist Yellow cards were issued to Lewis Gibson, Sam Finley and Trevor Clarke Sam Finley was skipper Two substitutes used Ten added minutes
Trevoe Clarke and Jordan Rossiter pictured during the warm up.
Waiting for a crowd!
Lewis Gibson looks for his next pass.
Josh Coburn wins this challenge.
Sam Finley and Trevor Clarke are determined to win the ball.
Port Vale.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 10th December 2022 Bristol Rovers 1 Collins (87) Port Vale 0 Referee: Carl Brook Attendance: 8,264 An eagerly awaited game between two sides promoted out of League Two last season saw former Rovers boss Darrell Clarke and former Gas striker Ellis Harrison return to the Memorial Stadium. A minute’s applause was planned in the 18th minute, in memory of Darrell’s daughter Ellie, who took her own life earlier this year, was planned by Gasheads and it was duly observed by everyone inside the ground at the appointed time. Prior to that we had received news of two absentees from Joe Barton’s starting XI. Sam Finley and Trevor Clarke were injured in a training ground clash which, apparently, aggravated underlying medical problems neither player realised existed! Finley had a calf strain and was likely to be missing for up to two weeks, while Clarke’s injury was described as a thigh/groin problem likely to keep him out for up to 12 weeks. That meant a return for skipper Paul Coutts, who had been missing through injury since the middle of October and Lewis Gordon, who had missed the Bolton game as he was attending a family funeral. The visitors started the game brightly and James Belshaw saved well from Dennis Politic in only the second minute. The keeper then denied Harrison a goal against his former side when he touched the striker’s effort round the post. At the other end Josh Coburn, who was fouled almost every time the ball went up to him, flashed a shot wide of the upright. It was no goal on that occasion, and neither was a foul given against Vale in the build up. Coburn, for all his brilliance at the tender age of 20, should go down more under the rough treatment meted out to him. At the moment he’s far too honest! Following that opening flurry Vale retreated into a defensive formation, leaving Harrison a forlorn and dejected figure up front. It was almost as though the game plan had been to score early on and then defend for the rest of the game. When that plan failed, it seemed they wanted to protect the point they had at all costs. Goalkeeper Jack Stevens wasted time at every opportunity and was warned by referee Carl Brook that he would be booked if he persisted and that was in the first half. Needless to say he persisted and the card stayed in the ref’s pocket! It was goalless at half time and although the pace of the game quickened slightly after the break, there really wasn’t much to shout about. Vale seldom got over the halfway line and invited Rovers to monopolise possession and while Coburn saw one effort saved by Stevens and Collins and Sinclair went close to breaking the deadlock, it seemed that Rovers were heading for their first goalless draw of the season. However, we reckoned without Aaron Collins who managed to get on the scoresheet with just three minutes remaining. Coburn flicked the ball on to John Marquis and he, in turn, found Collins. Although subdued for most of the afternoon the striker conjured up a little bit of magic and fired a shot low in to the bottom corner of the net for his eleventh goal of the season. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas, Connolly, Gibson, Sinclair (Gibbons, 90), Coutts, Rossiter, Gordon, Evans (Marquis, 64), Collins (Whelan, 90), Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Kilgour, Saunders, McCormick. Port Vale: Stevens, Smith, Jones (Forrester, 79), Hall, Worrall, Garrity, Conlon, Benning, Politic (Butterworth, 64), Wilson (Massey, 64), Harrison (Odubeko, 70). Substitutes: Cass, Holden, Pett ALSO Former Rovers striker Ellis Harrison was in the Port Vale side and former Rovers manager Darrell Clarke was Vale’s boss A yellow card was issued to Paul Coutts Coutts was skipper Three substitutes used
Tickets being collected.
An unusual challenge from Scott Sinclair.
Antony Evans on the ball.
Aaron Collins is challenged by the Port Vale keeper.
Christmas came early to The Mem!
MK Dons. (Papa John's Trophy)
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 13th December 2022 Bristol Rovers 4 Hoole (33), Marquis (54 & 67), Saunders (71) Mk Dons 1 Eisa (pen, 80) Referee: Declan Bourne Attendance: 864 Just a few months ago, following an EFL Trophy tie group stage match against a robust Crystal Palace U-21 side, manager Joe Barton told the media representatives at his post match press conference that he would be fielding a youth team in the final group match of the competition. He didn’t do that, of course, and his side made it through the group stage as runners up, beat Colchester United in the first knockout tie and were now facing MK Dons in the last 16 of the competition. The visitors, already beaten by Rovers on their own ground in league action in October, arrived at the Mem with a temporary manager in charge in the shape of defender Dean Lewington, a player with 902 first class appearances to his name. Lewington was taking charge following the weekend sacking of boss Liam Manning and his entire management team and he made seven changes to the starting lineup. Somewhat surprisingly, perhaps, Barton named quite a strong Rovers side that included Aaron Collins and Jordan Rossiter, who took the captain’s armband for the evening. Rovers took charge of proceedings from the off and Collins looked certain to give Rovers an early lead but, when played in by Lewis Gordon, he skewed the ball wide of goal and ended up in a crumpled heap in the back of the net. It transpired that he had been challenged as he went to shoot and had stud marks from the back of his knee down to his ankle. The striker could barely walk as he was helped around the pitch to the dressing room, with fears that the injury could keep him out of the side for a lengthy spell. Surprisingly it took 33 minutes for Rovers to register their first goal of the evening and it came from an unlikely source, in the shape of Luca Hoole. When an Antony Evans corner was cleared, Rossiter picked up the loose ball and crossed to the back post where Hoole headed home from close range. Deep into first half stoppage time Rovers lost their skipper who signalled to the bench that he was unable to continue and he disappeared down the tunnel to be replaced by Paul Coutts. A second goal arrived on 54 minutes and came after a cross from Evans was mishit by Coburn but coming in behind him was John Marquis, who made no mistake from close range. The third goal, just 13 minutes later, saw Marquis double his tally for the evening. Running on to Coburn’s header, he decided to shoot first time and beat goalkeeper Jamie Cumming from the edge of the area. Harvey Saunders added a fourth goal just a minute after being sent on as a substitute, beating Cumming with a left foot effort after a cross from Luke McCormick. Eight minutes after coming on as a replacement for Bobby Thomas, Alfie Kilgour was red carded for a foul on yellow substitute Mo Eisa. It looked to be a harsh decision and was compounded by the fact that a penalty was also awarded and Eisa scored his side’s consolation from the spot Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Gibbons, Hoole, Thomas (Kilgour, 70), Connolly, Gordon (Sinclair, 70), McCormick, Rossiter (Coutts, 45+1), Evans, Collins (Coburn, 14) (Saunders, 70), Marquis. Substitutes: Belshaw, Westbrooke. MK Dons: Cumming, Tucker, Oyegoke, Lawrence, Jules, Robson, Devoy, Smith (Grant, 64), Johnson, Barry (Dennis, 64), Grigg (Eisa, 70). Substitutes: Ravizzoli, Kemp, Harvie, Ilunga. ALSO No former Rovers players involved for MK Dons A yellow cards was issued to Luke McCormick A red card was issued to Alfie Kilgour Jordan Rossiter was skipper but Paul Coutts took the armband when he was substituted Five substitutes used, one of them being Josh Coburn who was, in turn, substituted himself Nine added minutes
Aaron Collins gets to the ball first in a crowded penalty area.
John Marquis in possession.
Lewis Gordon wins this challenge.
Joe Barton at his post match press conference.
John Marquis was also on press duty.
Charlton Athletic.
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 13th December 2022 Bristol Rovers 4 Hoole (33), Marquis (54 & 67), Saunders (71) Mk Dons 1 Eisa (pen, 80) Referee: Declan Bourne Attendance: 864 Just a few months ago, following an EFL Trophy tie group stage match against a robust Crystal Palace U-21 side, manager Joe Barton told the media representatives at his post match press conference that he would be fielding a youth team in the final group match of the competition. He didn’t do that, of course, and his side made it through the group stage as runners up, beat Colchester United in the first knockout tie and were now facing MK Dons in the last 16 of the competition. The visitors, already beaten by Rovers on their own ground in league action in October, arrived at the Mem with a temporary manager in charge in the shape of defender Dean Lewington, a player with 902 first class appearances to his name. Lewington was taking charge following the weekend sacking of boss Liam Manning and his entire management team and he made seven changes to the starting lineup. Somewhat surprisingly, perhaps, Barton named quite a strong Rovers side that included Aaron Collins and Jordan Rossiter, who took the captain’s armband for the evening. Rovers took charge of proceedings from the off and Collins looked certain to give Rovers an early lead but, when played in by Lewis Gordon, he skewed the ball wide of goal and ended up in a crumpled heap in the back of the net. It transpired that he had been challenged as he went to shoot and had stud marks from the back of his knee down to his ankle. The striker could barely walk as he was helped around the pitch to the dressing room, with fears that the injury could keep him out of the side for a lengthy spell. Surprisingly it took 33 minutes for Rovers to register their first goal of the evening and it came from an unlikely source, in the shape of Luca Hoole. When an Antony Evans corner was cleared, Rossiter picked up the loose ball and crossed to the back post where Hoole headed home from close range. Deep into first half stoppage time Rovers lost their skipper who signalled to the bench that he was unable to continue and he disappeared down the tunnel to be replaced by Paul Coutts. A second goal arrived on 54 minutes and came after a cross from Evans was mishit by Coburn but coming in behind him was John Marquis, who made no mistake from close range. The third goal, just 13 minutes later, saw Marquis double his tally for the evening. Running on to Coburn’s header, he decided to shoot first time and beat goalkeeper Jamie Cumming from the edge of the area. Harvey Saunders added a fourth goal just a minute after being sent on as a substitute, beating Cumming with a left foot effort after a cross from Luke McCormick. Eight minutes after coming on as a replacement for Bobby Thomas, Alfie Kilgour was red carded for a foul on yellow substitute Mo Eisa. It looked to be a harsh decision and was compounded by the fact that a penalty was also awarded and Eisa scored his side’s consolation from the spot Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Gibbons, Hoole, Thomas (Kilgour, 70), Connolly, Gordon (Sinclair, 70), McCormick, Rossiter (Coutts, 45+1), Evans, Collins (Coburn, 14) (Saunders, 70), Marquis. Substitutes: Belshaw, Westbrooke. MK Dons: Cumming, Tucker, Oyegoke, Lawrence, Jules, Robson, Devoy, Smith (Grant, 64), Johnson, Barry (Dennis, 64), Grigg (Eisa, 70). Substitutes: Ravizzoli, Kemp, Harvie, Ilunga. ALSO No former Rovers players involved for MK Dons A yellow cards was issued to Luke McCormick A red card was issued to Alfie Kilgour Jordan Rossiter was skipper but Paul Coutts took the armband when he was substituted Five substitutes used, one of them being Josh Coburn who was, in turn, substituted himself Nine added minutes
Welcome to The Valley.
John Marquis silences the Charlton fans!
It’s that man Marquis again!
Lewis Gibson on the ball.
John Marquis faces the questions following his two goal haul.
Wycombe Wanderers.
Adams Park Monday 26th December 2022 Wycombe Wanderers 2 Wheeler (22), Wing (48) Bristol Rovers 1 Coburn (4) Referee: Sunny Gill Attendance: 6,664 A Boxing Day clash against Wycombe saw manager Joe Barton again make two changes and they were the fairly obvious ones, really. How could he not leave out the two substitutes, Luca Hoole and John Marquis, who served him so well at Charlton last time out? They duly took their place in the starting lineup in place of Lewis Gordon and Luke McCormick as the manager opted to start with a back four. Wycombe, meanwhile, left their two former Gas men, Joe Jacobson and Brandon Hanlan, on the bench. Marquis justified his inclusion inside four minutes when he found Antony Evans. He, in turn, found Aaron Collins scampering down the right and his low cross was hammered into the net from close range by Josh Coburn. Four minutes later central defender Bobby Thomas was booked for taking too long to take a free kick. Time wasting after eight minutes is almost unheard of. It’s a pity that referee Sunny Gill wasn’t as strict after the break, as we shall see! Barton’s side were majestic for the next quarter of an hour and should really have put the game to bed in that time. Marquis should, perhaps, have scored, a Collins effort was blocked by a panicking home defence and Coburn fired wide when well placed. Twenty two minutes in Rovers handed Wycombe a lifeline when they were caught out down the right after Gareth McCleary picked out the impressive Anis Mehmeti. His ball into the box saw David Wheeler get in front of his marker and hammer a shot into the roof of the net. The game became a more even contest following the equaliser, though Rovers were denied a penalty when Marquis appeared to have been upended by goalkeeper Max Stryiek while the home side went close through McCleary and Lewis Wing. All square at the break, Wycombe took just three minutes of the second half to take the lead. Mehmeti saw his effort blocked and failure to clear the loose ball cost Rovers dearly. When the ball arrived at Wing’s feet he rifled a shot towards goal and although it wasn’t clear from my vantage point, the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line. Cue timewasting tactics from the home side almost immediately. There had been warnings, beforehand, that once they were ahead they were difficult to beat and this performance showed why. Time wasting at every opportunity broke up the rhythm and flow of the game and Rovers never looked capable of reaching the same level of performance they had in the opening twenty minutes. Lengthy delays ensued, at every throw in, free kick and goal kick and the only surprise was that four or five Wycombe players didn’t receive yellow cards, especially after the first half booking for Thomas for a similar indiscretion. Goalkeeper Stryiek also joined in, twice going down in his area as though shot by a sniper in the stand. Amazingly he recovered sufficiently each time to punt the ball downfield in spite of a so called leg injury. It might not be pretty to watch, but Wycombe’s ‘gamesmanship’ keeps earning them points! Wycombe Wanderers: Stryiek, McCarthy, Grimmer, Tafazolli, Obita, Wing (Thompson, 78), Scowen, Wheeler, Mehmeti (Freeman, 85), McCleary (Hanlan (90+3), Vokes. Substitutes: Jacobson, Forino, Dickinson, Kaikai. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Thomas, Connolly, Gibson (Loft, 82), Evans, Coutts, Sinclair (Finley, 59), Marquis (McCormick, 69), Coburn, Collins. Substitutes: Gordon, Saunders, Gibbons, Jaakkola. ALSO Former Rovers players Joe Jacobson and Brandon Hanlan were in the Wycombe squad. Jacobson started, Hanlan was introduced as a second half substitute Yellow cards were issued to Bobby Thomas and Lewis Gibson Paul Coutts was skipper Three substitutes used Seven added minutes
The away end awaits the travelling Gasheads.
They’ve arrived!.
Aaron Collins gets ahead of his marker.
John Marquis fights off this challenge!
A determined run by Luke McCormick.
Exeter city.
The Memorial Stadium Thursday 29th December 2022 Bristol Rovers 3 Collins (57), Coburn (64), Sinclair (pen, 74) Exeter City 4 Nombe (13 & 90), Collins (48), Dieng (85) Referee: Simon Mather Attendance: 9,735 For the final game of 2022 manager Joe Barton made three changes, which saw Scott Sinclair, John Marquis and James Connolly replaced by Sam Finley, Ryan Loft and Lewis Gordon. As a way of highlighting homelessness, Rovers had chosen this game to wear their away kit for a home fixture as permitted under EFL rules. However, they only wore their away shirts, teamed with their home shorts and socks and it wasn’t a good look! For some reason Exeter seemed blissfully unaware of the fact that Rovers were doing this and they turned out in light blue shirts, dark blue shorts and light blue socks. Why they didn’t just wear their red and white striped shirts goodness only knows! Barton’s side started reasonably well, but failed to trouble their former loan goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and the visitors drew first blood, in the 13th minute when Jevani Brown picked out Sam Nombe down the right and the striker curled a shot past James Belshaw from the edge of the area. There weren’t too many chances for either side after that but just when it seemed as though the Grecians would hold a slender one goal lead going into the half time break, they scored again. Antony Evans gave the ball away on the halfway line when attempting to play a pass to Luca Hoole thus setting up a chance for Archie Collins who took full advantage of hesitancy in the Rovers defence and rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net. It was all change at the start of the second half as Barton’s side came out in their home shirts of blue and white quarters and sent on Harry Anderson, Connolly and Sinclair in place of Gordon, Hoole and Loft. There was a more purposeful look about the side and it came as no surprise when they pulled a goal back after 12 minutes of the second period. Sinclair played in Aaron, who became the second player named Collins on the scoresheet when he hit a left foot shot past Blackman. Seven minutes later Rovers were back on level terms when Collins turned provider and set up a chance for Josh Coburn who scored from close range after the ball was sent in from the left. Incredibly, Rovers then took the lead. There were 74 minutes on the clock when Sinclair sent Blackman the wrong way from the penalty spot after Collins had been taken out by an Exeter player as he weaved into the penalty area. Marquis had an opportunity to make it four shortly afterwards but was denied by Blackman’s save. That, surely, was the time to shut up shop and defend the lead that they had fought so hard to obtain. However, their determination to score again was their undoing. Jay Stansfield set up Timothy Dieng for an 85th minute equaliser and then, as we went into stoppage time, Blackman pumped the ball downfield and Belshaw rushed off his line in an attempt to clear the danger but Nombe beat him to it and headed over him and into an empty net. Great entertainment for the neutral, though I don’t think there were than many of them present! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole (Connolly, 46), Thomas, Gordon (Anderson, 46), Gibson, Finley, Coutts, Evans (Sinclair, 46), Collins, Loft (Marquis, 63), Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Whelan, Gibbons. Exeter City: Blackman, Sweeney, Diabate (Dieng, 80), Hartridge, Caprice (Key, 67), Collins, Kite, Sparkes, Jay (Stansfield, 60), Brown, Nombe. Substitutes: Harper, Chauke, Lee, Grounds. ALSO Jamal Blackman, former Rovers loanee goalkeeper, faced his former side for the second time this season. Former Rovers goalkeeper Kevin Miller, newly appointed as the Grecians goalkeeping coach, was out on the pitch with the Exeter keepers A yellow card was issued to Aaron Collins Paul Coutts was skipper Four substitutes used Twelve added minutes
The Mem, ready for the visit of Exeter.
Antony Evans wears our away shirt in the first half.
Former Rovers and Exeter striker Marcus Stewart was presented with his cap to mark his Rovers debut.
Josh Coburn celebrates in the second half, wearing our home shirt.
Another photo from the second half…Scott Sinclair celebrates.
January.
Cheltenham.
The Memorial Stadium Sunday 1st January 2023 Bristol Rovers 2 Collins (25) Coburn (40) Cheltenham Town 1 May (48) Referee: Ollie Yates Attendance: 9,649 Three more changes were made to the starting lineup for Rovers’ first match of 2023; in came Harry Anderson, James Connolly and Scott Sinclair while Luca Hoole, Lewis Gordon and Ryan Loft were the three to lose their places. So those players who bore the brunt of their manager’s criticism after the defeat against Exeter, kept their place in the starting XI, namely James Bleshaw and Antony Evans. It was a fairly sedate opening 20 minutes, when both sides squandered chances. Sam Finley blazed a shot over the Cheltenham bar on 14 minutes while Alfie May’s free kick was deflected behind for a corner at the other end of the pitch. Rovers managed to break the deadlock on 25 minutes when Finley picked out the run of Aaron Collins who did what he does best, striking a left foot shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Luke Southwood to put his side ahead with his 13th goal of the season. Rovers were in the ascendancy at that point and it seemed only a matter of time before they would add to their tally. However, we had to wait until the 40th minute for a second goal to arrive. This time, Collins turned provider and played in his strike partner Josh Coburn who lifted the ball over Southwood and into the net. It was the on loan striker’s eighth league goal of the campaign. Former Rovers midfielder Liam Sercombe was unlucky not to pull a goal back just before the break, though, when his long range effort came back into play off the upright. Just as Rovers had done a few days earlier, Cheltenham made a triple substitution at the start of the second half and within three minutes of the restart they had halved the deficit, though that was more down to a woeful clearance than the change of personnel. Belshaw threw the ball out to Connolly who was inside the area and the defender inexplicably passed the ball to May on the edge of the box and he took a couple of steps towards goal before firing past a bemused goalkeeper. From that point the visitors played with a sense of belief and purpose that had been absent in the opening 45 minutes and Rovers were fortunate to survive with their lead intact. May, in particular, ran Rovers’ defence ragged and he should really have equalised with one of the many chances that came his way, while Sercombe also might have drawn his side level had he not blasted a shot high over the bar. It wasn’t a convincing performance by Rovers by any stretch of the imagination and probably their worst of the three holiday games, yet they collected three points which, after all, is the name of the game. It remains to be seen whether or not the manager will be allowed to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window, but he surely has to be looking at shoring up a porous defence! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas, Connolly, Gibson (Hoole, 59), Anderson (Gibbons, 70), Coutts, Finley (McCormick, 81), Evans (Whelan, 81), Sinclair, Coburn (Loft, 70), Collins. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Marquis. Cheltenham Town: Southwood, Long (Brown, 78), Taylor, Freestone (Norton, 89), Broom, Perry (Jackson, 46), Sercombe, Williams (Ferry, 46), Olayinka (Bonds, 46), N’Lundulu, May. Substitutes: Bradbury, MacDonald. ALSO Former Rovers players Liam Sercombe and Ryan Broom were in the Cheltenham Town side while Marcus Bignot remains a member of the Cheltenham management team A yellow card was issued to Ryan Loft Paul Coutts was skipper Five substitutes used Ten added minutes
Aaron Collins attempts to block a clearance.
Ryan Loft looks to challenge for the ball.
Scott Sinclair takes on former Rovers player Ryan Broom.
Manager Joe Barton takes the post match questions.
Josh Coburn was also on media duty.
Cambridge United.
The Abbey Stadium Saturday 7th January 2023 Cambridge United 1 Smith (5) Bristol Rovers 2 Coburn (22), Sinclair (29) Referee: Thomas Parsons Attendance: 5,703 Driving to the Eastern side of the country always seems to take forever (I give you Ipswich and Colchester as two more examples!) but it had to be done and so, accompanied by rain of biblical proportions I set off as a passenger in the transport provided by Radio Bristol. The rain relented about 20 miles from the Abbey Stadium and the pitch was so dry that the groundstaff had to use the sprinklers to water the surface prior to kick off. Don’t you just love the British weather! Joe Barton made three changes to his starting XI and was missing the services of the injured Harry Anderson and Lewis Gibson, while Antony Evans was left to warm the bench. Into the starting lineup came Ryan Loft, James Gibbons and Luca Hoole. Although it seemed as though he might start with a back four, the manager opted for a system that was more akin to 3-4-1-2 with Gibbons on the left of the three centre backs, Hoole in the right wing back role and Aaron Collins given a free rein in behind Loft and Josh Coburn. Following some early Rovers possession Cambridge opened the scoring after just five minutes in their first foray into the opposition half. Harvey Knibbs swung over a delightful cross from the right and Sam Smith was on hand to head the ball back across goal and into the net off the post. The striker was denied a second goal shortly afterwards when James Belshaw touched his header over the bar. Rovers equalised on 22 minutes when Collins played in Coburn who ran on towards goal. Keeper Will Mannion rushed off his line and smothered the striker’s first effort but as the ball spun up in the air Coburn headed it into an empty net to register his ninth goal in a Rovers shirt. Rovers took the lead just before the half hour mark. Thomas and Coburn were involved in the build up and credit match referee Thomas Parsons for allowing Rovers an advantage following a foul on Thomas. Instead of blowing up for a foul, he let play continue and the ball was swept out to Hoole on the right. His pinpoint cross picked out Scott Sinclair arriving in the areas like an express train and, using all of his top flight experience, the returning hero smashed the ball into the net giving Mannion no chance of saving. That was the end of the scoring in a game that looked full of goals in that opening period. Facing a strong wind in the second half, Rovers had their work cut out to protect their lead, but everyone knuckled down and put in a shift. The only real chance fell, once more, to Smith who hooked a shot just over. That apart, I don’t recall Belshaw having to make a meaningful save in the second period. Yes, the home side enjoyed the majority of possession, but their lack of quality and Rovers’ willingness to get in tackles and blocks meant that they took all three points back to Bristol. Cambridge United: Mannion, Williams, Okedina, Taylor, Seddon (Bennett (45+4), Worman, Digby, Tracey (Lankester, 70), Knibbs (Ironside, 70), Brophy, Smith. Substitutes: Holden, Janneh, Simper, Yearn. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Thomas, Connolly, Gibbons, Hoole, Coutts, Finley, Sinclair (Gordon, 80), Collins (Evans, 80), Loft (Marquis, 66), Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Whelan, McCormick, Saunders. ALSO Former Rovers player George Williams was in the Cambridge side while another former Rovers player, Gary Waddock, is the club’s assistant manager Yellow cards were issued to James Connolly, Ryan Loft, Paul Coutts and John Marquis Paul Coutts was skipper Three substitutes used Ten added minutes
The Abby awaits.
Another view from inside the Abbey Stadium.
Luca Hoole rises to the challenge.
Josh Coburn on the attack.
A determined run by Aaron Collins.
Plymouth Argyle. (Papa John's Trophy, QF)
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 10th January 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 Plymouth Argyle 2 Waine (23), Hardie (32) Referee: Darren Drysdale Attendance: 3,742 What a strange competition the EFL Trophy, or to give it the correct title of Papa Johns Trophy has become; boycotted by a huge number of football supporters and yet, when it reaches the latter stages suddenly many seem to forget why they are doing just that. The evening’s attendance of 3,74s reflects that as Rovers have played to gates of under 1,000 in this season’s competition and many fans have publicly stated their dislike of it and say they will never attend a match while Premier League U-21 sides are allowed to participate. A few of them obviously changed their minds for this game, as did the manager. In the knockout stages, after a particularly physical game against Crystal Palace U-21’s Joe Barton said he would play his youth team in the next game. He didn’t, Rovers won through to the knockout stages and promptly beat Colchester United and MK Dons in the knockout stages. That took them through to this tie, the quarter final and Barton was building it up big time, saying he wanted to take the fans for a day out at Wembley. Why, then, did he choose to make six changes to his starting lineup? Mind you, Argyle boss Steven Schumacher made eight, so maybe neither boss wants a Wembley managerial appearance on their CV! Argyle, of course, beat Rovers on penalties in the group stage, after a 2-2 draw at Home Park and the sides had also played out a 2-2 draw in the league at The Mem. The visitors started brightly and Ryan Hardie dragged a shot wide of the target early on. Having dominated the opening exchanges they took a 23rd minute lead through Ben Waine. When Matt Butcher’s cross came into the box Waine was on hand to guide his header past goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola. The goalscorer then squandered a chance to double the lead when he took a pass from Ryan Hardie but he managed to slice his shot wide of the target with only Jaakkola to beat. However, Argyle didn’t have too long to wait for a second goal and it arrived with 32 minutes on the clock when Macaulay Gillesphey picked out Hardie’s run into the box and the striker who sidefooted a shot into the net just inside the far post. That, unfortunately, was the end of the scoring for the night. Barton replaced Lewis Gordon with Harvey Saunders at the start of the second half and there was an improved performance from his side, though they failed to find the back of the net. Luke McCormick saw a 58th minute chance parried away by Callum Burton and Joe Edwards completed the clearance before John Marquis could reach the loose ball. There were appeals for a penalty following a foul, inside the box, on the lively Saunders and McCormick fired a shot over the bar before Ryan Loft hit a shot past Burton’s right hand post in the closing stages. Following a positive build up to the game, it was Argyle who came out on top and Rovers’ only chance of a Wembley appearance this season now rests on them reaching the League One play off final which, at the time of writing, will probably be a tall order! Bristol Rovers: Jaakkola, Gibbons, Hoole, Thomas, Connolly, Gordon (Saunders, 46), Whelan, Evans, McCormick, Loft, Marquis. Substitutes: Belshaw, Finley, Coutts, Collins, Coburn, Sinclair. Plymouth Argyle: Burton, Bolton (Halls, 82), Gillesphey, Butcher, Edwards, Hardie (Ennis, 82), Lonwijk, Waine (Issaka, 89), Wright, Matete, Endacott. Substitutes: Cooper, Mumba, Randell, Roberts. Former Rovers player Mark Hughes is a member of the Plymouth Argyle management team Yellow cards were issued to Ryan Loft and Bobby Thomas Glenn Whelan was skipper One substitute used Six added minutes
Working on the pitch until the last minute.
Antony Evans in the thick of the action.
Lewis Gordon on the ball.
A determined John Marquis.
Luke McCormick outpaces his marker.
Accrington Stanley.
The Wham Stadium Saturday 14th January 2023 Accrington Stanley 2 Leigh (51), Astley (79) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Tom Nield Attendance: 2,510 Rovers headed to the north west looking to record a first ever away league win against Accrington Stanley, with high hopes of ending that dismal run. There was a shock before kick off, though, when it was revealed that loan signing Bobby Thomas had returned to Burnley, his parent club, and then gone immediately back out on loan to League One rivals Barnsley. We have to assume that happened on the Friday, as the defender was registered by Barnsley in time for him to be on the bench for their game at Charlton Athletic. His absence meant that Rovers could only name six substitutes for the game, but meant a league start for Luke McCormick who has yet to hit the heights he did during his first spell at the club. The opening 45 minutes of the game failed to excite the crowd of just over two and a half thousand, and the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock came after 11 minutes. Goalkeeper Toby Savin found Shaun Whalley and he ran on before beating James Belshaw with his shot only to see it hit the base of the post and rebound to safety. The aforementioned McCormick had Rovers’ best chance of the half, five minutes before the break, but his effort was blocked and the home side were able to clear their lines. Manager Joe Barton made a change at the break and sent on Ryan Loft at the start of the second half, in place of Antony Evans. The home side opened the scoring six minutes after the restart, though there were strong claims, by Rovers, regarding a handball in the build up. Rosaire Longelo’s ball into the box was controlled by Harvey Rodgers, though the ball did bounce up and hit him on the arm before substitute Tommy Leigh pounced and fired a shot past Belshaw. According to the letter of the law referee Tom Nield made the right call in allowing the goal to stand as the player who scored didn’t handle. However, I wonder how many more match officials would have stopped play and given Rovers a free kick. The law needs clarifying! As Rovers attempted to get back on level terms Loft was fouled by Rodgers as he broke clear but the Accrington man collected a card of the yellow variety, as opposed to a red one. Accrington made the game safe with 11 minutes of the game remaining when Sean McConville’s corner was headed on by Rodgers and Ryan Astley was on hand to hit a right foot shot into the net from six yards. That was the cue for Barton to leave the technical area and march down the touchline, though he remained somewhere near the corner flag to watch the remaining ten minutes. Afterwards he said he thought that if he stayed in the technical area he would do, or say, something he shouldn’t to the match officials and felt it was best that he walk away. To say that the manager was frustrated would be an understatement and it wasn’t just the decision to let the home side’s opening goal stand, but his own side’s inability to keep a clean sheet. Accrington Stanley: Savin, Astley, Conneely (Tharme, 62), Rodgers, Coyle, Longelo (Sisay, 78), Martin, Hamilton, McConville, Whalley, Pressley (Leigh, 39). Substitutes: Jensen, Woods, Adekoye, Fernandes Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Connolly, Gibbons, McCormick (Marquis, 67), Coutts, Finley, Evans (Loft, 46), Sinclair (Saunders, 79), Collins, Coburn. Substitutes: Jaakkola, Gordon, Whelan ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Accrington Stanley side Yellow card were issued to Sam Finley and Scott Sinclair Three substitutes used Only six substitutes named Paul Coutts was skipper Nine added minutes
Time for tea before kick off!
James Belshaw - gloves at the ready!
Aaron Collins waits to make a challenge.
Morecambe.
The Mazuma Stadium Saturday 28th January 2023 Morecambe 5 Crowley (20), Connolly (og, 47), Love (49), Stockton (62), Mayor (88) Bristol Rovers 1 Collins (90) Referee: Will Finnie Attendance: 4,259 The postponement of the home match against Wycombe Wanderers the previous week had given manager Joe Barton time to work with his squad and bring in three new faces, namely goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe, defender Jarell Quansah and midfielder Grant Ward. Balcombe and Quansah started this game while Ward was on the bench. Liverpool teenager Quansah was not only making his Rovers debut, it was also his first ever league match. For the home side goalkeeper Connor Ripley was playing against Rovers for a fifth different side. The shot stopper also sported a shaven head and a warm up top with the Anderton printed on the back. A great friend of the Rovers defender, the two were previously team mates at Accrington. All this preamble stops me talking about the game, but there’s no putting it off any longer! Although Rovers began brightly and looked dangerous down the right where Scott Sinclair and Luca Hoole linked up well, there was very little threat to the Morecambe goal. They were good in possession, but either passed sideways or backwards and it became a frustrating watch for the 612 Gasheads who had made the long trip to the Fylde coast. It was the home side who made the breakthrough and, it must be said, it came about as a result of an error by new custodian Balcombe who saw a long range shot from Daniel Crowley bounce just in front of him as he dived to his right. The unfortunate debut boy could only help the ball into the roof of the net. As half time loomed Michael Mellon hit the base of the post with Balcombe beaten and Rovers went straight up the other end where an Aaron Collins volley was touched on to the bar by Ripley’s fingertip save. Any hope for turnaround at the start of the second half didn’t materialise and within four minutes of the restart the home side were three goals ahead and Rovers well and truly beaten. James Connolly got the final touch on a Mellon effort and was credited with an own goal on 47 minutes and two minutes later Donald Love was given a clear run on goal following a short corner and took full advantage of the space afforded to him before blasting a shot past Balcombe. Cole Stockton added goal number four just after the hour mark and Rovers then contrived to miss a penalty, awarded after Josh Coburn had been fouled in the area. Ripley saved Scott Sinclair’s spot kick and then saw his side go five goals clear when Adam Mayor’s low drive beat the unfortunate Balcombe. Collins did pull a goal back in the final minute, his 14th league goal of the season, but on a day when their defending was ponderous and their midfield non existent, it was scant consolation. In a game where new boy Quansah proved that he might be an astute signing and Ward (the 990th player to make his Rovers debut) put in a decent 30 minute cameo it really was a game to forget. Barton was scathing in his criticism afterwards, labelling the performance as embarrassing and promising changes in personnel before the transfer window closed just three days later. Morecambe: Ripley, Rawson (Delaney, 65), Bedeau, Simeu, Love, Shaw, Weir, Gibson (Cooney, 89), Crowley (Hunter, 73), Mellon (Mayor, 73), Stockton. Substitutes: Smith, Gnahoua, Obika. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Hoole (Anderson, 58), Quansah, Connolly, Gibbons, Coutts (Ward, 58), Finley (McCormick, 69), Evans (Loft, 58), Sinclair, Collins, Coburn (Marquis, 69). Substitutes: Belshaw, Whelan. ALSO Former Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith spent the 90 minutes on the Morecambe bench Yellow cards were issued to James Connolly and Luke McCormick Paul Coutts, Sam Finley and Scott Sinclair all wore the skipper’s armband at some point during the game Sinclair saw his penalty saved Rovers league debuts for Ellery Balcombe, Jarell Quansah and Grant Ward Three substitutes used Six added minutes
The quiet before the storm.
The teams are out!
Luca Hoole on the ball.
Jarell Quansah on his Rovers debut.
A determined run by Scott Sinclair.
February.
MK Dons.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 4th February 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 MK Dons 2 Eisa (3, pen), Dean (90 + 1) Referee: Carl Boyeson Attendance: 8,429 These two sides met for the third time this season and the visitors have now had a different manager in each of those games. Liam Manning presided over MK’s 1-0 defeat in the league, Dean Lewington was in charge for the EFL Trophy tie at the Mem and now it was the turn of the recently appointed Mark Jackson. Rovers had signed two more players on transfer deadline day, in Lamare Bogarde and Calum MacDonald but only Bogarde was included in the matchday squad that showed two changes to the starting lineup with Lewis Gordon and Grant Ward starting in place of Luca Hoole and Antony Evans. We were told that Evans, along with goalkeeper James Belshaw, had both been injured at Morecambe seven days earlier, Evans picking up a bruised foot during the game and Belshaw injuring his ribs during the warm up. The keeper would have been on the bench in any case, as he was at Morecambe and in his place we saw Anssi Jaakkola return to the squad, just when we thought he was going to be the permanent goalkeeping coach. The game couldn’t have got off to a worse start for Rovers or recent loan acquisition Jarell Quansah as his challenge on Mo Eisa in the area was a definite penalty and the MK Dons man, after treatment, confidently stroked home the resulting spot kick. It was the second time he had converted from the spot at the Mem this season, having done the same in the 4-1 Trophy defeat. Eisa was denied a second goal by goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe on 12 minutes, and Jonathan Leko hit two first half efforts over the bar in a lacklustre first half when Rovers, faced by two solid banks of four and two quick front men, failed to show the urgency or the know how to break down a determined MK Dons side. Indeed, Joe Barton’s side failed to muster a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes and although the manager made a change at the break, sending on Ryan Loft for ineffective skipper Paul Coutts, there was very little change. Yes, there was a little bit more urgency, but the service up to striker Josh Coburn was non existent and you could feel his frustration from high up in the stand. He was hooked after77 minutes, which gave little time for his replacement, John Marquis, to make his mark. Sam Finley mustered Rovers first shot on target with 89 minutes on the clock, forcing a comfortable save from Jamie Cumming, and then it was curtains for the Gas as, with players pushed up in search of an equaliser, MK broke quickly after substitute Bogarde had given away possession too cheaply and inadvertently set up a swift counter attack. Eisa raced towards goal before squaring the ball to young substitute Max Dean who gleefully rifled home his first ever league goal to give his side a 2-0 victory. There was just time for Bogarde to curl a shot inches wide of the upright at the end of his eight minute cameo appearance, but it was too little, too late. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons, Quansah, Connolly, Gordon (Anderson, 77), Coutts (Loft, 46), Ward (Bogarde, 86), Finley, Sinclair (McCormick, 63), Collins, Coburn (Marquis, 77). Substitutes: Jaakkola, Hoole. MK Dons: Cumming, Watson, Tucker, Jules, Harvie, McEachran (Johnson, 70), Maghoma, Leko (Dean, 84), Devoy, Kaikai (Lawrence, 90 + 2), Eisa (Grigg, 90 + 2). Substitutes: Grant, Burns, Ravizzoli. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the MK Dons side In three meetings between the clubs this season MK Dons have had a different manager each time Mo Eisa scored a penalty for MK Dons against Rovers for the second time this season Yellow cards were issued to Paul Coutts and Sam Finley Coutts was skipper and then Finley when he was substituted Rovers league debut for Lamare Bogarde Nine added minutes
Queues begin to form at the turnstiles.
A final pitch watering before kick off.
Grant Ward is ambushed by three MK Dons players!
Scott Sinclair on the ball.
Lamare Bogarde pictured on his Rovers league debut.
Lincoln City.
The LNER Stadium Saturday 11th February 2023 Lincoln City 1 Bristol Rovers Poole (14) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Tom Reeves Attendance: 8,025 Rovers travelled to play Lincoln City at what used to be Sincil Bank, now the LNER Stadium, seeking to avenge a 6-3 home defeat by the Red Imps earlier in the season. Manager Joe Barton made three changes to his starting XI, two of which were enforced; Sam Finley, booked the previous week against MK Dons had his yellow card upgraded to a red following a review of video evidence by the EFL, while skipper Paul Coutts dropped out through illness on the morning of the game and Scott Sinclair was relegated to the substitutes bench. Into the side came Luke McCormick, Ryan Loft and Antony Evans. The home side seized the early initiative, as an effort from Ryan Poole flew over the bar and a Jack Diamond shot produced a routine save from Ellery Balcombe. However, on 14 minutes Lincoln took the lead. With first time skipper Aaron Collins struggling to get back to help his side defend a corner, after a knock, Lincoln took full advantage and following a short corner swung a cross to the back post. James Connolly appeared to be wrestled to the ground as the ball was in flight, allowing Poole a free run to head firmly past Balcombe. Protests from Barton’s players, adamant that the goal shouldn’t stand as Connolly was fouled in the build up, fell on deaf ears as the home players celebrated. Rovers’ best chance of an equaliser arrived eight minutes before the break when Collins gained possession on the halfway line and sprinted towards goal before unleashing a powerful drive which goalkeeper Carl Rushworth could only parry away. The rebound fell to Josh Coburn, whose attempt was blocked by a home defender. Three minutes from the break Rovers were reduced to ten men following a red card brandished in the direction of Loft. The striker appeared to lead with his arm when challenging Rushworth, though whether or not there was any contact with the shot stopper could not easily be determined in real time. Rushworth’s fellow defenders obviously thought so and two of them raced over to the assistant referee to make their feelings know. Referee Tom Reeves consulted his assistant and only after their discussion did he send the striker off. It was a challenge that Loft could easily have avoided. Instead, he gave the match officials a decision to make and, almost inevitably, they decided it was a red card offence. Barton made two changes at the break, sending on Scott Sinclair and former Lincoln favourite Harry Anderson in place of the misfiring McCormick and Josh Coburn. In spite of only having ten men, Rovers looked a much better side in the second half and this relatively young side competed for every ball, though the closest they came to scoring was when Rushworth touched an Evans free kick round the post. Collins claimed a penalty when he appeared to be brought down in the area, but nothing was given, while substitute John Marquis saw his close range effort saved by Rushworth. An angry Barton blamed the match officials for his side’s defeat and interrupted a local radio interview with Ethan Erahan with a few choice words after claiming the Lincoln man had pushed him in the back at the end of the game. Lincoln City: Rushworth, Montsma, Jackson, O’Connor, Poole, Bishop (Sorensen, 80), Erahan, Roughan, Diamond (Vernam, 80), House, Shodipo (Plange, 72). Substitutes: Boyes, Mandroiu, Eyoma, Wright. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons, Quansah, Connolly, Gordon (Bogarde, 75), Ward, Evans (Marquis, 75), McCormick (Sinclair, 46), Collins, Loft, Coburn (Anderson, 46). Substitutes: Belshaw, Hoole, MacDonald. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Lincoln City side Yellow cards were issued to Luke McCormick, James Gibbons and Jarell Quansah A red card was issued to Ryan Loft Four substitutes used Aaron Collins was skipper for the first time in his Rovers career Eight added minutes
The calm before the storm.
The view of Lincoln cathedral from the main stand.
Ryan Loft received a red card following this challenge.
James Connollyabout to be challenged.
Ipswich Town.
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 14th February 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 Ipswich Town 0 Referee: Paul Howard Attendance: 8,542 For the visit of third placed Ipswich Town, and following four consecutive league defeats, manager Joe Barton made three changes, bringing in Stuart Sinclair, Harry Anderson and Lamare Bogarde at the expense of Ryan Loft (who was suspended in any case), Josh Coburn and Luke McCormick. Barton also opted to change tactics, packing his midfield and leaving Aaron Collins, who again wore the captain’s armband, as the lone striker. Goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe was called into action in the second minute and did well to push away a close range Cameron Burgess effort following a corner from the left. The keeper was in action again a few minutes later, making a comfortable save from a weak Burgess header. Rovers gradually clawed their way back into the contest and Jarell Quansah headed over following a corner. With Barton’s side content to surrender possession higher up the pitch, it was left to the visitors to try to hit their hosts on the break. By and large, Rovers succeeded in frustrating an Ipswich side that seemed unable to take full advantage of the possession they were enjoying. Burgess, Cameron Humphreys and Freddie Ladapo all sent efforts wide of the target, while at the other end Aaron Collins saw a shot comfortably saved by Christian Walton. There were a couple of half chances for Ipswich shortly after the break, but Sone Aluko and Ladapo both missed the target when goalscoring opportunities presented themselves. Collins forced a save from Walton, even though his shot appeared to be drifting wide of the target and shortly afterwards Rovers coach Danny Ventre was shown a yellow card for preventing an Ipswich throw in being taken quickly. The best chances of the evening fell to Rovers, both arriving in the 69th minute. When Walton spilt a shot from Collins, the ball fell to Sinclair and as he toe poked it towards goal, central defender Luke Woolfenden volleyed clear. Balcombe was able to beat away a Nathan Broadbent effort as the visitors attempted to turn the screw in order to take all three points, and the Rovers shot stopper saved again from Harry Clarke and Conor Chaplin before the final whistle. Rovers’ first goalless draw of the season turned out to be an entertaining affair and their best performance for a while. It gives them something to build on after a disastrous run of results. However, whilst Barton’s tactics worked against an Ipswich side that didn’t come to shut up shop, his side do need to find their goalscoring touch if they are to remain in a mid table position and with another home game to follow, against Burton Albion, it is to be hoped they end this gloomy run of games without a win. Lamare Bogarde made his first start in this game, Calum Macdonald was on the bench for the first time and three more recent newcomers, Balcombe, Quansah and Grant Ward, await their first win bonus! Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons, Quansah, Connolly, Gordon, Bogarde (Coburn, 76), Ward, Evans, Anderson (Hoole, 76), Collins, Sinclair. Substitutes: Jaakkola, McCormick, Marquis, Lawrence, Macdonald. Ipswich Town: Walton, Donacien, Woolfenden, Burgess, Burns (Edwards, 58), Morsy, Humphreys, Davis (Clarke, 75), Aluko (Broadhead, 58), Harness (Chaplin, 75), Ladapo (Hirst, 75). Substitutes: Hladky, Jackson. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Ipswich side A yellow card was issued to coach Danny Ventre Aaron Collins was skipper Two substitutes used First goalless draw of the season Five added minutes
The Mem awaits third placed Ipswich.
The view of the opposite end of the pitch.
James Connolly in pursuit of Cameron Burgess.
Aaron Collins hurled this challenge.
Scott Sinclair closes in.
Burton Albion.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 18th February 2023 Bristol Rovers 1 Marquis (9) Burton Albion 2 Kirk (44), Winnall (55) Referee: Christopher Pollard Attendance: 8,164 Following the impressive midweek performance against Ipswich Town manager Joe Barton made just two changes to his starting lineup, bringing in defender Calum Macdonald for his debut and also including John Marquis. The players to miss out were Lewis Gordon and Harry Anderson. Rovers started the game well and James Gibbons again looked comfortable marauding down the right flank and linking up well with Scott Sinclair. An eighth minute foray down that right hand side saw the defender attempt an ambitious attempt on goal but his wayward effort went out for a throw in near the players tunnel! A minute later, though, he was far more accurate and after playing a neat one two with Sinclair his pinpoint cross found Marquis who simply guided his header into the net. I think the Rovers fans in the crowd sensed more goals were to come and Aaron Collins twice went close to increasing the lead. In spite of a medical emergency in the crowd, which led to a lengthy stoppage, Rovers continued to look the better side until, that is, the 44th minute. At the Blackthorn End Jarell Quansah missed a simple headed chance in front of goal from corner and the visitors hit a long, hopeful ball upfield which wasn’t dealt with by Quansah, Gibbons or James Connolly, allowing Dale Taylor to slip the ball to the unmarked Charlie Kirk who comfortably beat Ellery Balcombe for the equaliser. You could visibly see how that affected Barton’s players and any confidence they had simply drained from them and you could sense that the second period was going to be a long hard slog. And so it proved. The visitors took control of proceedings and edged ahead ten minu5tes after the break with a really sloppy goal. As Burton attacked, Rovers failed to clear their lines and Balcombe saved one effort while Quansah blocked another. However, in a chaotic penalty area the ball fell to Sam Winnall who bundled the ball over the line from close range while Rovers defenders waited in vain for an offside flag to be raised. Barton made a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark, but it made little difference to the way his side played. The whole team looked increasingly fragile and lacking in leadership. Burton might have added to their goal tally, but Balcombe saved well from Terry Taylor and again from Kirk after a mistake by Gordon allowed the Burton man to face the keeper in a one on one situation. The keeper won that battle but was subjected to abuse from his own supporters when twice electing to punch the ball clear rather than catch it and loud calls for the return of James Belshaw were heard rising from the Thatchers Terrace. When your confidence is already low, that’s the last thing you need! Balcombe was, though, fortunate not to concede a third when he spilt a shot from Deji Oshilaja. Taylor pounced on the loose ball and hit a shot into the unguarded net but, fortunately, the offside flag was raised on this occasion. Defeat meant that only one point has been gained from the last seven league matches. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons (Coburn, 71), Quansah, Connolly (Hoole, 79), Macdonald (Gordon, 61), Ward (Coutts, 61), Bogarde (Anderson, 61), Evans, Sinclair, Collins, Marquis. Substitutes: Belshaw, Whelan. Burton Albion: MacGillivray, Brayford, Hughes, Moon, Hamer, Oshilaja, McCann (Kirk, 24,) (Shaughnessy, 86), Ashworth, Powell, Winnall (Ahadme, 57), Taylor. Substitutes: Kean, Walker, Carayol, Wakelin. ALSO Former Rovers player Mustapha Carayol was an unused Burton Albion substitute while another former Rovers player, Chris Beardsley, is a member of the Burton management team No yellow cards for a Rovers player for the second consecutive match Aaron Collins was skipper Rovers league debut for Calum Macdonald Five substitutes used Sixteen added minutes
Glos CC floodlights in the distance.
Time for a pie before kick off.
James Gibbons wins the ball.
Aaron Collins finds himself surrounded.
Grant Ward heads for goal.
Oxford United.
The Kassam Stadium Saturday 25th February 2023 Oxford United 0 Bristol Rovers 3 Sinclair (pen), 22), Collins (28), Hoole (76) Referee: Charles Breakspear Attendance: 8,437 Both sides went into the game on the crest of a slump and desperately in need of three points to stabilise their respective league positions. Rovers boss Joe Barton made six changes to his starting lineup, perhaps the most significant being the return of goalkeeper James Belshaw, while there were returns also for Lewis Gibson, Luca Hoole, Sam Finely, Paul Coutts and Lewis Gordon. Always a happy hunting ground for Rovers, the three sided Kassam Stadium didn’t disappoint once again. After two early scares, that saw Finley’s misplaced defensive header came back into play off his own upright and a Yanic Wildschut effort drift just past the upright, Barton’s side gradually assumed control of proceedings. They opened the scoring with 22 minutes on the clock when Bogarde went down in the area under a challenge from home skipper Cameron Brannagan. Scott Sinclair, who missed the last spot kick he was entrusted with, up at Morecambe, again took responsibility from 12 yards and on this occasion he despatched a firmly struck effort to Simon Eastwood’s left while the keeper dived to his right. It was tempting, at that point, to say game over because after their initial flurry Oxford seemed devoid of attacking ideas and the returning Belshaw had very little to do. As if to emphasise the point Rovers scored again just six minutes later with a goal started in the middle of the park by John Marquis. The striker found Sinclair in space out on the right and his low cross found Aaron Collins who scored from close range to register his 15th league goal of what is already an impressive campaign for him. The home side were booed off at the half time whistle and below the press box a banner which, in no uncertain terms, told manager Karl Robinson that it was time for him to go was unfurled for all to see. There was a little more urgency shown by Robinson’s side immediately after the game restarted Kyle Joseph hit a shot wide of the upright while Brannagan fired a free kick into Rovers’ defensive wall. Joseph also headed over while half time substitute James Henry managed to force Belshaw into making a save, an unlikely scenario given what had gone before! However Rovers, seemingly tired of toying with the home side, struck with a decisive third goal in the 75th minute, by which time Barton had already made a triple substitution. Antony Evans, who had just seen a corner cleared by the U’s at the expense of another, floated his second towards Luca Hoole. The erstwhile defender rose, unchallenged, like a salmon, and planted a firm header beyond Eastood for the third goal of his fledgling Rovers career. It was the signal for prolonged, toxic, comments from the Oxford faithful in the stands and soon many of them began to drift away. It wasn’t nice to hear, and credit to Robinson for continuing to stand motionless in his technical area. There were no more goals and Rovers returned to winning ways with a hard working performance, yet there was always the feeling they could have stepped up a gear and won even more convincingly. As for Oxford, their fans got their way and Robinson was dismissed 24 hours later. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Quansah, Gibson (Gibbons, 77), Gordon, Coutts (Ward, 71), Bogarde (Evans, 71), Finley, Sinclair (Anderson, 77), Marquis (Coburn, 71), Collins. Substitutes: Balcombe, Connolly. Oxford United: Eastwood, Long, Elliott, Moore, Findlay, Brown, Bate (Goodrham, 69), Brannagan, Browne (Konata, 69), Wildschut (Henry, 46), Baldock (O’Donkor, 20). Substitutes: Fleming, McGinty, Smyth. ALSO Neither of Oxford’s two current former Rovers players, Billy Bodin and Tyler Smith. A third, Matty Taylor, is now on loan at Port Vale Yellow cards were awarded to Aaron Collins and Jarell Quansah Paul Coutts was skipper Having seen his last Rovers penalty saved, against Morecambe, Scott Sinclair successfully converted one in this game Five substitutes used Five added minutes
Inside the Kassam Stadium prior to kick off.
Aaron Collins added to his goal tally in this game.
Lamare Bogarde on the ball.
Jarell Quansah gets the ball forward.
Luca Hoole on post match press duty.
March.
Barnsley.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 4th March 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 Barnsley 0 Referee: Thomas Parsons Attendance: 8,816 In form and in sixth place in the League One table, Barnsley visited the Memorial Stadium with a couple of familiar faces in their squad, namely the Thomas twins. Bobby and Luke, of course, are both former Rovers loanees and while Bobby started the match and was booed throughout because of the manner of his departure from the Mem, Luke was afforded a generous round of applause when he was introduced to proceedings as a second half substitute. The visitors also had an H Kane in their starting XI though fortunately for Rovers it wasn’t England striker Harry but former Liverpool midfielder Herbie! Rovers were close to fielding an unchanged side, but skipper Paul Coutts missed out with a knee injury which prevented him from even taking a pre match fitness test. In his absence Grant Ward returned to the starting XI while Luke McCormick was afforded a place on the bench. It was a fairly even start to the game for both sides though Liam Kitching headed wide from Nicky Cadden’s free kick when being left unmarked in the area. At the other end Jarell Quansah should have put Rovers ahead with 23 minutes on the clock but his close range header was comfortably saved by Harry Isted. Three minutes later Scott Sinclair wasted a golden opportunity of giving Rovers the lead when he took, in his stride, a wonderful crossfield ball from Sam Finley. However as he bore down on goal and pulled the trigger he skewed his shot horribly wide of the target. James Belshaw was called into action as half time approached and the keeper did well to save from the aforementioned Kane who had been teed up by James Norwood. Three minutes into the second half and the first goalscoring opportunity fell to Quansah, who must be wondering what he has to do to score his first ever league goal. On this occasion his close range volley produced an excellent save from Isted. At the other end Belshaw produced a fine save to deny Nicky Cadden, palming the ball away for a corner, though Barnsley felt that they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Devante Cole, by Lewis Gibson, in the build up. Barnsley boss Michael Duff made a quadruple change in the 74th minute and the newly introduced players certainly livened their side’s performance as they went in search of three points. Shortly afterwards Finley headed against his own crossbar from Slobodan Tedic’s ball into the box, while Belshaw saved well from Adam Phillips. There were eight minutes remaining when Joe Barton sent on his first substitute of the afternoon, with Josh Coburn replacing John Marquis. Barnsley continued to lay siege to the Rovers goal, though, and both Gibson and Ward managed to get in important blocks while Phillips hit a shot straight at Belshaw. Rovers were able to hold out, though, and record a third clean sheet in their last four games. Two of those matches , this one and the home game against Ipswich have both ended goalless and yet, arguably, they have been two of the best home performances of the season. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon, Ward, Finley, Bogarde, Sinclair (Gibbons, 87), Collins (Loft, 87), Marquis (Coburn, 82). Substitutes: Balcombe, Connolly, Evans, McCormick. Barnsley: Isted, Anderson, Kitching, Thomas (B), Russell (Benson, 74), Williams, Phillips, Kane (Thomas (L), 74), Cadden, Cole (Watters, 74), Norwood (Tedic, 74). Substitutes: Cotter, Searle, Larkeche. ALSO Former Rovers loanees Bobby and Luke Thomas were in the Barnsley squad. Bobby Started, Luke was used as a second half substitute Yellow cards were issued to Sam Finley, John Marquis and Josh Coburn Finley was skipper Three substitutes used Seven added minutes
Time to kill before kick off.
Aaron Collins gets ahead of his former team mate Bobby Thomas.
Lamar Bogarde on the ball.
Grant Ward about to be tackled.
Grant Ward was on post match press duty.
Forest Green Rovers.
The Bolt New Lawn Saturday 11th March 2023 Forest Green Rovers 1 Savage (12) Bristol Rovers 3 Marquis (18 & 61), Sinclair (25) Referee: Scott Oldham Attendance: 4,788 This game pitted Everton fan Joe Barton against Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, yet to win a game as Forest Green manager. The fan made one change to his side as Josh Coburn came in for Finley, who had been unwell, and Luke McCormick was recalled to the bench in place of the on loan striker. On a cold, wet afternoon at what is now, apparently, the second highest ground in the English Football league, the hosts took the lead after only 12 minutes. The goalscorer was Charlie Savage (son of Robbie), who took a pass from Jordon Garrick and hit a stunning shot from 15 yards out. Although James Belshaw got a touch to it, he was unable to keep the ball out of the net. The hosts had given their all in that opening salvo and once they went ahead they seemed to run out of steam. Gradually forced on the defensive by Barton’s side, it came as little surprise when the equaliser arrived six minutes later. Coburn comfortably won the ball in the middle of the Forest Green half and fed a pass to Aaron Collins. He, in turn, played in John Marquis who had time to control the ball and steady himself for a left foot shot which easily beat goalkeeper Lewis Thomas. At that point, and for the rest of the opening 45 minutes it was a stroll in the park (or on the lawn!) for the Rovers of Bristol and they deservedly edged in front in what was fast becoming a one sided contest after 25 minutes. Played in down the right by the impressive Lamare Bogarde, Sinclair rifled a shot towards goal which was blocked by Thomas. However the rebound fell kindly to the Rovers man and he comfortably slotted the ball back past the beleaguered keeper. Coburn, Marquis and Collins all had chances to increase the lead before the break, but their efforts were all wide of the mark which was a let off for the home side who already looked well beaten. It was more of the same in the second half, with the home side enjoying possession but lacking a cutting edge while Barton’s side looked to be playing well within themselves. The third goal, just after the hour mark, really should have killed the game off. Marquis was again the man on target, when he was left unmarked in the area and nonchalantly glanced a header past Thomas from Sinclair’s left wing corner. As we entered the final ten minutes Barton made a double substitution sending on McCormick for Collins and Ryan Loft for Marquis. In the case of McCormick the substitution almost backfired as the midfielder, who has struggled to recapture his best form all season, was yellow carded for a foul at one end of the pitch a minute after going on. It got worse, as a couple of minutes later he gave away a penalty at the other end and was mightily relieved to see Belshaw dive low down to his right to keep out Corey O’Keefe’s spot kick. To add insult to injury he was then hooked by his manager after spending just nine minutes on the pitch. Forest Green Rovers: Thomas, Bernard (Cargill, 86), Godwin-Maliffe, Cooper, Robson, McGeouch (Bunker, 86), Peart-Harris (O’Brien, 86), Savage, O’Keefe, Garrick (McAllister, 62), Bakayoko (Omotoye, 46). Substitute: Doohan Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon, Bogarde (Connolly, 89), Ward, Sinclair, Collins (McCormick, 80) (Whelan, 89), Marquis (Loft, 80), Coburn (Evans, 63). Substitutes: Balcombe, Gibbons. ALSO Former Rovers player Ian Weston is Forest Green’s physio Yellow cards Lamare Bogarde, John Marquis, Luke McCoirmick Aaron Collins was skipper and then Antony Evans when he was substituted Five substitutes used Seven added minutes
The New Lawn is in a fairly rural setting!.
The FGR ticket office.
Scott Sinclair goes for goal.
Josh Coburn shields the ball from his marker.
It’s a goal! Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins watch as the ball enters the FGR net.
Wycombe Wanderers.
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 14th March 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 Wycombe Wanderers 2 Hanlan (17), Campbell (62) Referee: Rebecca Welch Attendance: 8,533 Looking for a first home win since New Year’s Day, manager Joe Barton was forced to make a late change to his starting XI as Luca Hoole reported in sick, which meant a start for James Connolly. Referee Rebecca Welch made a little bit of history as she became the first female referee to take charge of a Rovers first team game at the Mem. She was no stranger to the Gas, though, as she had previously been in charge of our game at Hartlepool back in September 2021. Since our defeat at Adams Park on Boxing Day, Wycombe had lost manager Gareth Ainsworth, who had moved on to take charge at QPR and also their star man that day Anis Mehmeti who has since moved to the dark side of Bristol! Rovers started the game as though they meant to finish things of quickly and fashioned three chances in the opening ten minutes. Scott Sinclair went close in the fourth minute but his shot was well blocked by former Rovers defender Joe Jacobson. Josh Coburn had a golden opportunity to give Barton’s side the lead with nine minutes on the clock, but when played in by Aaron Collins he saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Max Stryjek. Collins then fired a shot over the bar. Just when it seemed as though Rovers would make the breakthrough, the visitors took the lead. A slip by Lamare Bogarde, when in possession, let in Tjay de Barr and he played in another former Rovers player, Brandon Hanlan who fired past James Belshaw to put his side ahead. To be fair to Hanlan, his goal celebrations against his former club were a very low key affair. As Rovers attempted to get back in the game, Collins hit a shot that drifted just wide of the upright while another effort from Coburn was also wide of the mark. Barton made two half time substitutions, sending on Ryan Loft and Antony Evans in place of Connolly and Sinclair. Somewhat mysteriously, the introduction of the two substitutes saw Bogarde move to a more defensive role at right back and Evans take on a midfield role, though Sinclair’s departure meant a lack of width in the side. Belshaw saved well from Hanlan’s header soon after the restart, while Rovers went close to getting back on level terms when Loft headed wide and Coburn’s fired a fierce drive met the same fate. In spite of Rovers’ decent start to the second period, though, the second goal of the evening saw Wycombe double their lead. There were 62 minutes on the clock when a break down the right saw Chem Campbell head home from Jason McCarthy’s cross. There were few other goalscoring opportunities and Wycombe comfortably saw the game out to take all three points and new manager Matt Bloomfield celebrated with his players at the final whistle. For Rovers it was a continuation of a dismal home run that has seen them score once in their last five league games at the Memorial Stadium. After the match Barton dug out his skipper, Collins, blaming him for going missing during the game and saying he ducked out of a header for fear of a challenge coming in from behind. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Quansah, Connolly (Evans, 46), Gibson, Sinclair (Loft, 46), Bogarde, Ward, Gordon, Collins, Marquis, Coburn (Coburn, 82). Substitutes: Balcombe, McCormick Wycombe Wanderers: Stryech, McCarthy, Grimmer, Forino, Jacobson, Campbell, Scowen, Wing, Mcleary, De Barr (Willis, 59), Hanlan. Substitutes: Cartwright, Young, Wakely, Pattenden, Matshazi, Ward. ALSO Former Rovers players Joe Jacobson and Brandon Hanlan were in the Wycombe Wanderers side A yellow card was issued to Lamare Bogarde Aaron Collins was skipper Three substitutes used Only six substitutes named Referee Rebecca Welch was taking charge of a Rovers game for the second time, but it was her first at the Memorial Stadium Nine added minutes
The floodlights pierce the darkening sky.
The latest piece of artwork.
A determined Scott Sinclair on the ball.
Josh Coburn on the attack.
Jarell Quansah clears the ball up-field.
Portsmouth.
The Memorial Stadium Saturday 18th March 2023 Bristol Rovers 0 Portsmouth 2 Bishop (19, 69 (pen)) Referee: James Bell Attendance: 9,448 Aaron Collins didn’t retain the captaincy for the visit of Portsmouth and Lewis Gibson was handed the armband for the first time. In terms of changes to his starting XI Joe Barton brought in Luca Hoole and Antony Evans at the expense of James Connolly and Scott Sinclair. Rovers began the game on the front foot. Collins saw a shot blocked by Ryley Towler, while Gibson headed tamely towards goal from an Evans free kick when well placed. Former Rovers trainee goalkeeper Matt Macey saved from Collins and Jarell Quansah headed wide shortly afterwards. Moments later, the visitors were ahead in highly controversial circumstances. When Ryan Tunnicliffe picked out Colby Bishop on the right, almost everyone in the ground thought that the Portsmouth man was offside. Everyone, that is, apart from the assistant referee. As Rovers looked across the line for a flag that was never raised, Bishop ran on and shot across the face of goal. The ball hit the inside of the far post, rolled along the line and hit the near post before entering the net. Safe to say there were a great many complaints from Rovers players and staff and coaches Andy Mangan and Glenn Whelan were booked for their over zealous protests while later Barton revealed that he was booked in the tunnel at half time. Rovers found it difficult to get back into the game after that setback but fashioned a golden opportunity to equalise two minutes from the break when Lamare Bogarde and Collins combined to set up John Marquis. However, to the delight of the away fans behind the goal their former striker volleyed his effort high over the bar. It was the striker’s final touch of the game as neither he or Lewis Gordon came out for the second half, being replaced by Sinclair and Calum Macdonald respectively. Rovers began the second half well and Collins and Grant Ward might have scored on another day, though they were out of luck in this game. Portsmouth doubled their lead on 69 minutes, once again in controversial circumstances. Connor Ogilvie somehow managed to get round Hoole down the left and hit a low cross into the area. What should have been a routine save for James Belshaw saw the keeper spill the ball and as Bishop attempted to capitalise , he appeared to be fouled by Macdonald, though Barton felt the Portsmouth man had thrown himself to the ground. Bishop took the resulting spot kick and calmly sent Belshaw the wrong way from 12 yards. Sandwiched between two Macey saves, from Sinclair and Collins, Sam Finley volleyed a shot over the bar as Rovers attempted to pull a goal back. They then had to play out the six minutes of added time with ten men after Quansah was red carded for a tackle on Joe Morrell he need never have made. It appeared the on loan Liverpool player was frustrated by Morrell’s time wasting antics and went in on the former City player from behind. It looked a red card from the stand and, apparently, there was some ‘afters’ as well. Barton felt it was an offence that warranted a yellow card and not a red. I have to say I thought this was one decision the referee got right, and there weren’t many of them! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon (Macdonald 46), Ward (Loft, 73), Bogarde, Evans (Finley, 73), Collins, Marquis (Sinclair, 46), Coburn. Substitutes: Balcombe, Connolly, Whelan. Portsmouth: Macey, Rafferty, Raggett, Towler, Ogilvie, Thompson (Jacobs, 65), Morrell, Tunnicliffe, Lane (Robertson, 87), Bishop, Hackett-Fairchild (Dale, 59). Substitutes: Scarlett, Oluwayemi, Lowery, Bernard. ALSO Former Rovers youth goalkeeper, Matt Macey, was between the posts for Portsmouth Yellow cards were issued to Grant Ward, Calum Macdonald and Lewis Gibson A red card was issued to Jarell Quansah Four substitutes used Lewis Gibson was skipper then Sam Finley when he was sent on Eight added minutes
Rovers brought in a unicorn, on loan, ahead of the game!.
A spectacular diving header by Luca Hoole.
Grant Ward is faced by two Portsmouth defenders.
Scott Sinclair races clear of his markers…and Ryan Loft!
April.
Charlton Athletic.
The Memorial Stadium Friday 7th April 2023 Bristol Rovers 1 Marquis (pen, 71) Charlton Athletic 0 Referee: Simon Mather Attendance: 9,613 International call ups and Plymouth Argyle reaching the final of the Papa John’s Trophy meant that this was a first game in three weeks for Rovers as they went in search of their first home win since New Year’s Day. The only real surprise regarding the manager’s team selection was the fact that Aaron Collins began the game on the bench and so missed starting a league game for the first time this season. Goalkeeper Jed Ward was recalled from his loan spell at Hungerford and was named as a substitute as on loan shot stopper Ellery Balcombe had picked up an injury in training. Josh Coburn began the match as a lone striker, in front of what appeared, at the time, to be a midfield five though in reality there were three players in the middle of the park with Scott Sinclair and Antony Evans acting as wing backs. The result was a fairly sterile first half with little in the way of goalscoring opportunities for both sides. Miles Leaburn glanced a header over James Belshaw’s bar early on and that was about it from the away side, who seemed content to hold on to the point they arrived with. Rovers fared little better, though they did create a chance with a minute of the half remaining when Grant Ward teed up a shooting opportunity for Evans who saw his ferocious first time shot produce a superb save from Ashley Maynard-Brewer. Although they began the second half well, it wasn’t until the introduction of substitutes Collins and Ryan Loft, on the hour mark, that Rovers began to assume control of proceedings and they really stepped up a gear following the introduction of John Marquis six minutes later. The new sense of urgency about Rovers’ play saw them win a penalty when a clever flick from Lamare Bogarde over the head of Charlton skipper George Dobson saw the ball hit the defender’s arm, leaving referee Sam Barrott no option but to point to the spot. With regular penalty takers Sinclair and Evans having been substituted, I think most observers suspected that Collins would be given the chance to take the penalty to add to his already impressive goal tally. However, the experienced Marquis assumed responsibility and, having been on the pitch for a mere five minutes, duly sent Maynard-Brewer the wrong way with his spot kick to register his tenth Rovers goal of the season. It was the striker’s third goal against Charlton as he also scored the two that beat Charlton at The Valley earlier in the season and one suspects that, as a former Millwall player, those strikes have given him great satisfaction! As Rovers looked to increase their lead, Marquis saw another effort blocked by the Charlton defence. However, the visitors also went close when Belshaw made a comfortable save from Jack Payne and Ryan Inniss headed over when well placed. Loft headed over, from a Collins cross, at the other end but there was a huge scare for Rovers in stoppage time when Leaburn’s goalbound header from a cross by Inniss was cleared off the line by Lewis Gordon Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Gibson, Connolly, Gordon, Ward (G), Finley, Bogarde, Evans (Collins, 60), Sinclair (Loft, 60), Coburn (Marquis, 66). Substitutes: Ward (J), Anderson, McCormick, Gibbons. Charlton Athletic: Maynard-Brewer, Sessegnon (Kanu, 87), Inniss, Hector, Thomas, Morgan (Bonne, 77), Dobson, Fraser, Rak-Sakyi, Leaburn, Campbell (Payne, 77). Substitutes: Wollacott, Egbo, Henry, Mitchell. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Charlton Athletic side No yellow cards issued Sam Finley was skipper Three substitutes used For the first time this season Aaron Collins wasn’t in the starting lineup for a league match John Marquis scored his first Rovers penalty Three added minutes
The Mem awaits the fans!
Warm up underway.
John Marquis steps up to score from the spot.
Sam Finley closes in to challenge.
Close control from Josh Coburn.
Fleetwood.
Warming up at Highbury.
The away terrace awaits a Gas invasion
Lewis Gibson scores his first Gas goal.
He’s not in the photo, but Grant Ward’s effort is about to enter the net!
This time Grant Ward IS in the photo!
Derby County.
Memorial Stadium Saturday 15th April 2023 Bristol Rovers 1 Evans (pen, 99 + 5) Derby County 1 McGoldrick (4) Referee: Ollie Yates Attendance: 9,388 Joe Barton made two changes for this clash against a Derby side sitting just outside of a play off place on goal difference, starting with Scott Sinclair and Harry Anderson in place of John Marquis and Antony Evans. For the second game running Rovers faced a player named Rooney. At Fleetwood on Easter Monday it was Shaun, while on this occasion it was derby defender Jake. Rovers made a slow start and had barely touched the ball when their visitors took a fourth minute lead. When Tom Barkhuizen’s cross came in from the left it reached the unmarked David McGoldrick and he calmly picked his spot and slotted the ball into the net from ten yards. However, instead of attempting to build on that lead while they had Rovers on the ropes, Derby seemed content to sit back and invite Rovers to attack. Barton’s side, growing into the game by the minute, duly obliged and should have equalised in the 25th minute when Sinclair burst into the box and crossed to the back post, Harry Anderson contrived to hit the post with the goal at his mercy. A half time change saw Ryan Loft replace Anderson and Rovers began the half purposefully with Grant Ward and Sinclair sending efforts over the bar. Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, who had begun his timewasting tactics far too early, was booked shortly afterwards, the second of six yellow cards collected by the visitors during the afternoon. Ward curled another shot over the Derby crossbar, while Sinclair headed just over from a sublime Lewis Gordon cross before Loft also got in on the act of sending a shot over the bar. James Belshaw made an excellent save from substitute Harvey White but, by and large, it was one way traffic out on the pitch as the visitors packed their defence and left the dangerous McGoldrick up front on his own. The front man was a constant danger but lacked the support of his colleagues to cause any real damage and his side were made to pay for their negative tactics deep into stoppage time. Evans, on as a 71st minute substitute, appeared to be brought down by Derby substitute White as he burst into the area and referee Ollie Yates pointed to the penalty spot. Derby were adamant that it wasn’t a spot kick and goalkeeper Wildsmith did all he could to get the decision reversed. With Marquis, a late Rovers substitute, holding on to the ball, the keeper attempted to put him off, though the Rovers striker had the last laugh as he handed the ball to Evans as the keeper took his place in the centre of the goal. Evans, no doubt incensed by Wildsmith’s taunts, lashed the ball high into the roof of the net for a deserved equaliser, while Marquis grabbed the ball and simulated a dive whilst clutching on to it, thus mimicking the keeper’s timewasting tactics. Justice was done and Derby were left ruing their negative tactics against a side that simply wouldn’t give up. Why a side pushing for a play off place didn’t go all out for a win only they will know and it wouldn’t surprise me if they are visiting the Mem again next season! Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole, Connolly, Gibson, Gordon (Evans, 72), Finley (Coburn, 72), Bogarde, Ward (G), (McCormick, 84), Collins, Anderson (Loft, 46), Sinclair (Marquis, 84). Substitutes: Ward (J), Gibbons. Derby County: Wildsmith, Rooney (Davies, 74), Cashin, Roberts, Mendez-Laing (Dobbin, 67), Smith, Hourihane (Bird, 67), Knight, Barkhuizen (Forsyth, 60), McGoldrick, Collins (White, 67). Substitutes: Sibley, McGee. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Derby County side No yellow cards were issued Sam Finley was skipper then Lewis Gibson when he was substitute Five substitutes used Ten added minutes
Heading for the Fanzone.
Queues at the turnstiles.
Luca Hoole fends off this challenge.
Antony Evans scores a late equaliser from the spot.
Sheffield Wednesday.
The Memorial Stadium Tuesday 18th April 2023 Bristol Rovers 1 Collins (47) Sheffield Wednesday 2 Bannan (29), Famewo (41) Referee: Josh Smith Attendance: 9,003 Prior to kick off there was a minute’s applause in memory of former Wednesday player, and Rovers player and manager, Don Megson who passed away just a few weeks prior to the game. Three changes were made by manager Joe Barton; Jarell Quansah returned after a three match ban, while Ryan Loft and Josh Coburn were recalled to the starting XI. The players to make way for those three were Scott Sinclair, Sam Finley and Harry Anderson, all of whom were left on the bench. The manager also changed his formation, opting for a back three (or five if you prefer!). An early cross shot from Luca Hoole was safely gathered by goalkeeper Cameron Dawson, while Rovers’ custodian James Belshaw made a smart save from Dennis Adeniran. James Connolly almost gifted Wednesday an opener when his back pass was intercepted by Michael Smith, but thankfully the Wednesday player rolled a shot just wide of the upright. Ryan Loft volleyed a cross from Hoole straight at Dawson as Rovers probed for an opening. However, they conceded with 29 minutes on the clock when Quansah had his pocket picked by Wednesday skipper Barry Bannan who strode on before rifling a 30 yard angled drive past Belshaw. The lead was doubled four minutes before half time as a corner from the right caused all sorts of problems at the back for Rovers and, following a goalmouth scramble the loose ball fell to Akin Famewo who drilled the ball into the net from close range. In spite of the stat that said Rovers had enjoyed 67% first half possession, Barton’s side had failed to penetrate the Wednesday defence or trouble Dawson, while two poor errors had been punished by a very direct and physical Wednesday side. Barton made a triple substitution at the start of the second half, sending on Antony Evans, Finley and Sinclair in place of Connolly, Grant Ward and Loft and the switch was made to a back four. Within a minute of the restart, Rovers pulled a goal back as a long clearance from Belshaw found Collins out on the left and he rounded his marker and raced on before sliding the ball past Dawson. Ironical that all of the first half possession play had failed to yield a goal and a direct approach led to Collins halving the deficit with his 16th league goal of the season. The game continued to be played at a high tempo, with Rovers searching for an equaliser and Wednesday looking for a third goal. Coburn saw a shot deflected behind for a corner by Aden Flint, while at the other end Smith fired a shot over the bar. With nine minutes remaining John Marquis, on in place of Lewis Gordon, fired home after being played in by Finley. However the assistant referee deemed him to be offside, a decision that was criticised heavily by Barton in his post match press conference. The manager collected his side’s only yellow card of the evening for protesting too vigorously about a foul on Collins, who had the game’s final shot of the evening which brought a corner that was cleared as the final whistle was blown. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Quansah, Connolly (Evans, 46), Gibson, Hoole, Gordon (Marquis, 75), Ward (G) (Finley, 46), Bogarde (Anderson, 88), Collins, Coburn, Loft (Sinlair, 46). Substitutes: Ward (J), Gibbons. Sheffield Wednesday: Dawson, Palmer, Flint, Iorfa, Adeniran, Vaulks, Famewo (Bakinson, 51), Johnson, Bannan, Gregory (Paterson, 65), Smith. Substitutes: Stockdale, Brown, Dele-Bashiru, Shipston, Durrant. ALSO There were no former Rovers players in the Sheffield Wednesday side A yellow card was issued to manager Joe Barton Lewis Gibson was skipper then Sam Finley when he came on Five substitutes used Six added minutes
Customers needed!.
Not sure how they managed to get all of their players on the team bus!
Bit of a knees up by Aaron Collins.
Jarell Quansah on the ball.
Luca Hoole holds off a challenge from Barry Bannan.
Port Vale.
Vale Park Saturday 22nd April 2023 Port Vale 2 Harrison (22), Pett (29) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Sunny Gill Attendance: 7,669 Vale Park, scene of a remarkable 3-1 win last season as Rovers marched on towards promotion from the second tier promised much again this season as Vale who were also promoted, via the play offs, required three points to almost certainly guarantee the sides meeting again in League One next season. The hosts had dispensed with the services of former Rovers boss Darrell Clarke seven days earlier, but still boasted two former Gas men in their ranks, in the shape of Ellis Harrison and Matty Taylor. While Harrison started, Oxford loanee Taylor was on the bench. Rovers, meanwhile, recalled former Vale player James Gibbons to their starting XI along with goalkeeper Jed Ward and Sam Finley and Stuart Sinclair. The players to make way were Jarell Quansah, James Belshaw, Luca Hoole and Ryan Loft. Only Loft, missing through injury, didn’t make the bench. The home side made the early running and goalkeeper Ward was soon in the thick of the action, punching away a corner in the opening minutes and then saving a shot from Funso Ojo in the tenth minute, at the second attempt. With Vale dominating possession it came as little surprise when they opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Even less of a surprise was that it was Harrison who scored. The former Rovers striker was on hand to net with a spectacular overhead kick after a corner from the left was headed back across goal where he was able to notch his 11th goal of the season. To be fair to him, his celebrations were muted as he had scored in front of the fans who used to cheer him. Seven minutes later goalscorer Harrison turned provider when he laid the ball off to Tom Pett who had the simplest of tasks to fire the ball past Ward to double his side’s lead. Injury saw Harrison substituted before the half time whistle but had it not been for Ward Vale might well have added a third goal before the break. Thankfully, the keeper was alert when James Wilson fired in a shot and made a very good save. Antony Evans entered the fray as a 51st minute substitute for Grant Ward and his first touch was to take a free kick which sailed just wide of the upright. Manager Joe Barton then made a quadruple substitution just seven minutes later, sending on Quansah, Harry Anderson, Hoole and Marquis in place of James Connolly, Lewis Gordon, Gibbons and Sinclair. If the manager had hoped it would make a difference, he was proven wrong as Rovers continued to look lethargic while Vale looked to be playing within themselves. Aaron Donnelly saw his goalbound effort blocked by Finley, while Marquis headed over the bar from a corner shortly after arriving on the pitch and Aaron Collins fired a long range effort over the bar with 15 minutes to go. That, though, as they say was it. On the day Rovers were poor at the back, the midfield were unable to get in the game and therefore there was no service to Josh Coburn up front. After the promising performances of recent weeks, this was a hugely disappointing effort from Barton’s side Port Vale: Stone, Forrester, Smith, Donnelly, Worrall (Robinson, 53), Ojo, Pett (Plant, 84), Benning, Wilson (Butterworth, 46), Harrison (Proctor, 40), Massey (Conlon, 84). Substitutes: Taylor, Stevens. Bristol Rovers: Ward (J), Gibbons (Hoole, 58), Connolly (Quansah, 58), Gibson, Gordon (Anderson, 58), Bogarde, Finley, Ward (G) (Evans, 51), Sinclair (Marquis, 58), Collins, Coburn. Substitutes: Belshaw, McCormick. ALSO There were two former Rovers players in the Port Vale squad. Ellis Harrison played and scored, while Matty Taylor was an unused substitute Yellow cards were issued to Grant Ward and Sam Finley Finley was skipper Five substitutes used First Rovers appearance for goalkeeper Jed Ward since his debut at Blackpool on 9th May 2021 Ten added minutes
Inside Vale Park prior to kick off.
James Gibbons in action against his former club.
A bit of synchronised tackling from Lewis Gibson.
Jed Ward clears his lines.
Jed Ward being interviewed post match.
Plymouth Argyle.
Plymouth Argyle 2 Ennis (51), Gillesphey (57) Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Craig Hicks Attendance: 16,254 Manager Joe Barton made five changes for the visit to Home Park to take on league leaders Plymouth Argyle. James Belshaw returned in goal, while there were recalls for Jarell Quansah, John Marquis, Luca Hoole and Antony Evans while the players to make way were Jed Ward, James Connolly, James Gibbons, Sam Finley and Scott Sinclair. Aaron Collins, voted League One’s best player just two days earlier, was making his 100th appearance, in all competitions, for Rovers, and was surprisingly handed the captain’s armband after Barton said just a few weeks back he wouldn’t skipper the side again! A fast and furious start to the game saw Evans booked for chopping down the tricky Bali Mumba and shortly afterwards Callum Wright headed over from Macaulay Gillesphey’s free kick. Collins thought he might have won his side a penalty with 25 minutes on the clock but replays of the incident showed that referee Craig Hicks was right not to award a spot kick. Two minutes later, and with the game shaping up to be a fascinating contest another foul by Evans, this time on Danny Mayor, saw the returning midfielder collect a second yellow, and subsequent red, card. From the moment Evans left the pitch almost everyone in the ground realised it was game over for Barton’s side and the manager himself collected a yellow card on 34 minutes for protesting too much; about what, I have no idea! Mumba might have opened the scoring before the break, but he saw two efforts saved by the overworked James Belshaw while Argyle skipper Joe Edwards headed wide of the target when well placed and Wright was denied a goal by Quansah’s timely block two minutes before the break. Barton, who had sent on Finley just after the half hour mark, made another substitution at the start of the second half, taking off Collins and replacing him with Gibbons. It wouldn’t have mattered what he had done, as the Green Army sensed blood and their heroes out on the pitch took the game by the scruff of the neck and made the breakthrough they craved on 51 minutes when Rovers gave Niall Ennis too much time when the ball was delivered in from the right by James Wilson and he punished them with a finely executed overhead kick that beat Belshaw’s despairing dive before nestling in the back of the net. Gibbons almost conjured up an unexpected equaliser three minutes later, but when played in by Finley he dragged a ferocious shot wide of the upright. Rovers were soon under pressure again, though, as Belshaw touched a shot from Wright over the bar and then saved from Joe Edwards before poor marking again cost Rovers dearly. There were 57 minutes on the clock when Gillesphey met Butcher’s corner from the right and rose unchallenged to direct his header past Belshaw to make it 2-0. Belshaw rescued Rovers again just after the hour mark when he touched away a shot from Edwards and although substitute Ryan Loft managed Rovers’ first shot on target in time added on, Rovers ended the night well beaten by a very good Plymouth side who need just two more points to confirm their promotion to the Championship. Plymouth Argyle: Burton, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey, Edwards, Butcher (Houghton, 71), Randell, Mumba (Cosgrove, 85), Wright (Matete, 71), Ennis (Hardie, 62), Mayor (Azaz, 46). Substitutes: Parkes, Lonwijk. Bristol Rovers: Belshaw, Hoole (Connolly, 60), Quansah, Gibson (Loft, 60), Gordon, Ward (G), Evans, Bogarde, Marquis (Anderson, 74), Collins (Gibbons, 46), Coburn (Finley, 33). Substitutes: Ward (J), Sinclair. ALSO Former Rovers player Mark Hughes, a member of the Plymouth Argyle management team, saw his current club take on his former club for the fourth time this season Yellow cards were issued to Antony Evans (2), Ryan Loft and manager Joe Barton A red card was issued to Antony Evans Five substitutes used Eight added minutes
He probably said ‘I’ll meet you by the statue!
Waiting for the Green Army.
It was along, lonely, walk back to the dressing room for Antony Evans.
Lewis Gordon shields the ball.
Sam Finley closes in.
Peterborough United.
Weston Homes Stadium Saturday 29th April 2023 Peterborough United 0 Bristol Rovers 0 Referee: Darren Drysdale Attendance: 9,494 Manager Joe Barton sprung a surprise with his team selection for this game against play off chasing Peterborough United, in that he selected Ellery Balcombe in goal for his first start since 18th February. Three other changes saw James Gibbons, Sam Finley and Ryan Loft in the starting XI so the four to miss out were the suspended Antony Evans, John Marquis, James Belshaw and Luca Hoole. Peterborough included former Rovers players Ollie Norburn and Jonson Clark-Harris in their starting lineup but they didn’t start the match looking like a team seeking all three points. Patiently playing along their back line, they waited for the opportunity to lift a long ball over the top of the Rovers defence or switch play from one side of the pitch to the other with a crossfield diagonal ball. For the first ten minutes it seemed to work and they had Barton’s side on the back foot. Gradually, though, Rovers established a foothold in the game and might well have gone ahead with their first meaningful attack after 26 minutes. Lamare Bogarde found Josh Coburn in space, but with Aaron Collins screaming for the ball the on loan striker ignored him and opted to shoot. His effort was well wide of the upright and, quite rightly, his strike partner was not amused! Not surprisingly it was Clarke-Harris, well marshalled by Rovers defenders throughout the afternoon, who went closest for the home side. He flashed one shot wide of the upright and forced Balcombe into a fine save from his left foot shot six minutes before the break. Rovers looked more determined at the start of the second half and one promising move came to an end after Loft was rugby tackled by Dan Butler. As play carried on down the right flank, the two players carried on their own private wrestling match which was eventually spotted by referee Darren Drysdale. Common sense prevailed and both players were booked and Rovers continued to thwart the home side who in spite of enjoying a great deal of possession, were unable to do very little with it. Clarke-Harris went for the spectacular, with an overhead kick that cleared the crossbar, and he also glanced a header wide of the upright. Colins went close to opening the scoring for Rovers, though, when he lashed a ferocious shot goalwards which keeper Will Norris beat away as far as Sinclair. However the substitute’s subsequent effort was blocked thanks to some desperate defending and the chance was gone. Marquis saw a header well saved and Finley might have done better with a wayward shot that was well wide of the target while at the other end another Clarke-Harris header drifted wide of the upright Rovers back line were solid throughout and helped Balcombe keep a clean sheet. Gibson and Quansah proved to be a formidable pairing at the heart of the defence, while Gibbons and Lewis Gordon also put in solid, if unspectacular, performances. While the Peterborough players undertook went off on a lap of the pitch to show their appreciation for the support they have received this season, they would have been well aware that this was an opportunity lost to gatecrash the play off places. Peterborough United: Norris, Knight (Jones, 78), Kent, Edwards, Ward, Norburn (Kyprianou, 58), Taylor, Ogbeta (Butler, 20), Poku, Mason-Clark, Clarke-Harris. Substitutes: Burrows, Thompson, Blackmore, Tshimanga. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon, Bogarde (Sinclair, 71), Finley, Ward, Collins (Anderson, 89), Loft (Marquis, 71), Coburn. Substitutes: Belshaw, Connolly, Hoole, Macdonald. ALSO Former Rovers players Jonson Clarke-Harris and Ollie Norburn were in the Peterborough United side Yellow cards were issued to Ellery Balcombe, James Gibbons, Lamare Bogarde, Sam Finley and Ryan Loft Sam Finley was skipper Three substitutes used Eight added minutes
All is peaceful prior to kick off!
Lamar Bograde is challenged by former Rovers midfielder Ollie Norburn.
Another former Rovers player, Jonson Clarke-Harris, gets in a header.
Ryan Loft and Dan Butler were booked after their impromptu wrestling match!.
The Gaffer at his post match press conference.
May.
Shrewsbury Town.
Montgomery Waters Meadow Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Shrewsbury Town 2 Leahy (3), Street (53) Bristol Rovers 1 Coburn (70) Referee: Lee Swabey Attendance: 5,949 The penultimate game of the season, against Shrewsbury Town, saw Joe Barton make just the one change to his starting XI and he chose to leave out striker Aaron Collins in favour of John Marquis;. It was only the second time that Collins had been left out of the starting lineup for a league match this season. In the opposition camp, former Rovers skipper Luke Leahy was wearing the Shrewsbury armband. It was his 100th game for the side managed by Steve Cotterill and the top scorer was quickly into his stride, adding goal number 12 just three minutes into the game. When Elliott Bennett (brother of former Rovers player Kyle) swung a corner to the back post Leahy rose unmarked to power a header past Ellery Balcombe. Grant Ward was unlucky not to equalise when he unleashed a powerful shot that was well blocked by Tom Flanagan and as Rovers gradually played themselves into the game they thought they had won a 25th minute penalty when Josh Coburn was pushed to the floor by Chey Dunkley. Although the striker fell in the area, referee Lee Swabey deemed the foul had taken place just outside, so it was a free kick not a spot kick. Sam Finley, yet to score this season, stepped up and fired a fierce effort into the Shrewsbury wall. Two minutes before the break Ward again let fly, this time with a powerful volley, that was well blocked by Tom Flanagan. Eight minutes into the second half the home side scored again after Robert Street outpaced Jarell Quansah down the right and hit a shot across Balcombe which nestled in the bottom corner of the net. The on loan Crystal Palace player had attended his grandmother’s funeral that morning and driven to the game from London straight afterwards. He and another Palace loanee at the Montgomery Waters Meadow, Killian Phillips, were being monitored by Palace Ambassador Mark Bright, who was sat in front of the media representatives. Five minutes after the second goal, Barton decided he’d had enough and made a quintuple substitution – that’s five all in one go in case you’re wondering! I believe that’s the first time a Rovers manager has done that. The game immediately changed and Rovers dominated proceedings and took the game to the home side at every opportunity. Coburn scored his first goal since 7th January when he was on hand to head home from a yard out after substitute Scott Sinclair’s cross dropped to him via the crossbar. The striker was then denied by goalkeeper Marko Marosi after being played in by another substitute, Collins, while Luca Hoole, also one of the quintet of replacements, really should have scored six minutes from time but he managed to head Lewis Gibson’s cross over the bar from six yards out. Marosi had the final say, with an outstanding save from an equally outstanding shot from Ward who, on the night, was probably Rovers’ best player. Shrewsbury Town: Marosi. Flanagan, Dunkley, Moore, Bennett, Winchester, Leahy, Shipley, Street (Pyke, 77), Phillips, Bowman. Substitutes: Burgoyne, Bloxham, Craig, Barlow. Bristol Rovers: Balcombe, Gibbons (Hoole, 58), Quansah, Gibson, Gordon (Macdonald, 58), Ward (G), Finley, Bogarde (Sinclair, 58), Marquis (Evans, 58), Coburn, Loft (Collins, 58). Substitutes: Ward (J), Connolly. ALSO Former Rovers player Luke Leahy was in the Shrewsbury Town side Yellow cards were issued to Luca Hoole and Aaron Collins Sam Finley was skipper Five substitutes used – all introduced at the same time. The first occasion that Rovers have made a quintuple substitution Ten added minutes
Supporters and players awaited!
Josh Coburn was on target for Rovers.
Grant Ward takes on three Shrewsbury players.
Bolton Wanderers.
The Memorial Stadium Sunday 7th May 2023 Bristol Rovers 2 Hoole (28), Marquis (85) Bolton Wanderers 3 Shoretire (25), N’Lundulu (70), Morley (77) Referee: Will Finnie Attendance: 10,085 Manager Joe Barton made five changes to his starting lineup, recalling James Belshaw, Luca Hoole, Antony Evans, Aaron Collins and Scott Sinclair in place of Ellery Balcombe, James Gibbons, Lamare Bogarde, John Marquis and Ryan Loft. Gibbons and Loft were injured but the other three sat on the bench. Leading the Bolton attack was former Rovers loanee Victor Adeboyejo who was appearing against his former club for the second time this season, having been in the Burton Albion side comprehensively beaten by Rovers last August. A crowd of over 10,000 included 1,269 Bolton fans who, with their side guaranteed a play off place, were hoping this might be their last League One fixture ahead of a possible promotion to the Championship. Although they had made eight changes to their starting XI Bolton looked the more assured of the two sides and it came as little surprise when they took a 25th minute lead. Even less of a surprise was that it came from a set piece. Aaron Morley’s corner from the right was flicked on by Gethin Jones and his effort looked to be going in before Shola Shoretire popped up with the final touch to give his side the lead. The goal woke Rovers from their slumbers and three minutes later they were back on level terms when Sam Finley received the ball from a short free kick and played the ball over the top. Goalkeeper Joel Dixon was nowhere to be seen as the ball hit the post and Luca Hoole was on hand to head in the rebound from close range. The lively Adeboyejo then set up a chance for Shoretire which was blocked by a superb Evans intervention and the striker then clipped the post after outpacing the Rovers defence. The last chance of the half, though, fell to Rovers. Sinclair picked out Josh Coburn with a cross from the right but the on loan striker headed against the bar while Grant Ward saw his effort from the rebound saved by Dixon. Coburn didn’t reappear for the second half, having been concussed when he ran into the upright after his headed effort and Marquis took his place. Rovers were in the ascendancy in the early stages of the second half. In between two efforts from Evans, one drifting wide of the target and the other deflected behind, Collins fired a shot over the bar. Another effort, from Ward, also flew over and then Bolton struck again through substitute Dan N’Lundulu. Picking up on a poor clearance, he hit a 20 yard shot beyond Belshaw and into the corner of the net to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. Morley scored a third with a delightful curling shot seven minutes later. Barton made four substitutions in the 81st minute, one of which saw the introduction of Glenn Whelan, making him the oldest ever player to appear for the club. Marquis reduced the arrears with a close range effort following Callum Macdonald’s cross from the left before Barton made his seventh substitution of the afternoon with seconds to go, bringing the curtain down on Whelan’s illustrious career. His replacement, McCormick, was on the pitch for less than a minute, but the big question was how did Rovers get away with making seven substitutions? Bristol Rovers: Belshaw (Balcombe, 81), Hoole, Quansah (Connolly, 81), Gibson, Gordon (Macdonald, 81), Finley (Whelan, 78) (McCormick (90 + 5), Ward, Evans (Bogarde, 81), Sinclair, Collins, Coburn (Marquis, 46). Bolton Wanderers: Dixon, Toal, Santos (Williams (MJ), 46), Johnston, Jones (Williams (R), 28), Sheehan (Lee, 61), Thomason, John, Morley, Adeboyejo (Jerome, 61), Shoretire (N’Lundulu, 61). Substitutes: Charles, Kachunga. ALSO Former Rovers player Victor Adeboyejo was in the Bolton Wanderers side. It was the second time he had faced his former club this season, having been in the Burton Albion side comprehensively beaten by Rovers in August Bolton’s Dan N’Lundulu, on loan from Southampton, was making his third appearance against Rovers this season. His previous two appearances were for Cheltenham Town A yellow card was issued to James Connolly Sam Finley was skipper while Glenn Whelan took the armband when he was substituted Seven substitutes used – the first time Rovers have used that many in a league match Seven added minutes
One last look at the tents!
Top scorer and Player of the Year Aaron Collins in action against Bolton.
Luca Hoole celebrates his goal.
Scott Sinclairgets ahead of his marker.
Hopefully these reports will remind you of events that took place during matches in 2022/23. All mistakes are, I’m afraid, mine – if you think there are any errors please let me know and I will make the necessary changes/amends. One stat that stood out for me is that there were 441 additional minutes played by Rovers across the 55 games played – the equivalent of almost five additional games. Here’s to 2023/24! Keith Brookma.