Bristol Rovers' ability to produce late drama is a huge reason why they have battled their way into the League Two play-off conversation, and it came in handy as they mustered a late leveller against Sutton United on Saturday.
The Gas were frustrated by a stubborn defence, the woodwork and tricky conditions at Gander Green Lane, but Antony Evans' 85th-minute penalty preserves the momentum that Joey Barton and his players have ridden to within striking distance of the top seven.
A point does little to advance Rovers' push for the top seven, but the character and spirit shown does. Desire and commitment have never been lacking all season, but it has not always been me with matching performance levels.
In Barton's own words, he is scoring Rovers performances at three or four out of 10 of late, and if they can marry more fluidity with their ever-present grittiness, anything is possible in the remainder of the season.
For now, though, Barton will be content. His team is battling hard, unbeaten in six and still in the fight, even if they are making a habit of leaving it late.
Another late show
When it came to rebuilding after the woes of last season, Joey Barton had a huge to-do list.
Near the top of those priorities was raising the levels of fitness.
Rovers did not win a single point with a goal scored in the final 15 minutes of games in 2020/21, with inferior fitness – coupled with inferior quality – a natural conclusion to draw from the acute struggles late in matches.
A change of the strength and conditioning regime in the summer is certainly reaping rewards, playing its part in making the Gas the masters of late drama in League Two.
Hartlepool and Walsall were seen off with goals after the 85th minute in January and Evans’ nerveless penalty continued the run of winning points in the final moments.
Not only does it speak to Rovers’ staying power, but also their character and belief, which has only been enhanced by a six-game unbeaten run in League Two.
Those are hallmarks of a good team and the seven points earned late on in the past four weeks could be the difference when the tallies are counted in May.
Indeed, it felt like one of the afternoons where seasons are made. A tricky pitch, gusty conditions and a game opponent made for a tough afternoon, but the Gas hung in there to remain undefeated in the league in 2022.
Two Andersons and an Anderton
With two Andersons – Elliot and Harry – and Anderton – Nick – in the squad, no doubt some confusion will occur in the coming months, but all three are worthy of a mention for their contributions at Gander Green Lane.
Anderton was the only one to be named in ten starting XI, and he delivered a commendable performance in securing Rovers’ left flanks.
But it was the Andersons who were more eye-catching.
Elliot, fresh off two training sessions with the Gas after a deadline day loan move from Newcastle United, was introduced for his debut early in the second half, and the young Geordie altered the flow of the game.
He showed an ability to carry the ball forward from midfield and he made one menacing burst in behind the Sutton defence that almost led to a big chance for Aaron Collins, justifying the big billing given to the Magpies prospect by Barton before and after the game.
One standout comment made by the manager in South London was that Anderson’s arrival has put several players in the squad “on notice”.
The 19-year-old has rocked up at Rovers and made a big impression, and a place in the starting XI could soon be his.
Harry, meanwhile, continued his run of games starting on the bench, but that has not dented his enthusiasm to affect the game when a chance comes his way.
He had just eight minutes to influence proceedings and just like Harvey Saunders did against Walsall a week previously, the former Lincoln City man maximised a moment of miscommunication between the goalkeeper and his defence to steal in and deliver a match-changing moment.
It was trademark Anderson, who has never shied away from putting in a gut-busting run for the cause, and he is evidence of the strength in depth Rovers possess and the power of their bench.
Rovers forced to find a different way
For all the creative quality in Rovers’ squad, fluid play through the thirds has been limited.
Perhaps that is because League Two’s physical rigours and some of the playing surfaces do not allow for it, but the Gas have had to start a lot of their attacks by defending from the front.
Pressing defenders and stealing possession has given so many attacking platforms to the Gas of late, with Luke Thomas, in particular, showing his ability to nick the ball and getting Rovers on the front foot.
But at Sutton, Rovers were forced to find a different way.
Sutton’s game plan was direct and effective. The defenders seldom took a touch of the ball. Instead, they looked to turn Rovers’ backline with long balls repeatedly.
It gave Rovers a wholly different tactical challenge to their recent games against Walsall, Swindon and Hartlepool, all of whom –to varying degrees – looked to play more on the deck than third-placed Sutton.
The defensive challenges caused by Sutton’s methods are obvious, with Connor Taylor and James Connolly coming through an exhausting afternoon.
But the hosts also took away one of Rovers’ strengths in the process, and in the circumstances, a point that extends their unbeaten run feels like a satisfying outcome.
Jaakkola’s big contribution
Coming back from six months out injured is challenging for any player, let alone for a goalkeeper facing a physical and direct side using the blustery conditions to great effect.
However, Jaakkola will need no telling that he made a poor judgement leaving his line trying to claim Rob Milsom‘s hanging free-kick, leaving Bennett with an empty goal to open the scoring.
But Barton has often referenced the importance of the squad game and all members being ready to contribute. In James Belshaw’s injury-enforced absence, Jaakkola duly stepped up late on.
The big Finn was barely tested in the second half until the closing moments when he stuck out a palm and got down his right to deny Donovan Wilson what appeared a certain stoppage-time winner from the view from the press box.
Jaakkola followed it up with an important reaction save seconds later to atone for his earlier mistake and give a reminder of the class that has made him a Finland international.
The 34-year-old has endured so much injury frustration in the past two seasons, but he could be an important contributor for the Gas in what is sure to be a demanding run-in.
Momentum sustained
A defeat would not have been fatal for Rovers’ hopes of making the top seven with many games still to play, but it would have been a blow to the momentum they have gained in recent weeks.
Rovers are in a position where they can ill afford to give up points, particularly to a rival for the top seven, but Saturday’s draw only enhances their belief they can get by when they are not at their best.
Digging in to add a point to the table in tough conditions keeps the wind in the sails as the Gas travel to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday, where victory is the only target.
There, Rovers will play one of their games in hand as they vie to claw closer to the play-off berths, and that task is made plenty easier if the Gas can continue to ride their wave of momentum.
SIGN UP: For our newsletter to receive more exclusive Bristol Rovers content
