The trust placed in Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers by Gasheads was vindicated on Tuesday. Rovers showed once again they have the stomach got the fight as the pressure intensifies in the battle for promotion.
Their 2-1 win at Crawley Town on Tuesday was the ideal tonic after being defeated at Newport County at the weekend, with the three points taking the Gas as close to the top seven as they have been all season.
Fine goals from Harry Anderson and Aaron Collins, backed up by dogged defending and brilliant goalkeeping from James Belshaw, led Rovers to a vital victory that leaves them well placed to strike on their promotion rivals with two home games up next on the slate.
With just two points separating them from the play-off places and three points the gap to the top three, Rovers mustered a brilliant response that enhanced their credentials as promotion contenders.
Job done
With 12 games to play before kick-off on Tuesday, it would have been too extreme to label this game a must-win. But it was pretty close to that. Back-to-back defeats would have caused much of the momentum gained over the past two months to be lost.
With the pressure on, Rovers got the job done. The toll that six weeks of the Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday rhythm is clear to see, but the Gas dug deep and turned in a fine away performance in Sussex.
Harry Anderson’s opening goal shortly before half time put Rovers in the driving seat and a fine finish from the ever-improving Collins gave much-needed breathing room against a game Crawley side who pushed the Gas right to the end.
Jake Hessenthaler quickly pulled one back, setting up a dramatic conclusion. Under intense pressure in the final 20 minutes, Rovers’ defence bent but did not break, with all 11 players doing their bit to secure the three points. No doubt earlier in the season they would have caved in, but they are a completely different entity now.
Their incredible form since the turn of the year has caused Gasheads to trust in this team, and that belief was vindicated by a battling victory when the stakes were high.
The race for promotion is sure to have many twists and turns yet, but the Gas once again proved they have the stomach for the fight.
Anderson’s rewards
Barton labelled Harry Anderson his very own James Milner after the victory, such is the 25-year-old’s unselfish nature. The former Lincoln City star has become the manager’s utility man, never grumbling when tasked with doing a shift out of position.
But Tuesday was one of few times he he has been deployed in his preferred position on the right wing, and he rewarded Barton with a crucial goal and a fine performance. Rovers needed individuals to stand up and deliver after a defeat on Saturday when too many were not on their game, and Anderson came up big for the Gas at Broadfield Stadium.
Never one for giving up on a lost cause, his opening goal showcased his smarts, collecting Antony Evans’ through ball that appeared to be intended for the offside Collins. The striker let it go and Anderson caught the defence napping before taking the chance ruthlessly, sliding the ball between the onrushing Glenn Morris’ legs.
The goal was perhaps not how Rovers had drawn it up, but in big moments big players make the difference and Anderson - who has five league goals for the season – has certainly earned that status.
Barton’s game management
Sam Finley was not pleased about being withdrawn in the closing stages, but with the likes of Glenn Whelan to call on, Barton made a good call.
Finley is just one yellow card away from a two-match ban until the amnesty arrives after the 37th league game.
With cynical fouls sure to be required as Crawley searched for an equaliser, Barton made a wise call in taking Finley off and bringing on an equally savvy player in Whelan to see Rovers through the closing stages while ensuring Finley is available for the important games ahead.
The 29-year-old has to avoid a booking for a couple more games to ensure he does not miss any part of the run-in, but he has handled himself expertly in recent games to ensure he has not been carded.
Rovers have plenty of options in midfield but few are as dynamic as Finley and it will be a significant boost if he can avoid a suspension.
Rovers give themselves a huge chance
Saturday’s defeat hurt, but it was never a critical blow to Rovers’ promotion chances provided they responded accordingly.
By delivering a performance that had a bit of everything – patches of scintillating football, two clinical finishes, determined defending and inspired goalkeeping – the Gas returned home with three points that took them as close to the play-offs as they have been this season.
And they have a huge opportunity awaiting them in the coming days. Harrogate Town and Colchester United visit the Mem on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, with Rovers sure to start both games as favourites.
Neither side will be easy work for the Gas. Harrogate have made the leap from National League to the EFL impressively over the past two years, while Colchester’s place in League Two is on the line and they will have no shortage of motivation.
But if the Gas make it three wins in succession, there is every chance a top-seven berth will be in their possession. The opportunity is there; can Rovers take it?
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